Prove It To Me - Real Research, Real Data, No BS

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, we dive into the complex world of measuring workplace safety technology and cognitive awareness. Can we use brain-scanning technology (fNIRS) to determine if a worker actually perceives a hazard, rather than just looking at it? Having spent years researching occupational risk perceptions, Dr. Matt Law breaks down the massive real-world hurdles of this new study—from the 5-to-10-second latency of blood flow to the physical impossibility of wearing a brain scanner under a hard hat on a 95-degree day. Key Takeaways: The Hardware Hurdle: Why the gap between a pristine, climate-controlled laboratory and a chaotic jobsite makes fNIRS monitoring a non-starter for field use. The Auditory Contradiction: The study proves hearing is critical for spatial awareness and risk perception. So, how does standard safety PPE (hearing protection) impact a worker's neurological ability to identify hazards? Actionable Risk Perception: You don't need a brain scanner to improve safety. We discuss how understanding your workforce's demographics—like birthplace and age—can help you tailor training and improve risk perception organically.   References: Lee, K., Pooladvand, S., Esmaeili, B., & Hasanzadeh, S. (2024). Understanding construction workers' risk perception using neurophysiological responses. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 38(6), Article 04024039. https://doi.org/10.1061/JCCEE5.CPENG-5906 Law, M. E. (2023). Occupational risk perceptions among foreign-born construction workers in central Florida (Publication No. 30493718) [Doctoral study, Walden University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law brings back the conversation from Episode 106 regarding the industry's toxic obsession with "Complacency." Thanks to a clinical psychology study sent over by his wife, we look at the fMRI neuroscience of "Recreational Fear" to validate why the C-word is a myth—it’s just the brain's Default Mode Network (DMN) achieving cognitive efficiency. We revisit the failure of "Scare Tactics" (Threat Appeals) from Episodes 108/109, and discuss how replacing gory safety videos with high-arousal, controlled simulations (like VR or escape-room style drills) can actually train the brain to safely sever the DMN and snap into the Salience Network (active hazard recognition) without causing defensive avoidance. References: Petrova, K. (2025, October). Controlled fear might temporarily alter brain patterns linked to depression. PsyPost. https://www.psypost.org/controlled-fear-might-temporarily-alter-brain-patterns-linked-to-depression/ Zhan, Y., & Ding, X. (2025). Fear-pleasure paradox in recreational fear: Neural correlates and therapeutic potential in depression. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 18, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S529004

In this episode of #ProveItPod, we dive into the complex world of workplace #safety #technology with Kenna Stanley. It’s easy to get distracted by the "shiny object" of new tech, but as we discuss today, successful implementation comes down to #culture, #readiness, and the human element. We explore the gap between academic #research and real-world application, the very real danger of alert fatigue, and why asking your workers two simple questions might be the best first step you can take. Key Takeaways: Culture over Infrastructure: Having the IT resources to implement tech is only half the battle. Without cultural buy-in and worker engagement, even the best tools will be sunsetted within a year. Beware of Alert Fatigue: Technology should enhance safety without overwhelming the worker. Too many notifications can lead to the "boy who cried wolf" effect, rendering proximity sensors and wearables useless. The Two Magic Questions: Not sure where to start? Ask your workers: Where is our next fatality going to happen? and What can we do about it? * Bridging the Research Gap: Why EHS professionals need systematic, unbiased reviews of safety tech rather than relying solely on siloed lab studies or vendor sales pitches. About Our Guest: Kenna Stanley is a Research Manager with the National Safety Council, where she specializes in workplace safety, technology adoption, and human-centered innovation. With a background in criminology and behavioral science from the University of Florida, she brings together data and human factors to shape practical strategies to make workplaces safer and more secure. Connect with Kenna on LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: Work to Zero Digital Readiness Assessment NSC Spring Safety Summit – (Join us on May 6th for the Safety Technology Workshop!)

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law battles post-conference road fatigue to tackle a brand new case study from the International Journal of Construction Management. The study reviews the implementation of the Army Safety and Occupational Health Management System (ASOHMS) within a USACE district. While the researchers found a correlation between the system's implementation and a reduction in contractor incident rates, the episode dives deep into the statistical methodology. We compare ASOHMS to ANSI/ASSP Z10 and ISO 45001, break down the double-edged sword of "rolling averages," and ask a tough question: If landmark research proves that TRIR is statistically invalid and driven by random variance, can we really use it to prove our complex management systems are working? References: American Society of Safety Professionals. (2019). Occupational health and safety management systems (ANSI/ASSP Z10.0-2019). Hallowell, M., Quashne, M., Salas, R., Jones, M., MacLean, B., & Quinn, E. (2021). The statistical invalidity of TRIR as a measure of safety performance. Professional Safety, 66(4), 28–34. Moskowitz, J. M., & McCranie, J. B. (2025). Investigating the impact of army safety and occupational health management system implementation on safety performance indices: case study of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers district. International Journal of Construction Management, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2025.2537722 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (2024). Safety and health requirements manual (EM 385-1-1).

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, we are taking a quick detour from our usual heavy safety metrics this week to look at a headline that recently went viral: "Ohioans have 1.13% chance of being abducted by aliens, study finds." If that were true, over 130,000 people in Ohio would be missing right now! Dr. Matt Law tracks down the original "study" (published by a sports betting website) and tears apart the methodology. We dive into the raw data to explore why using "insomnia" and "Google search trends" as risk factors is absurd, and why capping a risk score at a 2% maximum because it "feels right" is statistical malpractice. More importantly, we put our safety nerd hats back on to explain the crucial difference between Probability (math) and Likelihood (guessing)—and why confusing the two is a major problem in real-world risk assessments. Whether you're from Ohio, the "high-risk" state of New Hampshire, or the absolute safe haven of Prince Edward Island, tune in for a lesson in data literacy and a good laugh. References: Harris, A. (2026). Alien abduction odds index 2026: Where reports cluster across the U.S. and Canada. Canada Sports Betting. https://www.canadasportsbetting.ca/news/research/alien-abduction-odds-2026/ Millard, K. (2026). Ohioans have 1.13% chance of being abducted by aliens, study finds. NBC4 WCMH-TV. https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/ohioans-have-1-13-chance-of-being-abducted-by-aliens-study-finds/

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law (running on fumes at hour 71 of a fast) dives into the latest industry report from the What Works Institute and Evotix. We explore the gap between "Industry Sentiment" and "Scientific Evidence," dissect the new trends in AI and SIF prevention, and discuss why standards like ANSI Z16.1 and ASTM E2920-26 are the cure for "muddled data." References: American Society of Safety Professionals. (2022). Safety and health metrics and performance measures (ANSI/ASSP Z16.1-2022). ASTM International. (2026). Standard guide for recording occupational injuries and illnesses (ASTM E2920-26). What Works Institute & Evotix. (2025). Risk recalibrated: 2026 executive leadership report on AI, SIF and human-centric EHS [White paper]. Evotix. https://www.evotix.com

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, we're going to talk about a clear link between the E and the S in EHS. We check the weather for lightning, but we ignore the smog. This study suggests that air pollution is a massive, hidden multiplier for workplace accidents. If the air is thick, your workers are slower and the risk is higher. Treat an 'Air Quality Alert' like a 'Red Flag Warning' for safety. References:  Hou, Z., Chen, H., & Zhang, N. (2025). Devil particles: Air pollution and safety liability accidents. Energy Economics, 151, Article 108894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108894 American Society of Safety Professionals. (2025). Exposure to air pollution could increase workplace incidents. Professional Safety, 70(X), [Page Numbers]. https://www.assp.org/publications/professional-safety

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, we discuss how we are spending billions on safety interventions, but the evidence base backing them is surprisingly thin. We rely on 'Before and After' success stories that might just be statistical luck. If we want to be taken seriously as a scientific discipline, we need to stop accepting anecdotes as data and start demanding to know the mechanism of change. References: Dawney, J., Adams, A., Sykes, K., Maistrello, G., & Fahy, N. (2025). Occupational safety and health interventions: The state of the evidence [Technical report]. Lloyd’s Register Foundation Global Safety Evidence Centre. https://www.lrfoundation.org.uk/publications/OSH-evidence-review American Society of Safety Professionals. (2026). Report explores how EHS professionals & researchers work together to increase safety. Professional Safety.

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, we’re seeing a generational shift. The martini is out; the gummy is in. But chemically inducing sleep—whether with bourbon or botanicals—isn't the same as actual rest. And if your workforce is 11% stoned at bedtime, we need to ask what that looks like at the 7 AM toolbox talk. References: Patrick, M. E., Pang, Y. C., & Terry-McElrath, Y. M. (2025). Cannabis and Alcohol Use to Initiate Sleep Among Young Adults. JAMA Pediatrics, 179(12), 1357–1359. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.3642 Safety+Health. (2025, December 24). Young adults relying on cannabis as a sleep aid, study finds. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/27689-young-adults-relying-on-cannabis-as-a-sleep-aid-study-finds

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law explores the "Mediocrity Trap". We love to tell young safety pros to 'be the change' and 'stand out.' But this data proves that in many cultures, the nail that sticks out really does get hammered down. If your best employee suddenly starts cutting corners or going quiet, don't assume they burned out. Assume they got lonely. You can't just manage the individual; you have to manage the jealousy of the pack. References: Liu, C., Peng, Y., Xu, S., & Azeem, M. U. (2024). Proactive Employees Perceive Coworker Ostracism: The Moderating Effect of Team Envy and the Behavioral Outcome of Production Deviance. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 29(6), 445–459. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000389 Rutgers University. (2025). "Avoiding the workplace mediocrity trap." ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250218145922.htm

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law takes a dive into the psychological and physiological effects of swearing on physical strength and performance. We used to think swearing worked because it made us angry (arousal) or numb (pain tolerance). Turns out, it works because it takes the brakes off our brain. It lowers our inhibition. That’s great for lifting a heavy rock. It’s maybe not so great for performing open-heart surgery. Use the F-bomb as a tool, but remember that 'disinhibition' in a safety-critical environment is usually called a 'hazard.' The News: Devlin, H. (2025, December 18). Don’t hold back, swearing can boost performance by lowering inhibitions, study finds. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/dec/18/swearing-can-boost-performance-lowering-inhibitions-study The Study: Stephens, R., Dowber, H., Richardson, C., & Washmuth, N. B. (2025). “Don’t hold back”: Swearing improves strength through state disinhibition. American Psychologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001650

In this brand new episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law gives up the host chair to Wyatt Bradbury for a quirky yet critical year-in-review about the podcast. Who is the best Batman, and what's in store for next year? Listen now at www.proveitpod.com or wherever you get your podcasts, and find the full video at https://youtu.be/YJrPZ8fmbqY

In this brand new episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law talks to Georgia Bryce-Hutchinson about addressing mental health and psychosocial hazards through corporate therapy solutions and relying on subject matter experts. Are your workers at risk? Listen now at www.proveitpod.com or wherever you get your podcasts!   About Georgia Bryce-Hutchinson: Georgia A. Bryce-Hutchinson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Workplace Mental Health Consultant & Trainer, and Certified Professional Life Coach at Building Families According to Pattern, LLC. With a background in Environmental Engineering, she brings a systems-thinking approach to corporate mental health—designing strategic coaching and training solutions that reduce stress, build resilience, and enhance wellbeing. Georgia partners with organizations to advance psychological health and safety, crisis response, and leadership development, driving employee engagement, retention, and performance. She has delivered high-impact keynotes and technical presentations for the ASSP, NSC, General Motors, Veriforce, Georgia Safety Conference, and more. Since 2022, she has led mental health initiatives for L’Oréal, facilitating programs for emergency response teams, frontline leaders, and HR professionals. As a Safety FOCUS trainer with ASSP, she champions wellness among safety professionals. Widely recognized in both traditional and digital media, Georgia is a trusted voice on workplace mental health and employee wellbeing.   Episode Resources: Building Families According To Pattern, LLC with Georgia Bryce-Hutchinson www.bfatpllc.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiabryce/ Linked Newsletter – The Therapy Room and Beyond https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6883118076557053952/ Podcast Guest - Psych Health and Safety USA – “Work Shouldn’t Hurt Emotionally” https://youtu.be/IAQ3C83lzrQ?si=0Ak3I9qHonvpvdxJ

In this brand new episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law talks to Dr. Fred Sherratt about social science methodologies, critical discourse analysis, and "safety without the spin". Do construction workers see through your bulls***? Listen now at www.proveitpod.com or wherever you get your podcasts!   About Dr. Fred Sherratt: Dr. Fred Sherratt is an internationally recognized, world-leading academic in the field of construction safety.  A Chartered Builder and a Chartered Building Engineer, she has over ten years’ experience working on UK construction jobsites, with over another ten working as an academic in UK Universities.  Her last role in the UK was as a Professor of Construction Sociology, and she moved to the US in 2022 to continue her work in the science of construction safety.  Fred is currently joint coordinator of the international CIB research commission W099 Worker Health, Safety and Wellbeing in Construction, and has presented her work to academic and industry audiences around the world.   Episode Resources: Unpacking Construction Site Safety  https://a.co/d/1WQQogW   Sherratt F (2013) Et in Arcadia ego? 'Zero target' safety programmes in the UK construction industry. In: Smith, S D and Ahiaga-Dagbui, D D (Eds.), Proceedings 29th Annual ARCOM Conference, 2-4 September 2013, Reading, UK, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 299–308 http://arcom.ac.uk/abstracts-results.php?title=&author=sherratt&keyword=&p=#7822   Exploring ‘Zero Target’ safety programmes in the UK construction industry: Construction Management and Economics: Vol 32, No 7-8 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01446193.2014.894248   Sherratt, F. and Dainty, A.R.J. (2017) UK construction safety: a zero paradox? Policy and Practice in Health and Safety, 15(2) 108-116. https://doi.org/10.1080/14773996.2017.1305040   Sherratt, F., Harch, D. and Perez, A. (2024) Making Zero Work for Construction Safety in a Post-Zero World, Journal of Safety Research, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2024.08.016   Sherratt, F and Sherratt, S (2017) The Road To Hell: Worker Health, Safety And Wellbeing Within UK Corporate Social Responsibility Practices. In: Chan, P W and Neilson, C J (Eds.), Proceedings 33rd Annual ARCOM Conference, 4-6 September 2017, Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, UK. Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 389–398 http://arcom.ac.uk/abstracts-results.php?title=&author=sherratt&keyword=&p=#13237  

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law dives into a recent study that explores how sleep can affect dark personality traits. Are your sleep habits sending you to the dark side? Listen now to find out! Episode Resources: Poor sleep can bring out workers' darker side, study finds - Safety+Health Magazine Kuijpers, E., Vergauwe, J., Vanderperre, S., Mairesse, O., & Hofmans, J. (2025). Rise of the Dark Side: How Sleep Perception Triggers Dark Triad States at Work. Journal of Organizational Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2885  

In this compelling episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Todd Loushine and Dr. Matt Law deconstruct traditional safety measurement approaches. They challenge listeners to think critically about how safety is defined, measured, and understood, exploring the complex relationship between data, perception, and workplace safety. Listen now at www.proveitpod.com or wherever you get your podcasts! Key highlights include: Critiquing incident rate methodologies Exploring statistical nuances in safety research Discussing cognitive biases in safety interpretation Demonstrating the limitations of current safety metrics The presenters use real-world examples and academic research to illustrate how our current understanding of safety might be fundamentally flawed. They advocate for a more curious, experimental approach to safety management, emphasizing the importance of challenging assumptions and continuously learning. Perfect for safety professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the deeper complexities of workplace safety beyond surface-level metrics. Chapters: Introduction of Speakers and Session Overview ‎00:00:48 The moderator, Kelton, introduced Dr. Todd Loushine and Dr. Matt Law as the presenters for the breakout session. Dr. Loushine was described as a certified safety professional with a PhD from Wisconsin, currently an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and a former compliance safety and health officer. Dr. Matt Law was introduced as a certified safety professional with a doctorate in public health from Walden University, whose dissertation focused on occupational risk perceptions among foreign-born construction workers in central Florida. Dr. Law mentioned his podcast "Prove It To Me," noting that the first full-length episode featured a conversation with Dr. Loushine on the same topics they would be discussing in this session. Scientific Method and Research Fundamentals ‎00:04:34 Dr. Loushine began by explaining that the scientific method is cyclical rather than linear, often involving setbacks and sometimes yielding no results despite significant effort. He emphasized that research is about seeking truth and understanding, not just confirming existing beliefs. Dr. Loushine introduced key research concepts including construct validity (whether one variable truly relates to or causes another), measure reliability, and bias assessment. He stressed the importance of peer-reviewed publications versus non-reviewed content, noting a disconnect between researchers and practitioners in the safety field. Importance of Curiosity in Safety Research ‎00:10:23 Dr. Matt Law emphasized the need for curiosity in safety research, encouraging the audience to question both ideas that align with and contradict their preconceptions. He noted that the safety and health field lacks consensus on the "right way" to do safety, with many approaches (BBS, HOP, Safety One, Safety Two, etc.) having little evidence-based support. Dr. Law framed this as an opportunity for testing and measurement to determine what actually works in improving workplace safety. Challenging Traditional Safety Metrics ‎00:12:16 Dr. Loushine questioned how safety is defined and measured, suggesting that if something can't be measured, its effectiveness can't be established. He presented statistical concepts related to normal distribution and explained why injury data doesn't follow a normal distribution but is asymptotic. Dr. Loushine argued that comparing companies to industry averages using incident rates is problematic because extreme outliers skew the data. He questioned whether judging safety program performance based on injury numbers is appropriate, comparing it to judging driving performance based solely on accidents. Research on OSHA Data Reporting Issues ‎00:27:16 Dr. Loushine shared findings from his published study analyzing seven years of OSHA 300A data, revealing that approximately 12% of submitted reports contained errors or inconsistencies in reported hours worked or employee numbers. These errors significantly impact incident rate calculations since hours worked is the denominator in the formula. After making corrections to the data, Dr. Loushine found that the calculated rates didn't match Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, raising questions about the validity of these metrics. Reinterpreting Heinrich's Pyramid ‎00:32:41 The speakers discussed Heinrich's pyramid (the theory that for every major injury there are numerous minor incidents and near misses), arguing that Heinrich's work has been misinterpreted. Dr. Loushine explained that Heinrich never claimed these incidents were directly related but rather demonstrated the value in understanding near misses and minor incidents that occur more frequently. Dr. Matt Law noted that comparing different types of incidents using different calculation methods doesn't make sense but is often done because "it looks kinda sexy." Correlation vs. Causation in Safety Research ‎00:35:15 Dr. Matt Law emphasized the distinction between correlation and causation, explaining that many factors contribute to safety outcomes, with any single factor typically accounting for only a small percentage of the variance. He used the example of organizational size correlating with technology adoption but only explaining about 20% of the variance. Dr. Loushine discussed the Hawthorne effect as an example of misattributing causation, where researchers initially thought lighting levels affected productivity but later discovered it was the attention workers received that made the difference. Common Cognitive Biases in Safety ‎00:43:36 Dr. Loushine covered several cognitive biases affecting safety judgments: attribution error (blaming the person closest to an accident), equity theory (perceptions of fairness in the workplace), human error (the inevitability of mistakes), safety culture (organizational attitudes toward safety), and the Dunning-Kruger effect (overconfidence when lacking knowledge). He shared how understanding these biases helped him approach safety management differently in his part-time EHS manager role, creating more learning opportunities and better relationships with workers. Interactive Exercise on Defining Safety ‎00:46:24 Dr. Matt Law led an interactive exercise asking attendees to define safety, receiving varied responses including "sending people home in the same condition," "presence of capacity for failure," "low recordable rate," and "consistently making the right choice." Dr. Loushine offered his definition: "Helping workers get their job done effectively with as minimal risk as possible and hopefully they elicit satisfaction from the work they do." Dr. Law highlighted that the lack of consensus on defining safety makes measuring it challenging. Approaches to Safety Measurement ‎00:48:37 Dr. Law discussed the challenges of measuring safety when definitions vary widely. He shared an anecdote about being asked how many safety professionals an organization should have, noting that his research found no strong correlation between staffing levels and factors like employee count or revenue. He described an organization that successfully developed staffing models based on quantitative risk profiles of their sites. The speakers encouraged experimentation with different measurement approaches rather than relying solely on incident rates. Conclusion and Final Thoughts ‎00:54:29 Dr. Loushine concluded with an Einstein quote about measuring a fish by its ability to climb a tree, emphasizing the importance of appropriate metrics. He encouraged attendees to "observe without bias, seek to understand and test your theories." Both speakers thanked the audience and invited them to connect on LinkedIn and listen to Dr. Law's podcast "Prove It To Me" for more research-based discussions on workplace health and safety.

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law attempts to make sense of a meme that claims recent research has found that roasting your friends makes you more loyal and trustworthy. Listen now to find out! Episode Resources: Gorman, G., & Jordan, C. H. (2015). “I know you’re kidding”: Relationship closeness enhances positive perceptions of teasing. Personal Relationships, 22(2), 173–187. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12071 Johannessen, E. M. V. (2021). Blurred lines: The ambiguity of disparaging humour and slurs in Norwegian high school boys’ friendship groups. Young. https://doi.org/10.1177/11033088211006924 Ledet, B. (2025, March 6). Blair’s social second: Do you insult or roast your friends for fun? FOX 2 Now, Nextar Media Inc. https://fox2now.com/am-show/social-second/blairs-social-second-do-you-insult-or-roast-your-friends-for-fun/ Murti, A. (2020, February 17). Research shows we all should absolutely, relentlessly roast our friends. The Swaddle. https://www.theswaddle.com/why-do-friends-roast-each-other Platt, M., Malecki, C. K., Luckner, A., Wiemer, K., & Pyun, Y. (2022). You can’t sit with us…just kidding! An investigation into the association between empathy and prosocial teasing. Psychology in the Schools, 59(4), 832–844. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22650

In this brand new episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law talks to Dr. Gretchen Roman about original qualitative research into musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial hazards among sign language interpreters. Can Total Worker Health® help us better understand the physical and mental health of this population? Listen now at www.proveitpod.com or wherever you get your podcasts! About Dr. Roman: Dr. Roman received her doctoral training at Massachusetts General Hospital, Institute for Health Professions and Arizona State University, College of Health Solutions. She completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Rochester where she investigated the occupational health of sign language interpreters working remotely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of a mindful practice intervention on the well-being of medical sign and spoken language interpreters. Dr. Roman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine Research with a dual appointment in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester. Her background includes roles as a physical therapist, orthopaedic clinical specialist, ergonomics consultant, and sign language interpreter. Currently, she is focused on a Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health adapting a previously developed Total Worker Health® program to the context of sign language interpreting. Episode Resources: Roman G, Demian C, Love T, Yousefi-Nooraie R. Occupational safety, health, and well-being concerns and solutions for management reported by sign language interpreters: A qualitative study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2024; 21(11):1400. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111400  Dr. Gretchen Roman – University Profile Page https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112363481-gretchen-a-roman

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law digs into a study that suggests married folks are at a higher risk of dementia. Is it true? Listen now to find out! Episode Resources: George, J. (2025, March 25). Surprising findings from new research about dementia and marriage - U.S. study could challenge the belief that marriage protects against cognitive decline. MedPage Today. https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/dementia/114820 Karakose, S., Luchetti, M., Stephan, Y., Sutin, A. R., & Terracciano, A. (2025, March 20). Marital status and risk of dementia over 18 years: Surprising findings from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 21(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.70072

In Part 2 of this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law continues exploring scare tactics used in workplace safety training and ends up putting his own foot in his mouth. Is this guy even credible? Listen now to find out! Episode Resources: Health Communication Capacity Collaborative. (2014). The extended parallel processing model: An HC3 research primer. https://www.healthcommcapacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Extended-Parallel-Processing-Model.pdf Fredrickson, B. L., Cohn, M. A., Coffey, K. A., Pek, J., & Finkel, S. M. (2008). Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(5), 1045-1062. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0013262 Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H. M., Potts, H. W. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998–1009. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674 Law, M. (2020). Four reasons OSH professionals must be better salespeople. Professional Safety, 65(2), 28-31. Li, S.-C. S., Lu, P.-C., & Chen, S.-C. (2020). Emotions in fear appeals: Examining college students’ attitudes and behavioural intentions towards colorectal cancer prevention in Taiwan. Health Education Journal, 79(5), 569–582. https://doi.org/10.1177/0017896919891749 Liang, S., Raymond Rui, J., & Xu, P. (2022). Risk or Efficacy? How risk perception and efficacy beliefs predicted using hearing protection devices among different groups of Chinese workers. Safety Science, 154, 105858-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2022.105858 Page-Bottorff, T. (2016). The habit of safety: Forming, changing & reinforcing key behaviors. Professional Safety, 61(2), 42-43. Trope, Y., & Liberman, N. (2010). Construal-Level Theory of Psychological Distance. Psychological Review, 117(2), 440–463. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018963 Worthington, A. K. (2023). 5.1: Fear appeals – The extended parallel process model. In A. K. Worthington, Persuasion theory in action: An open educational resource (pp. 5.1.1-5.1.5). https://socialsci.libretexts.org/@go/page/179347

In this new #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law does a rapid-fire deep dive into scare tactics used for workplace safety training. Do they work? Listen now to find out! Episode Resources: Brookes, G., & Harvey, K. (2015). Peddling a semiotics of fear: a critical examination of scare tactics and commercial strategies in public health promotion. Social Semiotics, 25(1), 57–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/10350330.2014.988920 Carey, R. N., McDermott, D. T., & Sarma, K. M. (2013). The impact of threat appeals on fear arousal and driver behavior: A meta-analysis of experimental research 1990-2011. PloS One, 8(5), e62821–e62821. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0062821 Health Communication Capacity Collaborative. (2014). The extended parallel processing model: An HC3 research primer. https://www.healthcommcapacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Extended-Parallel-Processing-Model.pdf Koehler, M., Brockamp, T., Bamberg, S., & Gehlert, T. (2022). Change of risk behaviour in young people – the effectiveness of the trauma prevention programme P.A.R.T.Y. considering the effect of fear appeals and cognitive processes. BMC Public Health, 22(1), 595–595. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-12918-2 Türkel, S., Misci Kip, S., & Yasdıman, F. E. (2020). Use of fear appeal in work safety messages: An experimental study. Türkiye Iletişim Araştırmaları Dergisi, 36, 253–267. https://doi.org/10.17829/turcom.842695 Worthington, A. K. (2023). 5.1: Fear appeals – The extended parallel process model. In A. K. Worthington, Persuasion theory in action: An open educational resource (pp. 5.1.1-5.1.5). https://socialsci.libretexts.org/@go/page/179347

In this brand new episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law talks to Dr. Mani Berenji about mental health in the workplace, the research behind addressing mental health, the resources available to employers, and important discussions about messaging and the purpose of Total Worker Health® Listen now at www.proveitpod.com or wherever you get your podcasts! About Dr. Berenji: Dr. Berenji is a double board certified physician specializing in Occupational and Environmental Medicine as well as Preventive Medicine. She is currently Chief of Occupational Health at VA Long Beach Healthcare System. She also leads the Environmental Health Clinic at VA Long Beach Healthcare System, conducting exposure assessments for veterans (including Agent Orange, Gulf War, and Open Burn Pit registry exams). She is Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at UC Irvine School of Medicine as well as Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Wen School of Public Health. She is Lead of Academic and Community Partnerships with the University of California Center for Climate, Health and Equity, where she is spearheading efforts to enhance academic and industry partnerships; evaluating new methodologies to enhance emergency preparedness surrounding climate-related events; working with community leaders on identifying practical climate solutions; and developing climate curricula for medical students and residents. She is currently pursuing board eligibility in Clinical Informatics through the American Board of Preventive Medicine’s Practice Pathway. She is Chair of the Health Informatics as well as the Environmental Health section of ACOEM and continues to lead the ACOEM Presidential Task Force on Digital Transformation through a Planetary Health Lens. She is also a certified medico- legal evaluator and qualified medical examiner in the state of California. Episode Resources: Mental Health at Work - World Health Organization Workplace Mental Health - American Psychiatric Association One Mind at Work Mental Health at Work Index Five Essentials for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being - Office of the Surgeon General 5 Strategies for Improving Mental Health at Work - Harvard Business Review Mental Health in the Workplace - Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

In this new #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law has a meltdown over the dirty C-word and proceeds to burn all the bridges with malice and forethought. He didn't even hit the alarm. Grab your fire extinguisher, and listen now! Episode Resources: Study explores complacency during workplace fire evacuations. (2025). Professional Safety, 70(1), 13. Accessible at www.assp.org with a valid membership. Occupant complacency in workplace fire evacuations Gold, D., Thomas, D., Vincer, N., & Pitkin, M. (2024). Occupant complacency in workplace fire evacuations. Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, 11(1), 1134–15. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03665-3  

In this new #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law has a short but sill unreasonable tangent about research dissemination followed by an investigation into a real workplace hazard. Like seriously. It's actually about #safety this time. And #health. Are you sitting down? Might actually be time to stop that. Episode Resources: Study asks: How much sedentary time is too much? Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary Behavior and Risk of Future Cardiovascular Disease Ajufo, E., Kany, S., Rämö, J. T., Churchill, T. W., Guseh, J. S., Aragam, K. G., Ellinor, P. T., & Khurshid, S. (2024). Accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior and risk of future cardiovascular disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2024.10.065

In this new "Study Finds" episode, Dr. Matt Law looks behind the headlines once again to figure out if late eaters are doomed in life. Will eating after 5pm kill you? Listen to find out! Episode Resources: Concerning study finds 'serious consequences for health' for people who eat after 5pm - Daily Mail Eating After 5 PM Could Be Damaging Your Metabolic and Heart Health - SciTechDaily Late eating is associated with poor glucose tolerance, independent of body weight, fat mass, energy intake and diet composition in prediabetes or early onset type 2 diabetes - Nutrition & Diabetes TREAT to Improve Cardiometabolic Health (NY-TREAT) - ClinicalTrials.gov Díaz-Rizzolo, D.A., Santos Baez, L.S., Popp, C.J., Borhan, R., Sordi-Guth, A., Manoogian, E.N.C., Panda, S., Cheng, B., & Laferrère, B. Late eating is associated with poor glucose tolerance, independent of body weight, fat mass, energy intake and diet composition in prediabetes or early onset type 2 diabetes. Nutr. Diabetes 14, 90 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41387-024-00347-6

In this new "Study Finds" Episode, Dr. Matt Law digs into the truth behind the headlines claiming that maple syrup can prevent heart disease. Is it true? You'll have to listen to find out. Episode Resources: Morning Ag Clips - Why Substitute Sugar With Maple Syrup? Study Abstract Morissette, A., Agrinier, A.-L., Gignac, T., Ramadan, L., Diop, K., Marois, J., Varin, T. V., Pilon, G., Simard, S., Larose, É., Gagnon, C., Arsenault, B. J., Després, J.-P., Carreau, A.-M., Vohl, M.-C., & Marette, A. (2024). Substituting Refined Sugars With Maple Syrup Decreases Key Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Individuals With Mild Metabolic Alterations: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Crossover Trial. The Journal of Nutrition, 154(10), 2963–2975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.08.014

On today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Todd Loushine, Ph.D., P.E., CSP, CIH to talk about research, the difference between master's degrees and doctoral programs, correlation vs. causation, and how to read and interpret the good, the bad, and the ugly in research. Dr. Loushine is an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, specializing in everything from basic OSHA compliance to advanced data analysis techniques and research methods in EHS. Last year, Professor Loushine put his over 30 years of experience “to the test” by working part-time as a safety manager for Research Products Corporation in Madison Wisconsin. Todd’s career began with a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a fortuitus career initiation as a compliance officer with Minnesota-OSHA. He completed his M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with special emphasis on psychology and sociology. Professor Loushine has dedicated his life to educating and assisting others on how to systematically evaluate work, and manage organizations to improve safety, productivity, and job satisfaction. Todd’s approach to safety is systems-based and data-driven, which defines safety as an attribute of work and utilizes a quality management approach. He strives to learn from workers (and students) to understand it from their perspective to be a better instructor while optimizing the design and function of the work processes and relationships. Glossary of Terms: Variable      A variable is an observable characteristic. In research, a variable needs to be measured in some way. There are all sorts of different types of variables in research, but today we are just focused on two types of variables. The first is independent. The independent variable is the variable that changes, and in research we try to measure whether changing the independent variable influences the dependent variable. For example, if we want to find out the relationship between watering an apple tree and the number of apples it produces, the amount of water is the independent variable, and the number of apples produced is the dependent variable. Treatment      Treatment, in simple terms, is another way to refer to the independent variable and the changes made to the independent variable in the research. In the same example I just gave, the treatment is changing the amount of water given to the apple tree. Correlation      This is a measurement of the relationship between two variables, and in research it is a statistical calculation. Keeping with the same example, if I observe that more water given to the tree results in more apples, I have observed a correlation. In fact, this would be a positive correlation, because more water means more apples. A negative correlation would be if more water meant less apples. Causation      Causation is different from correlation in that we are able to prove, statistically, that the independent variable, and nothing else, has a direct effect on the dependent variable. If we go back to the apple tree, causation would mean that we have observed the watering of enough apple trees to determine almost exactly how much more water I needed to get a certain amount of apples. However, it’s not causation until we have also determined that nothing else is affecting apple growth, so we would also have to measure and either rule out or control the potential effects of soil health, sunlight, the age of the tree, the amount of wildlife and insects that interact with the tree, the proximity of the tree to other trees and what types of trees those are… You get the idea, right? By the way, all those other variables like soil and sunlight would be confounding variables that affect the validity and reliability of my study. Validity and Reliability      Validity is the extent to which a study accurately measures something. Reliability means we are able to get the same result over and over again. These are extremely important parts of research, and yes, there are several statistical tests that let us calculate validity and reliability. Type 1/Type 2 error      Type 1 error is a false-positive, meaning that our study reflected that more water means more apples, but in reality this is not true. Type 2 error is a false-negative, which would mean that our study showed that more water did not give us more apples, but in reality more water does give us more apples.

I’m Dr. Matt Law, and I'm the host of "Prove It To Me". This podcast aims to put theories to the test and bring good research to light by showcasing evidence-based solutions. Guests will be challenged to identify things that actually work, provide research and data to back up their claims, and tell us how to measure and manage real solutions. Have some evidence-based research to share? Send an email to [email protected] today!