29: The Vagus Nervous System and Its Connection to Health and Well-Being

In today’s episode of Transmit Safety, Aimee dives deep into a common workplace challenge - why people sometimes don't follow policies and procedures. It doesn't matter the size of the organization, the organization has to ensure the health and safety of the employees. Now, when we think about that compliance standpoint, oftentimes policies and procedures are only followed when someone from corporate or an auditor is there.Can you relate to spending hours crafting what you think is the perfect set of directive documentation, you have a fantastic procedure, only to find out through observations or feedback that people aren't following them. It can be frustrating. But fear not, I've got five reasons why your directive documentation might not be working and how to improve them.In this episode, you’ll learn:Using clear and concise language to convey your message in documentationInvolve employees in the creation and review of documentationTraining is essential for ensuring that documentation is followedEnsure your documentation is regularly updatedThere needs to be accountability for not following policies and proceduresThe Transmit Safety Podcast is here to help health and safety practitioners achieve a holistic approach to workplace health and safety so they can become impactful leaders and put the value of safety into action. Resources and linksToday's episode was sponsored by Transmit Safety, a consulting business where I help streamline and simplify health and safety management systems through education, program development, audits, and coaching. If you'd like to join the next cycle of Upgrade and Optimize, my group coaching program, go to: transmitsafety.com/programWant to receive weekly content that will help you become the Health & Safety leader you want to be and stay up to date with me and Sir Reginald? Plug into the Transmit Safety Newsletter here.Quotes from this episode“Clear communication isn't just about the words, isn't just about what people are saying. It's what they're not saying when it comes to communicating your policies, your practices, your procedures, your standards”“It's not enough to have a great document. You also need to ensure that people understand how to follow it. If you just assume that they're going to figure it out on their own. You're definitely setting yourself up for disappointment.”“If there's no consequences for not following a policy or procedure, then why would people take them seriously? They may feel that they're there, but there's no repercussions. And if there's no repercussions, then why would they follow them?”“Disciplinary action shouldn't be punitive. When done correctly, disciplinary action is a learning opportunity.“Connect with Aimee ArsenaultAimee Arsenault is a CRSP and CHSC. She is the founder of Transmit Safety, a business that helps you simplify and streamline health & safety management systems.Linkedin: Aimee ArsenaultInstagram: @transmit.safetyTwitter: @transmitsafetyWebsite: transmitsafety.com

In today’s episode of Transmit Safety, Kathryn Hart is joining me and we're going to be chatting about project management and pre-project planning when it comes to Health and Safety. Kathryn has spent time as a project engineer, an assistant superintendent, a superintendent, and a project manager. If we wanted to ask someone questions about Health and Safety from the project management side of things she is the perfect person and I think we landed in a really good conversation. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why construction is a great industry for young professionals to tap intoHealth and Safety in pre-project planningLooking at Health and Safety from a financial perspectiveTracking Health and Safety during a project rather than at the end of a projectBringing in experts to increase Health and Safety on siteThe Transmit Safety Podcast is here to help health and safety practitioners achieve a holistic approach to workplace health and safety so they can become impactful leaders and put the value of safety into action.Resources and linksToday's episode was sponsored by Transmit Safety, a consulting business where I help streamline and simplify health and safety management systems through education, program development, audits, and coaching. If you'd like to join the next cycle of Upgrade and Optimize, my group coaching program, go to: transmitsafety.com/programWant to receive weekly content that will help you become the Health & Safety leader you want to be and stay up to date with me and Sir Reginald? Plug into the Transmit Safety Newsletter here.Connect with Kathryn HartKathryn graduated from Virginia Tech with dual degrees in Psychology and Building Construction. She has worked with multiple general contractors in the DC area in roles that range from Project/Office Engineer to Superintendent. She recently pivoted into the subcontractor arena to pursue Project Management, Onboarding, Training, Safety, and Business Development roles. Kathryn guides others to pursue fulfilling and intentional career paths within the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As founder and host at Space to Build, she advises others on navigating their roles on and off-site, leads community discussions on the real questions women have in our industry, and facilitates honest dialogue between industry professionals. Facebook: @spacetobuild.coInstagram: @spacetobuildWebsite: spacetobuild.coConnect with Aimee ArsenaultAimee Arsenault is a CRSP and CHSC. She is the founder of Transmit Safety, a business that helps you simplify and streamline health & safety management systems.Linkedin: Aimee ArsenaultInstagram: @transmit.safetyTwitter: @transmitsafetyWebsite: transmitsafety.com

In today’s episode of Transmit Safety, we're going to be diving into the fascinating world of the vagus nervous system and its connection to overall health and well-being. For a few years now, I've been dealing with some health issues. Nothing alarming, but daily life-impacting. Regular doctors kept on telling me that I was fine. I would go for tests and the results would say that I was fine. There's nothing wrong with me. But I knew something wasn't right. So I kept on searching for an answer. This summer I landed in a virtual workshop about gut health, and one of the sessions was on the vagus nerve. I knew that we had it, but it didn't really click for me until I was sitting in this session with a subject matter expert about how important understanding the vagus nervous system really is. And I want to share that with you.Stick around until the end because I have a relaxing guided breathing practice for you to try to help you integrate this knowledge into your daily routine.In this episode, you’ll learn:What the vagus nervous system isThe vagus nerve’s role in your body’s stress responseHow to tap into the power of the vagus nervous systemThe benefits of a breathing practiceThe Transmit Safety Podcast is here to help health and safety practitioners achieve a holistic approach to workplace health and safety so they can become impactful leaders and put the value of safety into action.Resources and linksToday's episode was sponsored by Transmit Safety, a consulting business where I help streamline and simplify health and safety management systems through education, program development, audits, and coaching. If you'd like to join the next cycle of Upgrade and Optimize, my group coaching program, go to: transmitsafety.com/programWant to receive weekly content that will help you become the Health & Safety leader you want to be and stay up to date with me and Sir Reginald? Plug into the Transmit Safety Newsletter here.Connect with Aimee ArsenaultAimee Arsenault is a CRSP and CHSC. She is the founder of Transmit Safety, a business that helps you simplify and streamline health & safety management systems.Linkedin: Aimee ArsenaultInstagram: @transmit.safetyTwitter: @transmitsafetyWebsite: transmitsafety.com

In today’s episode of Transmit Safety, I'm talking with Jodi Huettner, a  mechanical engineer with first-hand experience of the challenges faced by women on worksites due to ill-fitting and inadequate workwear.I have been waiting to talk to Jodi for a while. Every time I am at a conference or I'm looking for information about the discussion of inclusive workwear, she’s always at the forefront of that topic.So, I wanted to talk to her about what she's doing within her business, Helga Wear, but also how much she’s advocating for inclusive workwear in general.In this episode, you’ll learn:Productivity challenges women face when wearing the wrong size workwearNavigating the balance between price expectation and profit when creating PPE for women2 steps employers can take to promote the use of safe and inclusive workwearThe difference between what's written into policy and what is actually happening on worksites with PPEThe importance of reporting when PPE doesn’t fit or leads to hazards at a worksite The Transmit Safety Podcast is here to help health and safety practitioners achieve a holistic approach to workplace health and safety so they can become impactful leaders and put the value of safety into action.Resources and linksToday's episode was sponsored by Transmit Safety, a consulting business where I help streamline and simplify health and safety management systems through education, program development, audits, and coaching.If you'd like to join the next cycle of Upgrade and Optimize, my group coaching program, go to: transmitsafety.com/programWant to receive weekly content to help you become the Health & Safety leader you want to be and stay up to date with me and Sir Reginald? Plug into the Transmit Safety Newsletter here.Connect with Jodi HuettnerJodi Huettner founded Helga Wear out of necessity after years of first-hand experience with the challenges, health and safety issues and lost productivity women on worksites face due to ill-fitting and inadequate PPE.She aims to help companies find more SAFETY and more MONEY through body-specific PPE options, starting with safety coveralls and bib-overalls.LinkedIn: Jodi HuettnerFacebook: @HelgaWearIncInstagram: @helgawearincWebsite: helgawear.comConnect with Aimee ArsenaultAimee Arsenault is a CRSP and CHSC. She is the founder of Transmit Safety, a business that helps you simplify and streamline health & safety management systems.Linkedin: Aimee ArsenaultInstagram: @transmit.safetyTwitter: @transmitsafetyWebsite: transmitsafety.com

In today’s episode of Transmit Safety, I talk about 3 things that frustrate me as a health and safety professional.I have been really struggling to record this podcast episode. I initially wanted to talk about the 10 things that I hate about being a health and safety professional. But every time I turn the mic on, every time I’ve hit record for the last five days I circle back to something that's been very much a hot topic in the news. And I don't even want to talk about the topic that has been in the news but what I will say is that it has led to me feeling a lot of frustration.Whenever I'm frustrated about something, I take a moment and ask myself, “Why am I frustrated about this particular response?” And I'm starting to do some more self-reflection on that process. So, in today's episode, I wanted to share some of the frustrations that I have as a health and safety professional.In this episode, you’ll learn:The value of safety is not being put into actionFrustration as a trigger to try and understand where other people are coming fromExpecting to be an expert in way too many things as a health and safety professional but not having the resources to support that professional developmentThe lack of an internal support network as a health and safety professionalThe Transmit Safety Podcast is here to help health and safety practitioners achieve a holistic approach to workplace health and safety so they can become impactful leaders and put the value of safety into action.Resources and linksLearn how to build and cultivate your professional network online in episode 13 of The Transmit Safety Podcast: 10 Tips To Build And Leverage Your Professional NetworkToday's episode was sponsored by Transmit Safety, a consulting business where I help streamline and simplify health and safety management systems through education, program development, audits, and coaching. If you'd like to join the next cycle of Upgrade and Optimize, my group coaching program, go to: transmitsafety.com/programWant to receive weekly content that will help you become the Health & Safety leader you want to be and stay up to date with me and Sir Reginald? Plug into the Transmit Safety Newsletter here.Connect with Aimee ArsenaultAimee Arsenault is a CRSP and CHSC. She is the founder of Transmit Safety, a business that helps you simplify and streamline health & safety management systems.Linkedin: Aimee ArsenaultInstagram: @transmit.safetyTwitter: @transmitsafetyWebsite: transmitsafety.com

In today’s episode of Transmit Safety,  join Aimee and Carole-Anne Chung to learn more about the claims management WCB process.Carole-Anne and I met years and years and years ago through WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) claims management, through her consulting business, and through volunteering in the Alberta health and safety world.We've reconnected recently and I remember learning so much about claims management from her way back in the day, I would love for the listeners to have the opportunity of learning from her as well.Claims management can be complicated and daunting but Carole-Anne shares her expertise and advice with us in today’s episode to make it easier to understand.In this episode, you’ll learn:Carole-Anne’s advice for those new to managing the return to work programs within their organizationGaps she often sees within companies' health and management systemsWhen do you need to recognize that something is outside of your competency?Dealing with confidentialityCarole-Anne’s ideal claims management processThe Transmit Safety Podcast is here to help health and safety practitioners achieve a holistic approach to workplace health and safety so they can become impactful leaders and put the value of safety into action.Resources and linksVisit the WCB website for Alberta or find the WBC website for your province here.Today's episode was sponsored by Transmit Safety, a consulting business where I help streamline and simplify health and safety management systems through education, program development, audits, and coaching. If you'd like to join the next cycle of Upgrade and Optimize, my group coaching program, go to: transmitsafety.com/programWant to receive weekly content that will help you become the Health & Safety leader you want to be and stay up to date with me and Sir Reginald? Plug into the Transmit Safety Newsletter here.Connect with Carole-Anne ChungCarole-Anne Chung (BA, CRSP, NCSO) is a consulting health & safety professional based in Alberta, Canada. She is a director at AGC Professional Resources Ltd where she has worked since 2007. Additionally, she is an External Consultant Auditor for ACSA Certificate of Recognition (COR) audits. Audits completed reflect different industries within Alberta and range from small, family-based to national and international companies. Carole-Anne is a team lead for the Experiential Practice Review Committee with the Alberta Society of Health and Safety Professionals (ASHSP) and a regular member of the Edmonton Regional Safety Committee in association with the ACSA subcommittees.LinkedIn: Carole-Anne ChungConnect with Aimee ArsenaultAimee Arsenault is a CRSP and CHSC. She is the founder of Transmit Safety, a business that helps you simplify and streamline health & safety management systems.Linkedin: Aimee ArsenaultInstagram: @transmit.safetyTwitter: @transmitsafetyWebsite: transmitsafety.com

In today’s episode of Transmit Safety, I dive into the fascinating world of perspective, emotional intelligence, and empathy.This topic came to my mind because when I'm interacting with other health and safety practitioners or professionals, one of the themes that continues to come up is “I'm right, they're wrong. I know what I'm doing. They don't know what they're doing.” As a health and safety practitioner professional, you need to develop the skills to enhance your ability to understand and connect with others.In this episode, I give you five steps that I hope can help you to be on your way to becoming more empathetic – and therefore a more effective health and safety professional and practitioner.In this episode, you’ll learn:Introduction to perspective emotional intelligence and empathyReal-life examples of perspective and empathy in the health and safety world5 key steps to bring more awareness and empathy to the workplace: self-reflection, active listening, engaging in diverse experiences, practicing perspective talking, and continuous learningThought-provoking questions to guide you on the path to empathy and emotional intelligenceThe Transmit Safety Podcast is here to help health and safety practitioners achieve a holistic approach to workplace health and safety so they can become impactful leaders and put the value of safety into action. Resources and linksGrab my free book list for health and safety professionals here.Today's episode was sponsored by Transmit Safety, a consulting business where I help streamline and simplify health and safety management systems through education, program development, audits, and coaching. If you'd like to join the next cycle of Upgrade and Optimize, my group coaching program, go to: transmitsafety.com/programWant to receive weekly content that will help you become the Health & Safety leader you want to be and stay up to date with me and Sir Reginald? Plug into the Transmit Safety Newsletter here.Quotes from this episode“Here's the thing, I hope you're sitting down. I hope your mind isn't going to explode with this notion. But you are not always right. You do not always have the one answer that will solve all the problems, especially when you are only looking at it from your own perspective.”“When we empathize with somebody, when we try to understand their experience – what are they feeling? What are they thinking? – we can create a safer space for open communication that is going to have a direct impact on the overall company culture.”“We all are different. We all have come from our own personal experiences. And the way that you see the world, the way that you think about the world is based on your experiences. So what can you do to expand and become more aware and be more empathetic and build that connection? You need to go beyond your own experience. You need to seek diverse experiences.”Connect with Aimee ArsenaultAimee Arsenault is a CRSP and CHSC. She is the founder of Transmit Safety, a business that helps you simplify and streamline health & safety management systems.Linkedin: Aimee ArsenaultInstagram: @transmit.safetyTwitter: @transmitsafetyWebsite: transmitsafety.com

In today’s episode of Transmit Safety, I'm talking with Erin Landry-Baker about the importance of effective change management not only in the health and safety industry but with all changes in general.I have stepped in a few landmines when it comes to change management. When I met Erin, I knew immediately that I wanted to bring her on the podcast because picking a change management expert's brain can be so valuable from a health and safety perspective. Because really, that's what we're doing all the time - we are managing change. Erin is passionate about undertaking projects that have a positive and lasting impact on the health, well-being, and safety of individuals, organizations, and communities. She is the founder and principal of Yellow Door Solutions with over 18 years of experience and a deep understanding of the human side of change to support her valued health care, not-for-profit, retail, and technology clientsIn this episode, you’ll learn:The elements of change management The 5 building blocks for successful change management - awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement Change saturation and resistanceHow to measure the success of a change management processKey points to consider when it comes to communication within change managementThe Transmit Safety Podcast is here to help health and safety practitioners achieve a holistic approach to workplace health and safety so they can become impactful leaders and put the value of safety into action. Resources and linksYou can find out more about Prosci, the global leader in change management solutions, here.Today's episode was sponsored by Transmit Safety, a consulting business where I help streamline and simplify health and safety management systems through education, program development, audits, and coaching. If you'd like to join the next cycle of Upgrade and Optimize, my group coaching program, go to: transmitsafety.com/programWant to receive weekly content that will help you become the Health & Safety leader you want to be and stay up to date with me and Sir Reginald? Plug into the Transmit Safety Newsletter here.Connect with Erin Landry-BakerErin is a process-certified change management practitioner and holds a Master's degree in Health Administration from the University of Toronto and an Honor’s degree in psychology from the University of Western Ontario. Prior to founding Yellow Door Solutions, Erin had the privilege of holding leadership and advisory roles at the Ministry of Health, Ministry of the Attorney General, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and Connections, and not-for-profit serving at-risk youth in Northern Ontario.LinkedIn: Erin Landry-BakerLinkedIn: Yellow Door SolutionsWebsite: yellowdoorsolutions.caConnect with Aimee ArsenaultAimee Arsenault is a CRSP and CHSC. She is the founder of Transmit Safety, a business that helps you simplify and streamline health & safety management systems.Linkedin: Aimee ArsenaultInstagram: @transmit.safetyTwitter: @transmitsafetyWebsite: transmitsafety.com

In today’s episode of Transmit Safety, Aimee talks about implementing document management systems that are effective, accurate, and compliant.What do you do with all of those directional and operational documents that have been created by putting your value of safety into action? We all know that a well organized banker's box of documentation is nothing to be ashamed of, not all of us have moved over to a health and safety software. So whether or not you're using paper or electronic files for your health and safety management system, let's dive in and explore some tips and tricks to effectively manage that process.In this episode, you’ll learn:What document management is all aboutPaper versus electronic documentationSecurity and confidentiality of documentationTraining employees to use document management systemsReal world document management scenariosThe Transmit Safety Podcast is here to help health and safety practitioners achieve a holistic approach to workplace health and safety so they can become impactful leaders and put the value of safety into action. Resources and linksToday's episode was sponsored by Transmit Safety, a consulting business where I help streamline and simplify health and safety management systems through education, program development, audits, and coaching. If you'd like to join the next cycle of Upgrade and Optimize, my group coaching program, go to: transmitsafety.com/programWant to receive weekly content that will help you become the Health & Safety leader you want to be and stay up to date with me and Sir Reginald? Plug into the Transmit Safety Newsletter here.Quotes from this episode“Think about it from the perspective of what if you won a billion dollars and you were no longer at your position? Would the next person coming in after you have any idea of where your files are stored? And how to retrieve them and would they be easily able to pick up that naming convention that you have in place?”“You shouldn't be the only one that has the key to the paperwork. The key to the process is to make sure that you understand the record management requirements but also that everybody who needs to get access and interact with the records understands those requirements as well.”“Managing both paper and electronic documentation or records is critical to ensuring that your organization is able to demonstrate your proof of process.”Connect with Aimee ArsenaultAimee Arsenault is a CRSP and CHSC. She is the founder of Transmit Safety, a business that helps you simplify and streamline health & safety management systems.Linkedin: Aimee ArsenaultInstagram: @transmit.safetyTwitter: @transmitsafetyWebsite: transmitsafety.com

Today, I'm talking with Christl Aggus about the evolution of the health and safety profession and its future away from the current status quo towards a more global and kinder approach – where there is more trust in workers' competence and a move towards risk management rather than just liability protection.As a consultant, your job involves more than just performing specific tasks related to the field. So, Christl is here to share how she approaches interactions through building relationships. She highlights the challenges of being a health and safety consultant and how to re-engage with new clients and customers.Christl is an Alberta-based certified health and safety consultant and a Canadian registered safety professional with over 20 years of experience. Practicing through a risk management lens, Christl founded Principles Safety. She is dedicated to promoting public health and safety awareness through training and education.In this episode, you’ll learn:Christl’s evolution as a consultantThe importance of individualized safety protocolsTop three challenges clients are reaching out for assistance withChanging the narrative from safety to health and safetyImportance of mentorship and empowering safety practitioners at all levels in their careersBuilding a professional network as a health and safety practitionerThe future of the health and safety profession Resources and linksLearn more about the health and safety community's shift from compliance to care in Clive Lloyd’s book Next Generation Safety Leadership: From Compliance to Care.Download the CSA standard on mental health.Find volunteer opportunities at the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).Today's episode was sponsored by Transmit Safety, a consulting business where I help streamline and simplify health and safety management systems through education, program development, audits, and coaching. If you'd like to join the next cycle of Upgrade and Optimize, my group coaching program, go to: transmitsafety.com/programWant to receive weekly content that will help you become the Health & Safety leader you want to be and stay up to date with me and Sir Reginald? Plug into the Transmit Safety Newsletter here.Connect with Christl AggusLinkedin: Christl Aggus CRSP CHSC CRMFacebook: @principlesafetyWebsite: principlesafety.caConnect with Aimee ArsenaultAimee Arsenault is a CRSP and CHSC. She is the founder of Transmit Safety, a business that helps you simplify and streamline health & safety management systems.Linkedin: Aimee ArsenaultInstagram: @transmit.safetyTwitter: @transmitsafetyWebsite: transmitsafety.com