Cannabis in the Workplace, Safety Reflections and Supervisor Communication: What You Read in May

May has felt like both the longest and shortest month ever. Perhaps it’s both. There’s so much pent-up excitement for warmer weather, summer vacations and beach days. And yet, we’ve had a rather cold, extra soggy month.

My modest vegetable and herb garden is nearly finished; I just need to get my pepper plants. In one of the Facebook gardening groups I belong to, someone asked if it’s too late to plant watermelon. According to the calendar, it would seem the person missed the planting window, but everything has been delayed by the weather.

I think that’s an apt description of expectation versus reality. Even if someone planted watermelons outside when they were “supposed” to, they probably would’ve lost them to the late frosts and unending rain.

It’s a teensy example, but I love how it illustrates the difference between fact and knowledge. We know what we should do in ideal circumstances, but what do you do when the circumstances are anything but? The adjustments and decisions you make in those instances are a testament to your knowledge, born out of education and experience.

That’s how you ensure people follow protocol and stay safe, no matter what. It’s not luck; it’s rigorous planning, testing and training.I hope this reinspires you to continue championing safety for another week.

Until next time, stay safe, be well and be kind!

Strategies for Dealing with the Effect of Cannabis in the Workplace

NSC suggests training supervisors to recognize and respond to impairment from cannabis use.

Read more here.

Executives Tie Environmental Performance to Business Success

Business performance increasingly depends on how well companies manage environmental risks, resource efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Read more here.

Are You Working at One of America’s Safest Companies?

EHS Today is accepting applications until June 1 for the 2026 America's Safest Companies awards, honoring safety excellence.

Read more about the requirements—and apply—here!

ASSP Launches New Applied AI EHS Certificate

ASSP joined with University of Alabama to give EHS professionals "practical guidance, and the ability to apply these technologies responsibly," says Donald Burke of UAB.

Read more here.

Podcast: A Psychologist’s Reflections on Safety

E. Scott Geller muses on how safety has improved—and worsened—over his 50-plus year career.

Listen here.

The Power of Supervisor Communication: Transforming Safety Culture on Work Sites

Safety leaders are the key interpreters and communicators who influence safety behavior on work sites, often more than formal policies or procedures.

Read more here.

Bridging the Mentorship Gap: Enhancing Construction Site Safety Amid Baby Boomer Retirement

Retiring baby boomers take with them invaluable safety knowledge that is difficult to replace through formal training alone.

Read more here.

36% of Lone Workers Had Accident Last Year

Utilities, oil and gas have the highest accident rate at 48%, followed by construction at 41% and manufacturing at 35%, said EcoOnline survey.

Read more here.

A Shift in Safety Perceptions

An NSC report discusses core safety challenges, total worker health and ESG concerns.

Read more here.

Joyless Work, Record Drought and Clean Air: What I’m Reading This Week

A look at some news of note for safety professionals.

Read more here.