Welcome to the Safety Consultant Show! In this episode, Sheldon Primus is joined by Alan Gervais, Director of Safety and Compliance and author of The Practical Guide to Managing OSHA Inspections. If you have ever felt the anxiety of an impending audit or struggled to navigate the complexities of Process Safety Management, this conversation is for you.

Alan shares his incredible journey from a maintenance worker to a safety leader, including a harrowing story of an arc flash incident that led to his very first OSHA inspection. You will learn why he decided to compile ten years of notes into a comprehensive guide designed to help employers and safety professionals take control of the inspection process.

We dive deep into the nuances of CalOSHA, the importance of professional conduct during informal conferences, and practical strategies for negotiating fine reductions. Alan also shares how he uses modern tools like AI to game plan safety strategies while maintaining the critical human element of decision-making. Whether you are a seasoned consultant or a new manager, these insights will help you protect your workers and your organization more effectively.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to the Safety Consultant Show
2:15 Alan Gervais's Journey into Safety
5:30 Understanding Process Safety Management and PSM
8:45 The 2017 Arc Flash Incident and First Inspection
13:10 Navigating Frequent OSHA Inspections in California
16:45 Writing the Practical Guide to Managing OSHA Inspections
20:20 Shifting from Survival to Active Management
23:50 Tips for Professional Informal Conferences
27:15 Strategies for Fine Reduction and Negotiation
32:00 The Role of AI in Safety Compliance and Research
38:30 Case Study: Using AI for Informal Conference Preparation
42:15 Where to Find the Book and Connect with Alan
44:00 Final Thoughts and Safety FM Outro

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell for more safety business brilliance. You can find Alan’s book on Amazon and connect with him on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

Alan Gervais | Author & Safety Professional

Alan Gervais is the Director of Safety & Compliance and author of The Practical Guide to Managing OSHA Inspections. His career spans more than 20 years, beginning with hands-on work in construction before transitioning into industrial refrigeration, maintenance, operations, and workplace safety.

His path into safety wasn't something he originally planned. It was shaped by experience, unexpected opportunities, and mentors who generously shared their knowledge.

Holding multiple certifications including COSS and CSHO, Alan is passionate about helping others become more confident and prepared by sharing lessons learned through real-world experience.

He continues to embrace a philosophy passed down by his mentors: Keep Paying It Forward.

#OSHA #SafetyConsultant #WorkplaceSafety #SafetyManagement #PSM

Alan's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Managing-OSHA-Inspections/dp/B0HL9L426W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HK6GQBVFAYVZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8Mcf6wB2Xb89s2rsUcBZghzRsijBkfll-smAbIzrdQcz854TkOmjRE8gQayYfz4g95xxE38rJ7QZw1JIWrG6mKUwL7z_Zg-lr8bRi0rXDMM.Wmvnj33h39O7f5nk-XuLVaDErLoPxJ14HJvaLxRX590&dib_tag=se&keywords=alan+gervais&qid=1791638232&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C143&sr=1-1

Are you ready to bridge the gap between traditional safety compliance and the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence? In this episode, Sheldon Primus sits down with Hillary Waterhouse to explore how AI is reshaping the landscape for safety consultants and industrial hygienists. From OSHA litigation support to the latest trends in EHS technology, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for safety professionals.

We begin by diving into Hillary's extensive background as a former OSHA compliance officer in New York and Georgia, offering a rare look at how to navigate informal conferences and agency interactions. The heart of the discussion focuses on a recent industry survey regarding AI adoption in the workplace. You will learn which tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot are leading the pack and how they can be used to manage heavy administrative workloads without sacrificing technical accuracy.

Hillary and Sheldon also tackle the critical topic of AI ethics and the human in the loop philosophy. They discuss why AI should be treated as a highly capable intern rather than a final decision-maker, especially when dealing with high-hazard scenarios like process safety management. Whether you are curious about the future of technical writing or looking for ways to get back into the field by automating paperwork, this episode provides the roadmap you need to elevate your safety game.

Chapters
0:00 Intro and Welcome to the Safety Consultant Show
3:15 Introducing Hillary Waterhouse and Her Background
7:40 Working with OSHA in New York and Georgia
11:50 Strategies for OSHA Informal Conferences
16:15 The Direction of the Agency and New Programs
21:30 VPP SHARP and the Safety Champion Initiative
26:45 Mental Health and Psychosocial Hazards in Construction
31:20 The Genesis of the EHS AI Questionnaire
36:10 Analyzing Survey Demographics and Industry Use
40:45 Comparing ChatGPT Gemini and Copilot for EHS
45:30 Testing AI Confidence and Avoiding Hallucinations
50:15 AI as a Team Member vs Decision Maker
55:40 Effective Prompting for Industrial Hygienists
1:00:20 Technical Writing and AI Ethics Codes
1:05:10 Organizational Governance and AI Audits
1:09:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Safety Events
1:12:18 Closing Remarks

If you enjoyed this deep dive into the future of safety consulting, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell. Visit our website for more resources on building your safety business and staying ahead of the curve!

#safetyconsultant #oshacompliance #industrialhygiene #aiinsafety #ehsmanagement

My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/

Are you ready to revolutionize your safety consulting business with the power of artificial intelligence? In this episode, Sheldon Primus breaks down how AI is transforming the EHS field and why you need to treat it as a high level mentee rather than a replacement for your expertise. Learn how to stay ahead of the curve by integrating these cutting edge tools into your daily workflow while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Sheldon explores the practical side of AI for Environmental Health and Safety professionals. He discusses the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability when using generative models. You will discover how to use AI for copywriting safety messages, creating sample programs, and even conducting deep dives into incident investigations. The episode also highlights advanced techniques like using AI to compare your current safety manuals against the latest OSHA regulations to ensure total compliance.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a fresh face in the industry, this guide will help you navigate the future of safety technology. Sheldon also shares details about his upcoming AI for EHS workshop and how you can use tools like Gemini to streamline your business operations.

Chapters
0:00 Welcome to the Safety Consultant Show
2:15 Upcoming Guest and AI Workshop Details
5:45 Recap of AI for EHS Basics
8:30 Ethics Fairness and Accountability in AI
12:00 How to Join the Safety Consultant Community
15:15 Managing Your Time with AI as a Team Member
18:30 Using the SMART Acronym for Better AI Prompts
21:45 Hazard Recognition and Incident Investigation
24:30 Building a Profitable Consulting Business
27:15 Advanced AI for Policies and Regulations
31:00 OSHA Audits and Image Recognition Tools
34:15 Final Resources and Event Links
36:44 Outro and Closing Remarks

Don't forget to subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Join our Facebook group or connect with Sheldon on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and grow your safety career.

#SafetyConsultant #AIinEHS #OSHACompliance #SafetyManagement #WorkplaceSafety

My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/

Are you ready to level up your safety career by embracing the power of artificial intelligence? In this episode, Sheldon Primus breaks down how safety professionals can use AI as a high-powered team member rather than a replacement. Learn how to integrate tools like Gemini and ChatGPT into your daily workflow to save time and improve compliance.

Coming to you from Cow Hollow Park in Oregon, Sheldon discusses the practical applications of AI for both independent consultants and in-house safety managers. The core message is clear: you are the decision-maker, and the AI is your assistant. You will learn the importance of being an expert editor to catch hallucinations and ensure your safety programs meet high standards.

The episode covers specific ways to use AI, including crafting marketing copy for safety initiatives, building SMART incentive programs, and updating written compliance documents. Sheldon also walks through how to find reliable benchmarks on OSHA.gov to train your AI agents, ensuring the output is accurate and professional. Whether you are building a Hazard Communication curriculum or designing a PowerPoint presentation, this guide helps you navigate the new digital landscape of EHS.

Chapters
0:00 Welcome to Cow Hollow Park
3:15 AI for EHS professionals event
6:45 AI agents and the decision maker role
10:20 Using AI for marketing and incentives
14:00 Benchmarking and avoiding hallucinations
18:10 Updating written safety programs
22:45 Hazard Communication and training curriculum
26:30 PowerPoint slides and presentation tools
29:15 Final wrap up and event reminders

If you want to dive deeper into these tools, scan the code mentioned in the video or visit the website to join the upcoming workshop on November 17th. Use the discount codes mentioned to secure your spot and start consulting like a boss. Don't forget to subscribe for more safety insights and updates on future episodes.

#SafetyConsulting #AIforEHS #WorkplaceSafety #SheldonPrimus #SafetyManagement

AI for EHS professionals Event: http:/safetyconsultant.ai/

Are you a safety professional feeling limited by local resources and looking to expand your reach? Discover how to take your safety consulting business global and leverage the latest technology to save lives and streamline your workflow.

In this episode of the Safety Consultant Show, host Sheldon Primus sits down with Shabin Abraham, the creator of the QHSE Directory. Shabin shares his professional journey from India to the Middle East, covering industries from manufacturing to offshore oil and gas. He explains why he felt the need to create a centralized global ecosystem where safety professionals can find products, apps, and consulting services regardless of their geographic location.

You will learn about the transformative power of AI in the safety industry, including how to use technology for gap analysis against OSHA standards. The conversation also highlights the importance of peer-reviewed data and resources like the OHS Book of Knowledge. Whether you are an independent freelancer or a global solutions provider, this episode offers practical advice on raising your profile and connecting with a worldwide community of safety experts.

Chapters

0:00 Intro and Welcome to the Safety Consultant Show
2:20 Introducing Shabin Abraham and the QHSME Directory
5:10 Career Journey Across Global Industries
8:30 Why a Global Safety Ecosystem is Essential
12:00 Using AI for Gap Analysis and OSHA Compliance
15:45 The Importance of Peer-Reviewed Safety Resources
19:15 Live Walkthrough of the QHSE Directory
23:30 How to List Your Business and Books Globally
27:00 Adopting Technology to Save Lives at Work
30:44 Conclusion and Final Disclaimer

Ready to scale your safety consulting practice and gain more freedom? Visit sheldon.coach to take your consultant readiness audit and start your journey toward building a profitable business today.

#safetyconsultant #healthandsafety #AIinsafety #QHSE #safetybusiness

My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/

How to Grow Your Safety Consulting Business by Hosting Your Own Events

Are you ready to take back control of your schedule and unlock your true income potential as a safety professional? Hosting your own events is one of the fastest ways to build authority and turn your expertise into a thriving, independent consulting practice. 🚀

In this episode, Sheldon Primus shares the blueprint for organizing and hosting successful events that attract your ideal clients. You will discover why building your own platform is more beneficial than just working for other organizations and how to use these events as the top of your sales funnel. 📈

We dive into the technical side of event planning, including how to use advanced artificial intelligence tools to find trending topics and how to monitor regulatory agencies like OSHA, the EPA, and the DOT for content ideas. Sheldon also breaks down his personal pricing strategy, explaining how he tested different rates to find the sweet spot for his audience. 💡

Whether you are interested in finding corporate sponsors, repurposing your video content for social media, or building a massive email list with free guides, this episode provides the actionable steps you need. Stop being a passenger in your career and start leading the conversation in the safety industry. 👷‍♂️

Chapters
0:00 Intro and Welcome from Palm Beach
3:15 Why You Should Host Your Own Events
7:30 Solving Problems and Building Your Reputation
11:45 Using AI and Regulatory Data for Research
15:20 Building a Strategic Sales Funnel
19:45 Coaching Resources and the Consultant Blueprint
24:10 Pricing Strategies and Testing the Market
29:30 How to Secure Sponsors for Your Events
33:15 Promotion Tips for LinkedIn and YouTube
37:00 Closing Remarks and Future Schedule

If you are ready to elevate your career and start your own practice, visit SheldonPrimus.com to explore the Safety Consultant Blueprint and our personal coaching programs. Let us get to work! 🤝

#safetyconsultant #oshacompliance #businessgrowth #safetyprofessional #webinarstrategy

My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/resources

Being a safety consultant is high-pressure work, but if you do not take time to recharge, you are on a fast track to burnout. In this episode, Sheldon Primus explores why fun is a critical component of your business strategy and how stepping away from the audit sheet can actually sharpen your professional skills.

We often focus so much on safety sparks and business brilliance that we forget to nurture our own interests outside of the industry. Sheldon shares his personal journey of finding balance while living the RV life, from hiking near the Grand Tetons to the surprising patience required for baking sourdough bagels. These moments of downtime are not just distractions; they are necessary resets for a high-performing analytical brain.

A significant portion of this episode dives into Sheldon's love for poker, specifically Omaha High-Low. He breaks down why he views poker as a premier mind game that helps develop executive decision-making skills. You will hear about the math involved, the psychological aspects of the game, and how he uses a specific poker app to stay sharp. Sheldon even provides details on how you can join his private league if you are looking for a way to engage your brain outside of your typical work hours.

The core message is simple: if you do not take time for yourself, burnout will eventually change how you see your business. Whether it is playing an instrument, hiking, or gaming, find what works for you and make it a priority. Tune in to learn how to keep your safety game elevated while keeping your sanity intact.

Chapters
0:00 Intro and the Importance of Fun
2:45 Hobbies from RV Life to Sourdough Baking
5:30 Why Poker is the Ultimate Mind Game
8:15 Joining the Agents of Poker League
11:00 Poker Math and Executive Decision Making
14:30 Avoiding Professional Burnout
17:45 Final Thoughts and Outro

Subscribe for more insights on the business of safety consulting and visit our website for additional resources.

#safetyconsultant #burnoutprevention #businessmindset #pokerstrategy #worklifebalance

My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/poker

Welcome to another empowering episode of The Safety Consultant Podcast, hosted by Sheldon Primus. Whether you're a seasoned EHS professional, building your own consulting business, or new to the field, this episode is packed with practical strategies to elevate your training effectiveness and sharpen your consulting edge. Broadcasting from a small town in Minnesota, Sheldon Primus revisits and upgrades his classic "5 Tips to Be the Favorite Instructor," now including essential guidance for both in-person and online safety training. Tune in as Sheldon Primus walks you through actionable steps to engage learners, handle unexpected disruptions, and deliver value that gets you invited back time and again.

Sequence of Topics Covered

1. Introduction to the Podcast and Host

• Sheldon Primus welcomes listeners to the Safety Consultant Podcast 01:03
• Emphasis on blending safety expertise with business acumen
• Audience: Safety professionals, new consultants, and those interested in safety

2. Purpose and Content of the Podcast

• Teaching the business of being a safety consultant 01:42
• Coverage of OSHA compliance, regulatory requirements, and safety management systems

3. Setting and Personal Context

• Sheldon Primus records from Magnolia, Minnesota 02:14
• Reflection on life as a traveling safety consultant and RVer
• Mention of previous episodes with industry peer Jill James and her association

4. Revisiting a Previous Episode: “5 Tips to Be the Favorite Instructor”

• Reference to episode 106, originally aired in 2021 03:58
• Outline of the five original tips:
  • Know your material inside out
  • Be prepared for disasters
  • Don’t preach but teach
  • Be respectful and personable to facility staff
  • Always help set up and tear down

5. Expanded Tips for Modern Safety Training

a. Know Your Material Inside and Out 07:11

• Importance of deep knowledge for flexibility and engagement
• Being able to go off script to clarify or elaborate for learners
• Using real-world analogies and stories
• Visualization techniques to prepare for training sessions
• Taking students on a storytelling journey (hero, villain, conflict, resolution) 11:03

b. Be Prepared for Disasters 12:49

• Carrying backup equipment and connectors
• Having a long HDMI cord and other AV tools
• Bringing personal hotspot and backup devices 13:59
• Arriving early to account for technical or logistical issues

c. Don’t Preach, Teach 15:19

• Avoiding a lecturing or punitive delivery
• Relating OSHA standards to on-the-job realities
• Incorporating practical examples and engagement
• Minimizing reading directly from PowerPoint slides

d. Be Respectful and Personable 17:31

• Treating the training site as someone else’s space 17:41
• Cleaning up, resetting the room, and showing courtesy to staff
• Bringing personal supplies (markers, erasers, etc.)
• Being polite and helpful beyond just teaching delivery

e. Always Help Set Up and Tear Down

• Actively involve yourself in logistical tasks before and after training 19:13

6. Additional Tips for Online Training

• Engaging online learners through chat and direct questions 19:24
• Encouraging use of chat features to foster participation 19:40
• Utilizing break-out rooms for peer-to-peer learning 20:18
• Using online games (e.g. Game Show Pro via learningware.com) to boost testing and engagement 21:04
• Offering digital raffles and prizes

7. Business Calls to Action

• Inviting listeners to enroll in the Safety Consultant 101 Course at safetyconsultantblueprint.com 23:23
• Encouraging prospects interested in coaching to visit sheldon.coach and fill out the intake form 24:07

Each segment is filled with structured, actionable advice aimed at elevating safety consultants’ training delivery and supporting their business growth.

Ready to unlock the next level in your consulting business?
~Explore the Safety Consultant 101 Course at safetyconsultantblueprint.com, or get one-on-one business coaching with Sheldon at sheldon.coach.