Radio Free Tenacity Thu, 21 May 2026 05:38:48 -0400 http://www.ergodyne.com en-us © 2026 Ergodyne Corp. yes 341f6ff0-ecda-53e1-b40d-9c317af8a35b Ergodyne episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Ergodyne, Safety, Industrial, Business, Tenacity, Worker Safety, Radio Free Tenacity Ergodyne https://storage.buzzsprout.com/j3kdogziaznk6l5lfwd2cd950ypy?.jpg Radio Free Tenacity http://www.ergodyne.com 020 - The Rise of Type 2 Helmets: What’s Behind the Shift in Head Protection? 020 - The Rise of Type 2 Helmets: What’s Behind the Shift in Head Protection? In this episode of Radio Free Tenacity, we sit down with Nate Bohmbach, veteran PPE innovator and member of Ergodyne’s product team, to unpack the growing shift from traditional Type 1 hard hats to Type 2 safety helmets. Sparked by OSHA’s 2023 safety bulletin and their own internal transition, this trend has been gaining traction across high-risk worksites. We break down what’s driving the change, the resistance it’s facing on job sites, and how Ergodyne is designing Type 2 helmets that workers actually want to wear.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • The key differences between Type 1 and Type 2 helmets—and why Type 2 offers broader protection.
  • The real-world impact data behind OSHA’s recommendations.
  • How to overcome worker resistance and get buy-in for upgraded head protection.
]]> In this episode of Radio Free Tenacity, we sit down with Nate Bohmbach, veteran PPE innovator and member of Ergodyne’s product team, to unpack the growing shift from traditional Type 1 hard hats to Type 2 safety helmets. Sparked by OSHA’s 2023 safety bulletin and their own internal transition, this trend has been gaining traction across high-risk worksites. We break down what’s driving the change, the resistance it’s facing on job sites, and how Ergodyne is designing Type 2 helmets that workers actually want to wear.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • The key differences between Type 1 and Type 2 helmets—and why Type 2 offers broader protection.
  • The real-world impact data behind OSHA’s recommendations.
  • How to overcome worker resistance and get buy-in for upgraded head protection.
]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-17659054 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0500 664 type 2 safety helmet, hard hat, head protection, work safety gear 4 2 full false 019 - Understanding the New ANSI/ISEA 100 Bump Cap Standard 019 - Understanding the New ANSI/ISEA 100 Bump Cap Standard Heads up... there's a new bump cap standard and nobody has more insight into its development than Ergodyne President Greg Schrab. 

In this episode, he'll dive into:

  • Why this new standard matters – Filling gaps in workplace head safety.
  • Key features you need to know – Flexibility, performance and what sets it apart from other standards like Z89 + EN812.
  • Bump caps vs. hard hats – What's the difference anyway? 

Tune in now for all that and more as Greg explains the latest head protection measure in a way that's simple, practical and well worth your time.

]]> Heads up... there's a new bump cap standard and nobody has more insight into its development than Ergodyne President Greg Schrab. 

In this episode, he'll dive into:

  • Why this new standard matters – Filling gaps in workplace head safety.
  • Key features you need to know – Flexibility, performance and what sets it apart from other standards like Z89 + EN812.
  • Bump caps vs. hard hats – What's the difference anyway? 

Tune in now for all that and more as Greg explains the latest head protection measure in a way that's simple, practical and well worth your time.

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-16478107 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0600 699 industrial bump cap, bump caps, ansi isea 100, work safety, bump cap standard 4 1 full false 018 - Does Cooling PPE Work Indoors? 018 - Does Cooling PPE Work Indoors? Often overlooked compared to outdoor work, indoor jobs can pose a heat stress risk, too.

Lack of air conditioning and poor airflow can transform any indoor workspace into a sweatbox, with environments like foundries, refineries, welding shops, and mills being particularly hazardous.

In this episode, we'll discuss how heavy-duty PPE, such as welding helmets, coveralls, and hazmat suits, further exacerbate these risks, and explore whether cooling PPE can effectively combat these challenges.

]]> Often overlooked compared to outdoor work, indoor jobs can pose a heat stress risk, too.

Lack of air conditioning and poor airflow can transform any indoor workspace into a sweatbox, with environments like foundries, refineries, welding shops, and mills being particularly hazardous.

In this episode, we'll discuss how heavy-duty PPE, such as welding helmets, coveralls, and hazmat suits, further exacerbate these risks, and explore whether cooling PPE can effectively combat these challenges.

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-15546949 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 13:00:00 -0500 382 heat stress, heat stroke, cooling, cooling ppe 3 3 full false 017 - The TACO Method: Life-Saving Heat Relief 017 - The TACO Method: Life-Saving Heat Relief When heat stroke hits, irreversible cell damage can set in if the temperature isn't brought down fast — within a 30-minute window. Special guest Lexi Engelbert will demonstrate how one simple body cooling method can save lives.

]]> When heat stroke hits, irreversible cell damage can set in if the temperature isn't brought down fast — within a 30-minute window. Special guest Lexi Engelbert will demonstrate how one simple body cooling method can save lives.

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-15403668 Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0500 345 Heat Stroke, Heat Stress, Cooling 3 2 full false 016 - Understanding the Temperature Ratings of Your Thermal Gear 016 - Understanding the Temperature Ratings of Your Thermal Gear The truth is, thermal ratings are a performance guide, not gospel—the best direction is available through exhaustive testing and consideration of three major factors.

In this episode you'll get to know:

  • What three main factors go into temperature ratings for thermal gear
  • Why temperature ratings are not as straight forward as you'd like
  • How to choose the best thermal gear

Featured Guest:
Claudia Weber, Queen of Cold Stress Circumspection, Ergodyne

]]> The truth is, thermal ratings are a performance guide, not gospel—the best direction is available through exhaustive testing and consideration of three major factors.

In this episode you'll get to know:

  • What three main factors go into temperature ratings for thermal gear
  • Why temperature ratings are not as straight forward as you'd like
  • How to choose the best thermal gear

Featured Guest:
Claudia Weber, Queen of Cold Stress Circumspection, Ergodyne

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-14312472 Mon, 15 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600 511 cold storage, work safety, thermal gear, thermal clothing 3 1 full false 015 - Building A Cold Weather Layering System for Winter Work 015 - Building A Cold Weather Layering System for Winter Work In this quick-hitting episode we’ll take you through the essentials of staying warm & productive in cold working environments. Plus, we’ll hit you with a winter work fact that’ll shock you to the core. Ok, maybe that’s being a bit dramatic, but still, we wouldn’t have guessed it ourselves.

]]> In this quick-hitting episode we’ll take you through the essentials of staying warm & productive in cold working environments. Plus, we’ll hit you with a winter work fact that’ll shock you to the core. Ok, maybe that’s being a bit dramatic, but still, we wouldn’t have guessed it ourselves.

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-13667295 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0500 191 Work Safety, Winter Weather, Cold Stress, Warming, Thermal Clothing 2 6 full false 014 - New Tool Tethering Solution Hits the Sweet Spot: Simplicity, Safety and Performance 014 - New Tool Tethering Solution Hits the Sweet Spot: Simplicity, Safety and Performance As the pioneer in tool tethering, Ergodyne has a long history of innovation in the category, and the Squids 3745 Tool Grip and Tether Attachment Point might be their most clever solution to date. Nate Bohmbach, Product Director at Ergodyne and Chair of the Dropped Object Prevention Group at ISEA, joins the pod to give you the scoop.

In this episode, you'll get to know:

  • The challenges and pain points of tethering screw and nut drivers
  • How end user feedback helped solve those pain points
  • How this new tool tethering solution doesn't just improve safety and simplify tool tethering, but actually improve the usability of the tool

Featured Guest:
Nate Bohmbach, Chief Drop Cop

]]> As the pioneer in tool tethering, Ergodyne has a long history of innovation in the category, and the Squids 3745 Tool Grip and Tether Attachment Point might be their most clever solution to date. Nate Bohmbach, Product Director at Ergodyne and Chair of the Dropped Object Prevention Group at ISEA, joins the pod to give you the scoop.

In this episode, you'll get to know:

  • The challenges and pain points of tethering screw and nut drivers
  • How end user feedback helped solve those pain points
  • How this new tool tethering solution doesn't just improve safety and simplify tool tethering, but actually improve the usability of the tool

Featured Guest:
Nate Bohmbach, Chief Drop Cop

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-13109090 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0500 300 Work Safety, Tool Tethering, Worksite Safety, Job Safety, Safety Compliance, Objects at Heights, 2 5 full false 013 - Understanding OSHA’s National Emphasis Program For Heat Stress 013 - Understanding OSHA’s National Emphasis Program For Heat Stress In September of 2021, the US Department of Labor announced enhanced, expanded measures to protect workers from hazards of extreme heat, indoors and out. Those measures included the launch of a rulemaking process to develop a workplace heat standard and deployment of a National Emphasis Program (NEP). The NEP is the agency's first-ever nationwide enforcement measure specifically targeting heat-related hazards and greenlights heat-related inspections on worksites. 

In this episode you'll get to know: 

  • What an NEP is and its purpose
  • What industries are affected by the NEP
  • What compliance officers are looking for on heat-related inspections 
  • How cooling PPE fits in to your plan

Featured Guest:

Alsie Nelson, Heat Stress Hotshot, Ergodyne

]]> In September of 2021, the US Department of Labor announced enhanced, expanded measures to protect workers from hazards of extreme heat, indoors and out. Those measures included the launch of a rulemaking process to develop a workplace heat standard and deployment of a National Emphasis Program (NEP). The NEP is the agency's first-ever nationwide enforcement measure specifically targeting heat-related hazards and greenlights heat-related inspections on worksites. 

In this episode you'll get to know: 

  • What an NEP is and its purpose
  • What industries are affected by the NEP
  • What compliance officers are looking for on heat-related inspections 
  • How cooling PPE fits in to your plan

Featured Guest:

Alsie Nelson, Heat Stress Hotshot, Ergodyne

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-12883008 Fri, 19 May 2023 16:00:00 -0500 811 Heat Stress, Work Safety, OSHA, Cooling, Working Outdoors 2 4 full false 012 - The Latest Safety Glasses, Goggles, and the Most Important Standard in Safety Specs  012 - The Latest Safety Glasses, Goggles, and the Most Important Standard in Safety Specs  Making sure eye protection meets and exceeds safety standards like ANSI Z87.1 is table stakes, but that doesn't necessarily mean those safety glasses are ready to take on the realities of the worksite. Ergodyne Product Director Tim Gallant joins the pod to discuss the most important standards in safety specs: the workers'. Through the lens (ha!) of the latest additions to Ergodyne's Safety Glasses + Goggles Series, he takes us through the considerations—big and small—his team puts into developing glasses and goggles that a) get worn and b) stand up to how they're usually treated on the job (hint: not very well).

 In this episode you'll get to know: 

  • The newest additions to Ergodyne's Safety Glasses + Goggles Series
  • The most important considerations in developing and selecting protective eyewear
  • How workers help uncover small details that come up big

Featured Guest:
Tim Gallant, Primary Peeper Protector, Ergodyne

]]> Making sure eye protection meets and exceeds safety standards like ANSI Z87.1 is table stakes, but that doesn't necessarily mean those safety glasses are ready to take on the realities of the worksite. Ergodyne Product Director Tim Gallant joins the pod to discuss the most important standards in safety specs: the workers'. Through the lens (ha!) of the latest additions to Ergodyne's Safety Glasses + Goggles Series, he takes us through the considerations—big and small—his team puts into developing glasses and goggles that a) get worn and b) stand up to how they're usually treated on the job (hint: not very well).

 In this episode you'll get to know: 

  • The newest additions to Ergodyne's Safety Glasses + Goggles Series
  • The most important considerations in developing and selecting protective eyewear
  • How workers help uncover small details that come up big

Featured Guest:
Tim Gallant, Primary Peeper Protector, Ergodyne

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-12543111 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0500 786 2 3 full false 011 - Latest Traction Collaboration with Michelin Helps Workers Get on the Good Foot 011 - Latest Traction Collaboration with Michelin Helps Workers Get on the Good Foot  Slips happen. Like, a lot. And Ergodyne’s recent collaboration with Soles by Michelin looks to make them happen less. Like, a lot less. A few years after debuting the now best-selling TREX 6325 Spikeless Traction Device for winter conditions, Product Director Alsie Nelson's team has launched the TREX 6326 Spikeless Traction Device for oily, greasy and other slippery situations commonly (but not exclusively) found indoors. The new addition to the TREX line has been extensively tested and touted by workers in a diverse array of applications—food processing, wastewater treatment, food and janitorial services, car washes and more.

 In this episode you'll get to know: 

  • The benefits of wearing a "sling style" traction device vs. tennis shoes/slip-resistant boots
  • How this new solution compares to the rest of the TREX Traction Series
  • The severity and cost of slips and falls vs. the simplicity and affordability of traction devices

Featured Guest:
Alsie Nelson, Resident Slips Slayer, Ergodyne

]]>  Slips happen. Like, a lot. And Ergodyne’s recent collaboration with Soles by Michelin looks to make them happen less. Like, a lot less. A few years after debuting the now best-selling TREX 6325 Spikeless Traction Device for winter conditions, Product Director Alsie Nelson's team has launched the TREX 6326 Spikeless Traction Device for oily, greasy and other slippery situations commonly (but not exclusively) found indoors. The new addition to the TREX line has been extensively tested and touted by workers in a diverse array of applications—food processing, wastewater treatment, food and janitorial services, car washes and more.

 In this episode you'll get to know: 

  • The benefits of wearing a "sling style" traction device vs. tennis shoes/slip-resistant boots
  • How this new solution compares to the rest of the TREX Traction Series
  • The severity and cost of slips and falls vs. the simplicity and affordability of traction devices

Featured Guest:
Alsie Nelson, Resident Slips Slayer, Ergodyne

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-12542205 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500 448 2 2 full false 010 - New Strapless Knee Pads Erase Number One Worker Complaint 010 - New Strapless Knee Pads Erase Number One Worker Complaint Strapless, brah. Aaron Skemp’s close collaboration with work crews––including some of the world’s biggest airlines––has helped evolve the fit, function and comfort of knee pads lightyears ahead of what many workers are familiar (and frustrated) with. And the newest work crew collabo erases THE number one complaint. These ain't your grandpa's knee pads, folks. 

In this episode you'll get to know:

  • How Aaron worked with work crews to eliminate knee protection enemy #1
  • How the world of athletics shaped the evolution of this worksite staple
  • The ins and outs of the new Proflex 550 Padded Knee Sleeve and 525 Lightweight Knee Sleeve

Featured Guest:
 Aaron Skemp, Resident Knee Protection Prodigy, Ergodyne

]]> Strapless, brah. Aaron Skemp’s close collaboration with work crews––including some of the world’s biggest airlines––has helped evolve the fit, function and comfort of knee pads lightyears ahead of what many workers are familiar (and frustrated) with. And the newest work crew collabo erases THE number one complaint. These ain't your grandpa's knee pads, folks. 

In this episode you'll get to know:

  • How Aaron worked with work crews to eliminate knee protection enemy #1
  • How the world of athletics shaped the evolution of this worksite staple
  • The ins and outs of the new Proflex 550 Padded Knee Sleeve and 525 Lightweight Knee Sleeve

Featured Guest:
 Aaron Skemp, Resident Knee Protection Prodigy, Ergodyne

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-12348036 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:00:00 -0600 374 2 1 full false 009 - Look Out Below: What Are Safety Pros Doing to Prevent Dropped Objects? 009 - Look Out Below: What Are Safety Pros Doing to Prevent Dropped Objects? Show Highlights
In 2020, dropped objects accounted for over 45,000 injuries, over 200 fatalities, and approximately $315,000,000 in financial costs.

A major step in mitigating this damage was the development of ANSI/ISEA 121-2018 — a standard for design, testing, performance and labeling requirements for tool tethering systems and containers used when working at height. The “dropped objects standard” set best practices in place for dropped and falling objects prevention every safety manager should know but, according to the aforementioned stats, not enough do. Which is why we set out to better understand the industry’s pulse on object-at-heights workplace safety. On this episode of Radio Free Tenacity, safety advocate Cameron Swanson joins us to give his perspective on the data, how far we’ve come and the work that needs to be done to ensure dropped object safety becomes SOP when working at height.

Featured Guest:
Cameron Swanson, VP of EHS and Compliance, Enertech. Enertech is a leader in engineering, technology deployment and construction services for the wireless industry.

Related Articles:
How to Implement a Dropped Objects Prevention Plan
[Industry Survey] What are EHS Professionals Doing to Prevent Dropped Objects?


]]> Show Highlights
In 2020, dropped objects accounted for over 45,000 injuries, over 200 fatalities, and approximately $315,000,000 in financial costs.

A major step in mitigating this damage was the development of ANSI/ISEA 121-2018 — a standard for design, testing, performance and labeling requirements for tool tethering systems and containers used when working at height. The “dropped objects standard” set best practices in place for dropped and falling objects prevention every safety manager should know but, according to the aforementioned stats, not enough do. Which is why we set out to better understand the industry’s pulse on object-at-heights workplace safety. On this episode of Radio Free Tenacity, safety advocate Cameron Swanson joins us to give his perspective on the data, how far we’ve come and the work that needs to be done to ensure dropped object safety becomes SOP when working at height.

Featured Guest:
Cameron Swanson, VP of EHS and Compliance, Enertech. Enertech is a leader in engineering, technology deployment and construction services for the wireless industry.

Related Articles:
How to Implement a Dropped Objects Prevention Plan
[Industry Survey] What are EHS Professionals Doing to Prevent Dropped Objects?


]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-10516887 Wed, 27 Apr 2022 15:00:00 -0500 2103 industrial safety, dropped objects prevention, falling objects, ANSI/ISEA 121-2018, dropped objects, 1 9 full false 008 - Big 4 Factors for Eliminating Heat Stress Illness & Fatalities 008 - Big 4 Factors for Eliminating Heat Stress Illness & Fatalities Overview


After professional football player Korey Stringer died from complications of heat stroke in August of 2001, his wife Kelci teamed with heat stroke expert Douglas Casa, Ph.D., ATC to form the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut in April, 2010. The institute has identified four “big ticket” items that, if followed, will almost certainly eliminate HRI's and fatalities on the playing field AND the job site. Margaret Morrissey, Director of KSI Laborer Division joins us to talk about those big ticket items and what the future has in store for heat stress prevention. 


Show highlights:


·     Learn the key components to build your heat stress program around


·     Explore how the world of athletics informs heat illness prevention on the job


·     Uncover the biggest mistake rookie workers make when working in the heat


·     Recognize those most at risk for heat-related illness


·     Identify additional prevention measures when water, rest and shade aren't enough


Featured guest:

Margaret Morrissey, Director of Occupational & Military Safety, Korey Stringer Institute; President, National Heat Safety Coalition

]]> Overview


After professional football player Korey Stringer died from complications of heat stroke in August of 2001, his wife Kelci teamed with heat stroke expert Douglas Casa, Ph.D., ATC to form the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut in April, 2010. The institute has identified four “big ticket” items that, if followed, will almost certainly eliminate HRI's and fatalities on the playing field AND the job site. Margaret Morrissey, Director of KSI Laborer Division joins us to talk about those big ticket items and what the future has in store for heat stress prevention. 


Show highlights:


·     Learn the key components to build your heat stress program around


·     Explore how the world of athletics informs heat illness prevention on the job


·     Uncover the biggest mistake rookie workers make when working in the heat


·     Recognize those most at risk for heat-related illness


·     Identify additional prevention measures when water, rest and shade aren't enough


Featured guest:

Margaret Morrissey, Director of Occupational & Military Safety, Korey Stringer Institute; President, National Heat Safety Coalition

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-10000299 Fri, 04 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0600 1691 1 8 full false 007 - Brain Jiggle is Bad: The Injury Your Hard Hat Overlooks 007 - Brain Jiggle is Bad: The Injury Your Hard Hat Overlooks Overview:


The traditional hard hat design actually does what it was designed to do really well, and that’s preventing head injuries from objects striking workers directly—linear impacts. What it doesn’t account for as well are glancing blows or angled impacts that create rotational forces to the brain which can have long lasting, detrimental effect to worker health. 


Olof Rylander, Sr Business Developer of Safety for Mips joins us to discuss how his company is addressing this worksite risk by boosting the protection power of safety helmets with an innovative safety system aimed at reducing rotational motion. 


Show Highlights:


  • The current blindspot in hard hat and safety helmet testing
  • The difference between angled and direct impacts
  • Rotational motion and its long-lasting damage to the brain
  • How Mips works to mitigate rotational motion

 


Featured Guest:


Olof Rylander, Sr. Business Developer of Safety for Mips

]]> Overview:


The traditional hard hat design actually does what it was designed to do really well, and that’s preventing head injuries from objects striking workers directly—linear impacts. What it doesn’t account for as well are glancing blows or angled impacts that create rotational forces to the brain which can have long lasting, detrimental effect to worker health. 


Olof Rylander, Sr Business Developer of Safety for Mips joins us to discuss how his company is addressing this worksite risk by boosting the protection power of safety helmets with an innovative safety system aimed at reducing rotational motion. 


Show Highlights:


  • The current blindspot in hard hat and safety helmet testing
  • The difference between angled and direct impacts
  • Rotational motion and its long-lasting damage to the brain
  • How Mips works to mitigate rotational motion

 


Featured Guest:


Olof Rylander, Sr. Business Developer of Safety for Mips

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-9357397 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:00:00 -0500 686 ergodyne, mips, brain injury, radio free tenacity 1 7 full false 006 - How Next Level Companies Approach Safety 006 - How Next Level Companies Approach Safety Bill Geddings, Sr. Safety Engineer at Zoox, joins the pod! Zoox is an autonomous vehicle company currently headquartered in Foster City, California, founded to make personal transportation safer and cleaner. The company is currently focused on testing on private and public roads as they move towards launching the first Zoox ride-hailing service.


Show highlights:

  • The power of continuous improvement
  • How next level companies approach safety
  • How to leverage safety gear manufacturers as a partner in safety


Featured End User/Guest:

Bill Geddings, Sr. Safety Engineer at Zoox

]]> Bill Geddings, Sr. Safety Engineer at Zoox, joins the pod! Zoox is an autonomous vehicle company currently headquartered in Foster City, California, founded to make personal transportation safer and cleaner. The company is currently focused on testing on private and public roads as they move towards launching the first Zoox ride-hailing service.


Show highlights:

  • The power of continuous improvement
  • How next level companies approach safety
  • How to leverage safety gear manufacturers as a partner in safety


Featured End User/Guest:

Bill Geddings, Sr. Safety Engineer at Zoox

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-9201309 Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0500 1819 ergodyne, Ergodyne, safety, AI, autonomous vehicles, radio free tenacity 1 6 full false 005 - Head Over Tea Kettle - Slips, Trips, & Choosing The Right Traction 005 - Head Over Tea Kettle - Slips, Trips, & Choosing The Right Traction Overview:

If over a quarter century of America’s Funniest Home Videos has taught us anything, it’s that people fall—a lot. But with falls accounting for over 30,000 deaths in the U.S. each year (the third highest among accidental deaths), it’s not always as funny as Bob Saget, Tom Bergeron, Alfonso Ribiero or *insert dad-joke machine here* make it seem. 


The cost of these accidents is steep—with the average disabling claim costing a hefty $28,000. The good news? The right traction device cost just a few bucks to keep you upright and out of harm's way. But choosing the right one is key. Peter Freeberg, ACS Safety Manager at Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport, joins us to discuss the challenges of keeping his crews upright in the frozen north. 


Show Highlights:

  • How to drive PPE compliance by giving work crews a deeper sense of ownership in the selection process
  • How the right ice cleats/traction devices improve safety & productivity 
  • How the wrong ice cleats/traction devices can actually cause injuries and equipment damage



Featured End User/Guest:

Peter Freeberg, Operations Service Manager, MSP Int’l Airport 


As Operations Service Manager for Delta Airlines at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Peter and his team are on the frontline of below-wing operations. Always looking for ways to improve and do the job just plain better, Peter’s team was integral in helping Ergodyne develop the industry’s first true indoor/outdoor spikeless traction device.


Alsie Nelson, Product Director, Ergodyne


Alsie leads the development of products that combat temperature stress, including cooling PPE and winter work gear. Her dedication to mitigating the risk of temperature stress on the job has helped propel Ergodyne into one of the most respected thought leaders in the category.

]]> Overview:

If over a quarter century of America’s Funniest Home Videos has taught us anything, it’s that people fall—a lot. But with falls accounting for over 30,000 deaths in the U.S. each year (the third highest among accidental deaths), it’s not always as funny as Bob Saget, Tom Bergeron, Alfonso Ribiero or *insert dad-joke machine here* make it seem. 


The cost of these accidents is steep—with the average disabling claim costing a hefty $28,000. The good news? The right traction device cost just a few bucks to keep you upright and out of harm's way. But choosing the right one is key. Peter Freeberg, ACS Safety Manager at Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport, joins us to discuss the challenges of keeping his crews upright in the frozen north. 


Show Highlights:

  • How to drive PPE compliance by giving work crews a deeper sense of ownership in the selection process
  • How the right ice cleats/traction devices improve safety & productivity 
  • How the wrong ice cleats/traction devices can actually cause injuries and equipment damage



Featured End User/Guest:

Peter Freeberg, Operations Service Manager, MSP Int’l Airport 


As Operations Service Manager for Delta Airlines at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Peter and his team are on the frontline of below-wing operations. Always looking for ways to improve and do the job just plain better, Peter’s team was integral in helping Ergodyne develop the industry’s first true indoor/outdoor spikeless traction device.


Alsie Nelson, Product Director, Ergodyne


Alsie leads the development of products that combat temperature stress, including cooling PPE and winter work gear. Her dedication to mitigating the risk of temperature stress on the job has helped propel Ergodyne into one of the most respected thought leaders in the category.

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-9043858 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500 2397 safety, Radio free tenacity, ergodyne, EHS daily, EHS, slips, industrial safety, Ergodyne, Safety 1 5 full false 004 - Is Your Lanyard Legit? - How ANSI/ISEA 121-2018 aka “The Dropped Objects Standard” Should Inform The Solutions You Choose 004 - Is Your Lanyard Legit? - How ANSI/ISEA 121-2018 aka “The Dropped Objects Standard” Should Inform The Solutions You Choose Overview:

ANSI/ISEA 121-2018 established minimum design, performance, labeling and testing requirements for solutions that prevent falling objects while working at height––including tool lanyards. But what does that mean to you? Ergodyne Product Director and ISEA  member Nate Bohmbach played a key role in the creation of the standard, and he joins the pod to explain exactly what it all means to the typical work site (and why you should care). 


Show Highlights:

  • Why the creation of ANSI/ISEA 121 was a landmark in at-heights safety
  • What ANSI/ISEA 121 means to the average safety pro
  • How ANSI/ISEA 121 can be used to guide the selection of drops prevention equipment 
  • Get a run-down of the latest & greatest 121-compliant safety gear 



Featured Guest:

Nate Bohmbach, Product Director, Ergodyne 

Nate Bohmbach’s passion for at-heights safety solutions includes the emerging category of Objects at Heights. As Product Director at Ergodyne, Bohmbach leads the Prevention Pillar, where he has developed innovative safety products and taught best practices to multiple industries since 2011. Additionally, Nate has served as chair for the ISEA Standards Committee for Dropped Objects Solutions and is a member of NATE (National Association of Tower Erectors). He presents for 1000s of EHS professionals annually (across almost every industry vertical) on the topic of dropped objects prevention.

Related Article:
Is Your Lanyard Legit?: Five Must-Haves for Every ANSI-Compliant Tool Lanyard

]]> Overview:

ANSI/ISEA 121-2018 established minimum design, performance, labeling and testing requirements for solutions that prevent falling objects while working at height––including tool lanyards. But what does that mean to you? Ergodyne Product Director and ISEA  member Nate Bohmbach played a key role in the creation of the standard, and he joins the pod to explain exactly what it all means to the typical work site (and why you should care). 


Show Highlights:

  • Why the creation of ANSI/ISEA 121 was a landmark in at-heights safety
  • What ANSI/ISEA 121 means to the average safety pro
  • How ANSI/ISEA 121 can be used to guide the selection of drops prevention equipment 
  • Get a run-down of the latest & greatest 121-compliant safety gear 



Featured Guest:

Nate Bohmbach, Product Director, Ergodyne 

Nate Bohmbach’s passion for at-heights safety solutions includes the emerging category of Objects at Heights. As Product Director at Ergodyne, Bohmbach leads the Prevention Pillar, where he has developed innovative safety products and taught best practices to multiple industries since 2011. Additionally, Nate has served as chair for the ISEA Standards Committee for Dropped Objects Solutions and is a member of NATE (National Association of Tower Erectors). He presents for 1000s of EHS professionals annually (across almost every industry vertical) on the topic of dropped objects prevention.

Related Article:
Is Your Lanyard Legit?: Five Must-Haves for Every ANSI-Compliant Tool Lanyard

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-8962251 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0500 2018 1 4 full false 003 - Personal Protection Envy - Choosing PPE That'll Make You The Envy Of Work Crews Everywhere 003 - Personal Protection Envy - Choosing PPE That'll Make You The Envy Of Work Crews Everywhere The best PPE is the PPE that gets worn. Knowing what PPE your worksite needs is one thing, knowing what your crew wants is quite another. Safety Superhero Abby Ferri and Greg Schrab (Ergodyne SVP of Product Mgmt) help us go beyond the basics to track the trends in PPE and discuss what’s hot, what’s not and what’s hip, now and wow.


Show Highlights:

  • How frontline managers are selling safety to their workers (and why the  words they use matter) 
  • What you're saying about the value of your workforce with the gear you provide 
  • The critical connection between worker feedback and high-performing (and highly coveted) PPE
  • Catching up with the latest and greatest work gear wonders


Featured Guests:


Abby Ferri, Safety & Risk Management Consultant, Podcaster (Safety Justice League), Author (The Safety Habit)


Greg Schrab, Senior VP of Product Management, Ergodyne

Related Articles:
How to Determine the Right PPE for Your Worksite

]]> The best PPE is the PPE that gets worn. Knowing what PPE your worksite needs is one thing, knowing what your crew wants is quite another. Safety Superhero Abby Ferri and Greg Schrab (Ergodyne SVP of Product Mgmt) help us go beyond the basics to track the trends in PPE and discuss what’s hot, what’s not and what’s hip, now and wow.


Show Highlights:

  • How frontline managers are selling safety to their workers (and why the  words they use matter) 
  • What you're saying about the value of your workforce with the gear you provide 
  • The critical connection between worker feedback and high-performing (and highly coveted) PPE
  • Catching up with the latest and greatest work gear wonders


Featured Guests:


Abby Ferri, Safety & Risk Management Consultant, Podcaster (Safety Justice League), Author (The Safety Habit)


Greg Schrab, Senior VP of Product Management, Ergodyne

Related Articles:
How to Determine the Right PPE for Your Worksite

]]> Buzzsprout-8825932 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0500 4060 radio free tenacity, Radio Free Tenacity, ergodyne, safety, ppe, safety justice league, industrial safety, safety, worksite safety 1 3 full false 002 - Cover Your Mug - How The Pandemic Pushed PPE Transparency Into The Spotlight 002 - Cover Your Mug - How The Pandemic Pushed PPE Transparency Into The Spotlight The last year saw PPE become a household acronym with the face mask as its breakout star. But the CDC's recommendation to "cover your mug" presented a unique set of challenges for safety gear manufacturers and those working (quickly!) to set and communicate a baseline of performance standards for this overnight PPE sensation.


In this episode of RFT, we'll pick the brains of two prominent figures within ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) to unpack those challenges, the mutual role ISEA and manufacturers play in building trust around safety solutions and what the future of face masks holds.


Show Highlights:

  • How to determine the trustworthiness of your safety gear
  • Why the manufacturer of your safety gear matters
  • How safety gear standards are developed & why they're needed
  • Why safety equipment standards are ever evolving
  • How to choose the right face covering for the job
  • Determining the future of face covering & face covering performance standards past the COVID-19 pandemic


Featured Guests:


Cristine Fargo, Former VP of Operations and Technical Services, ISEA

In her 25+ years with ISEA, Cristine oversaw many functions of the organization including standards development for safety equipment.


Tom Votel, Vice Chair, ISEA // President & CEO, Ergodyne

Tom founded Ergodyne in 1983 and has been a board member of ISEA since 2011--bringing a lifetime of advocacy and experience in industrial safety to his current position of ISEA Vice Chair.

Related Articles
What Face Covering Should I Use?

]]> The last year saw PPE become a household acronym with the face mask as its breakout star. But the CDC's recommendation to "cover your mug" presented a unique set of challenges for safety gear manufacturers and those working (quickly!) to set and communicate a baseline of performance standards for this overnight PPE sensation.


In this episode of RFT, we'll pick the brains of two prominent figures within ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) to unpack those challenges, the mutual role ISEA and manufacturers play in building trust around safety solutions and what the future of face masks holds.


Show Highlights:

  • How to determine the trustworthiness of your safety gear
  • Why the manufacturer of your safety gear matters
  • How safety gear standards are developed & why they're needed
  • Why safety equipment standards are ever evolving
  • How to choose the right face covering for the job
  • Determining the future of face covering & face covering performance standards past the COVID-19 pandemic


Featured Guests:


Cristine Fargo, Former VP of Operations and Technical Services, ISEA

In her 25+ years with ISEA, Cristine oversaw many functions of the organization including standards development for safety equipment.


Tom Votel, Vice Chair, ISEA // President & CEO, Ergodyne

Tom founded Ergodyne in 1983 and has been a board member of ISEA since 2011--bringing a lifetime of advocacy and experience in industrial safety to his current position of ISEA Vice Chair.

Related Articles
What Face Covering Should I Use?

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-8745300 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0500 3578 radio free tenacity, Radio Free Tenacity, safety, face covering, masks, covid, covid19, ergodyne, Ergodyne, public health, ISEA, industrial safety 1 2 full false 001 - Tie or Die - Worker Safety on the Biggest High-Rise Solar Build in American History 001 - Tie or Die - Worker Safety on the Biggest High-Rise Solar Build in American History Overview:

One80 Solar is a commercial solar energy firm on a mission to create more clean, reliable and renewable energy sources. They also hold the honor of tackling the largest high-rise solar panel installation in US history. Faced with high winds and scorching summer heat, Patrick Attwater tells us how his team rose to the challenge to cover the tower and its six-story mid-rise companion with 2,912 solar panels (enough to generate 1 megawatt of power).

Show Highlights:

  • Fostering a culture of safety and accountability on large scale projects
  • The importance of proactive planning to overcome potential safety challenges, such as heat stress and dropped objects
  • Demystifying tool tethering and understanding the options available to worksites
  • Identifying and deploying the proper cooling PPE for mitigating heat stress

Featured End User/Guest:

Patrick Attwater, CEO/One80 Solar

As CEO of One80 Solar, Patrick leads one of the nation's premier solar energy firms focused on commercial and industrial projects. The San Antonio-based firm’s passion for building solar power plants helps clients power their own passions, whether it’s tanning skins, brewing beer, or running a school, with cheaper and cleaner energy.

Featured Product Expert(s):

Tim Gallant 

Tim brings 20+ years of product management, design and development to the team, with a focus on innovating solutions for dropped object prevention and personal protective equipment including head, eye, hand and knee protection. 

Alsie Nelson

Alsie leads the development of products that combat temperature stress, including cooling PPE and winter work gear. Her dedication to mitigating the risk of temperature stress on the job has helped propel Ergodyne into one of the most respected thought leaders in the category.

Related Articles:

Demand The Safety To Do Great Things: Tie or Die

]]> Overview:

One80 Solar is a commercial solar energy firm on a mission to create more clean, reliable and renewable energy sources. They also hold the honor of tackling the largest high-rise solar panel installation in US history. Faced with high winds and scorching summer heat, Patrick Attwater tells us how his team rose to the challenge to cover the tower and its six-story mid-rise companion with 2,912 solar panels (enough to generate 1 megawatt of power).

Show Highlights:

  • Fostering a culture of safety and accountability on large scale projects
  • The importance of proactive planning to overcome potential safety challenges, such as heat stress and dropped objects
  • Demystifying tool tethering and understanding the options available to worksites
  • Identifying and deploying the proper cooling PPE for mitigating heat stress

Featured End User/Guest:

Patrick Attwater, CEO/One80 Solar

As CEO of One80 Solar, Patrick leads one of the nation's premier solar energy firms focused on commercial and industrial projects. The San Antonio-based firm’s passion for building solar power plants helps clients power their own passions, whether it’s tanning skins, brewing beer, or running a school, with cheaper and cleaner energy.

Featured Product Expert(s):

Tim Gallant 

Tim brings 20+ years of product management, design and development to the team, with a focus on innovating solutions for dropped object prevention and personal protective equipment including head, eye, hand and knee protection. 

Alsie Nelson

Alsie leads the development of products that combat temperature stress, including cooling PPE and winter work gear. Her dedication to mitigating the risk of temperature stress on the job has helped propel Ergodyne into one of the most respected thought leaders in the category.

Related Articles:

Demand The Safety To Do Great Things: Tie or Die

]]> https://www.ergodyne.com/podcasts Ergodyne Buzzsprout-8604851 Fri, 28 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500 2334 Radio Free Tenacity, radio free tenacity, Ergodyne, ergodyne, safety, Safety 1 1 full false 000 - Radio Free Tenacity is on the Air 000 - Radio Free Tenacity is on the Air Introducing Radio Free Tenacity, a podcast utterly obsessed with Making the Workplace a Betterplace™. Featuring the latest work gear, stimulating convos with experts & innovators and more than its fair share of surprises, worksite safety has never sounded so good. Get switched on to The Voice of Worker Safety! www.ergodyne.com

]]> Introducing Radio Free Tenacity, a podcast utterly obsessed with Making the Workplace a Betterplace™. Featuring the latest work gear, stimulating convos with experts & innovators and more than its fair share of surprises, worksite safety has never sounded so good. Get switched on to The Voice of Worker Safety! www.ergodyne.com

]]> Ergodyne Buzzsprout-8370045 Tue, 20 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0500 43 1 0 full false