In this episode of the All Things Safety podcast, I talk to Justin Dugas, CSP, Senior Director of Safety and Corporate Services at USG. Drawing on 25 years of experience, Justin discusses the shift from "dull and dangerous" manufacturing to a high-tech industry driven by AI, data-led insights, and holistic employee wellness. Discover how modern leadership is moving beyond lagging indicators to build a culture of "knowledge and courage."

For decades, the public perception of manufacturing was defined by the "three Ds": dull, dirty, and dangerous. But according to Dugas that image is officially a relic of the past.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Dugas outlines a shift in how USG approaches the wellbeing of its workforce.

From Anecdotes to Data

One of the most significant evolutions Dugas has witnessed is the move from "feelings" to "science." By transitioning from lagging indicators (measuring what went wrong) to leading indicators (predicting and preventing risks), safety professionals are now using AI and data analytics to uncover hidden patterns.

"AI is really unlocking a lot of potential for us in that it's able to uncover patterns that we couldn't otherwise see," Dugas explains. These insights allow companies to deploy resources where they are most needed, ensuring that the safest way to perform a task is also the easiest.

Wellbeing 

Perhaps the biggest change is the shift toward a holistic view of safety. Dugas says that physical safety is inextricably linked to psychological wellbeing. Modern manufacturing requires more than just physical labor; it requires "technicians" who are engaged in problem-solving and troubleshooting.

"Our facilities that have higher engagement scores have better safety results... It really makes business sense to be focused on the physical and mental wellbeing of your team," Dugas said.

"We need employees that are comfortable expressing concerns," he added. "We need employees who are willing to take five and call a timeout... this requires knowledge and courage."

Meeting the Expectations of Today’s Talent

The podcast also explores how the "new collar" workforce is changing training. Today’s employees don't want to sit through static lectures; they want interactive videos, simulations, and low-risk environments to hone their skills. By meeting these expectations, USG is seeing a direct correlation between high engagement scores and superior safety results.

"Jobs today require our employees to not be just operators of equipment, but technicians. It’s not just about running a machine; it’s about actually being part of a process...,” Dugas said. “It requires a person to be engaged, not just physically, but mentally."