The deadliest threat in the trades isn’t always on the job. Host Dr. Kevin Rindal sits down with Jenny Lavin, founder of Union Care Solutions, to tackle the overlooked crisis of suicide and overdose—the “Fatal Fifth” in construction and utilities. They discuss how long hours, travel, and a “tough guy” culture contribute to mental health struggles, and how peer support, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), and connected crews can save lives. Jenny shares practical strategies for leaders and teammates to check in, build trust, and implement sustainable mental wellness solutions through her Train, Mobilize, Deploy model.

Discover how connection and care can protect the people who keep our world running.

THE LISTENER TAKEAWAYS

• The Hidden Crisis: Suicide and overdose now outpace on-the-job deaths in construction and utilities, becoming the new "Fatal Fifth."

• Trade Pressures: Long travel, time away from family, and constant work stress take a toll on mental health and contribute to substance misuse.

• Barriers to Help: “Man up” culture, limited PTO, and fear of job loss prevent workers from seeking support.

• Peer Support Matters: Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and peer-to-peer programs build psychologically safe, resilient crews.

• Connection is Protection: Leaders and team members can take practical steps to check in on one another, making vulnerability a strength.

• Strength in Support: Mental wellness thrives when help is available- at work, at home, and in the community.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to WorkReady

01:26 Meet Jenny Lavin

04:07 Pressures Facing Frontline Workers

08:45 The Fatal Fifth: Mental Health in the Trades

15:57 Barriers to Seeking Help

21:40 The Link Between Physical Pain, Opioids, and Addiction

27:24 Critical Incident Stress Management Debriefing

33:43 Training and Certification for CISM

36:49 Recognizing and Addressing Warning Signs

41:30 Building a Connected Crew

44:53 The Mission of Union Care Solutions

50:14 Steps to Implementing Mental Health Support

CONNECT

Connect with Dr. Kevin Rindal

• WorkReady Hub: https://www.kevinrindal.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrindal/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workready_Kevin
• Subscribe to Field Notes: https://www.kevinrindal.com/podcast-page

Connect with Jenny Lavin

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lavin-ccism-50022b321/
• Union Care Solutions: https://www.unioncaresolutions.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/union_care_solutions/
• Email: jlavin@unioncaresolutions.org
• Learn more about CISM: ICISF.org

RESOURCES

• WorkReady Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkReadyPodcast
• Vimocity Workforce Readiness Platform: http://vimocity.com
• WorkReady Community (FREE): https://vimocity.circle.so

🎉 SPONSORS

• Vimocity — The Workforce Readiness Platform http://vimocity.com

• Vimocity Community (FREE for field pros) https://login.circle.so/sign_in?request_host=vimocity.circle.so

FR clothing isn’t just gear. It’s about your family, your future, and your longevity. In this episode, Dr. Kevin Rindal sits down with Derek Sang, a leading voice in flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) safety education. With 25+ years in the industry and a background as a Division I offensive guard at San Diego State, Derek helps bridge the gap between safety regulations, real-world application, and best practices.

He explains why FR/AR clothing matters far beyond compliance: it protects careers, reduces wear-and-tear on your body, and helps workforce athletes perform at their best. Tune in for actionable insights on inspecting PPE, modeling safe behavior, and building a culture of accountability—so everyone can show up ready for the long game.

THE LISTENER TAKEAWAYS

• Your clothing can be the fuel in a fire. FR/AR gear exists to stop everyday fabrics from igniting, not to stop the arc itself.

• Small habits save careers. Simple things like buttoning your shirt, rolling sleeves down, or not wearing a hoodie under FR gear can be the difference between a scare and a life-altering injury.

• Fit your PPE like performance gear. Not too tight, not too loose—the air gap matters.

• Do the 3-second PPE check: Integrity, Fasteners, Fit.

• Leadership sets the standard. When leadership consistently wears and maintains their PPE correctly, newer employees are likely to emulate them.

• Today’s workforce needs the “why.” Clear purpose beats rules every time.
• The trade shortage is real. For every 3 retiring tradespeople, only 1 is entering. Safety and culture matter more than ever.

• Longevity is everything. Better PPE, better ergonomics, and better habits mean more years doing the trade, and enjoying life after.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to WorkReady

01:10 Meet Derek Sang: From Athletics to Safety Expert

03:13 The Evolution and Importance of PPE

07:14 Derek's Journey into the PPE Industry

10:03 Advancements in PPE and Safety Regulations

16:05 Real-Life Incidents and Lessons Learned

27:39 Creating a Culture of Accountability

30:53 The Safety Belt Analogy: Consistent Safety Practices

39:04 Bridging Generational Gaps in Safety Communication

43:50 The Future of Trades and Workforce Challenges

47:14 The Role of Safety Professionals and Personal Sacrifices

53:50 Derek's Personal Drive and Gratitude

CONNECT

Connect with Dr. Kevin Rindal

• WorkReady Hub: https://www.kevinrindal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workready_Kevin
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrindal/
• Subscribe to Field Notes: https://www.kevinrindal.com/podcast-page

Connect with Derek Sang

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-sang-qssp-cshep-iashep-0232b8b/
• Email: derek.sang@bulwark.com
• Bulwark FR (Bulwark.com)

RESOURCES

• WorkReady Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkReadyPodcast
• Vimocity Workforce Readiness Platform: http://vimocity.com
• WorkReady Community (FREE): https://vimocity.circle.so

🎉 SPONSORS

• Vimocity — The Workforce Readiness Platform
• http://vimocity.com
• Vimocity Community (FREE for field pros)
• https://login.circle.so/sign_in?request_host=vimocity.circle.so

Olympic champions, Navy SEALs, and today’s workforce athletes all face the same challenge: staying focused and effective when pressure, distraction, and risk are at their highest. In this episode, Dr. Jim Bauman — U.S. Olympic Team sports psychologist and former Navy SEAL performance consultant —shares the mental performance principles he’s refined over 35+ years working with elite performers in extreme environments.

From Olympic pool decks to SEAL Hell Week, Jim shares how clear purpose, mental pliability, stress compartmentalization, and strategic recovery help you stay sharp, safe, and energized during long, demanding shifts. Tune in to learn how to perform stronger on the job while keeping enough energy for your life at home.

TOP QUOTES

• “Pliability beats toughness. Tough things break. Flexible things survive.”

• “The mind needs cues, not pep talks.”

• “Fatigue doesn’t just slow you down — it changes your decision-making.”

• “Elite performers stay present. They attack the moment they’re in — not the past, not the future.”

  
  

THE LISTENER TAKEAWAYS

• Purpose-Driven Hard Work: Success hinges on knowing your job and aligning intense effort with a clear purpose, much like the hard hat and lunchbox symbolize focus on the task at hand.

• Mental Pliability Over Mental Toughness: Rigid toughness can break under stress; mental pliability allows you to bend, adapt, and remain upright—a critical mindset for navigating unpredictable, high-risk environments.

• Compartmentalization: The ability to stay laser-focused on the present moment—your immediate task—by intentionally disengaging from past stressors or future anxieties.

• The Power of Cues: Using visual or auditory cues (like the swimmer's tattooed smiley face) to immediately shut down negative self-talk and shift attention back to neutral or positive thought patterns.

• Strategic Timeouts: In the absence of an "off-season," workforce athletes must proactively build strategic recovery breaks into their rhythm to manage fatigue, optimize decision-making, and ensure safety.
  

  
  

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to WorkReady

01:17 Dr. Jim Bowen: Construction Roots to Olympic Success

01:52 The Symbolism of the Lunchbox and Hard Hat

04:25 The Importance of Purpose in Hard Work

13:54 Combat Veterans vs. Elite Athletes

22:26 Practical Strategies for High-Risk Jobs

32:22 Addressing PTSD and Mental Health in the Workforce

42:20 Building Flexibility & Pliability in High-Stress Situations

48:26 Impact of Fatigue on Performance

51:41 Strategies for Mental Recovery

53:37 The Power of Visual Cues

01:05:11 Recruiting and Retaining Workforce Talent

01:12:24 Strategic Timeouts for Workforce Well-being

CONNECT

Connect with Dr. Kevin Rindal

• WorkReady Hub: https://www.kevinrindal.com/

• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workready_Kevin

• 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrindal/

• Subscribe to Field Notes: https://www.kevinrindal.com/podcast-page

Connect with Dr. Jim Bauman

• 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jim-bauman-ba969345/

RESOURCES

• WorkReady Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkReadyPodcast

• Vimocity Workforce Readiness Platform: http://vimocity.com

• WorkReady Community (FREE): https://vimocity.circle.so

🎉 SPONSORS

• Vimocity — The Workforce Readiness Platform

http://vimocity.com

• Vimocity Community (FREE for field pros)

https://login.circle.so/sign_in?request_host=vimocity.circle.so