S17 E1:The Best Safety Tools Are Those That Get Used: Getting real crew buy-in for safer, easier work

In this episode of Doodoo Divas Smells Like Money, host Suzan Chin Taylor continues the conversation with Steve Statema, co founder of SoSafe Equipment and inventor of the PowerLift Manhole Cover Lifter.Together, they dive into one of the most critical issues in the wastewater and civil infrastructure industry — jobsite safety. Steve shares firsthand lessons from municipal operations, including why safety tools often go unused, how accessibility and convenience impact behavior, and what it takes to move crews from resistance to real buy in.The discussion explores how the right safety tools can not only prevent injuries but also dramatically increase productivity, reduce downtime, and improve morale. From real world injury experiences to hands on equipment demos and ROI driven decision making, this episode highlights how safety culture directly impacts performance and workforce retention.If you work in wastewater, public works, utilities, or civil infrastructure, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately to help ensure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.Learn more about SoSafe Equipment and the PowerLift Manhole Cover Lifter at shopsosafe.com.Topics Covered• Jobsite safety in wastewater and utilities• Why safety tools must be easy to use• Overcoming resistance to new equipment• Crew buy in and leadership strategies• Safety tools as productivity drivers• Understanding safety ROI• Building a culture of accountability and protectionConnect With Steve Statema:Co-Founder: So Safe Equipment and Inventor of the Power LifterEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-statema-92535b317/Website:shopsosafe.comI hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#WastewaterIndustry #JobsiteSafety #UtilityWorkers #PublicWorks #InfrastructureSafety #SafetyCulture #TrenchlessTechnology #MunicipalOperations #LeadershipDevelopment #SmellsLikeMoneyPodcast