In this episode of the Springs Everywhere podcast, host Gary McCoy sits down with Dr. Laura Helmrich-Rhodes — board‑certified safety professional, associate professor, and SMI’s longtime regulatory and compliance consultant — for a deep, practical conversation about the state of safety inmodern manufacturing.

Rhodes talks about the biggest safety risks in manufacturing, the daily habits that actually prevent injuries and how “smart safety” will reshape the future. She also shares a preview of her session at the SMI Annual Meeting in Puerto Rico andexplains how SMI members can tap into her expertise year‑round.

A powerful, practical conversation for every manufacturing leader.

Please note an update from Rhodes regarding the cost of musculoskeletal disorders: "More than half (56%) of workplace injuries impact the back, shoulder, knee, ormultiple body parts — costing nearly $32.6 billion." That’s according to the Workplace Safety Index from Liberty Mutual Business Insurance.

You can connect with Rhodes through LinkedIn, email laurahrhodes@gmail.com or contact SMI at 847-450-6848.

The Springs Are Everywhere podcast highlights critical issues facing manufacturers and gives a brief glimpse of products that contain springs! Though often hidden in plain sight, springs are part of everyone’s daily life and used in products commonly found in your car, cellphone or workplace.

This podcast episode is brought to you by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com) and our SilverSponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com).

Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at www.smihq.org.

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