PreAccident Investigation Podcast

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast with your host Todd. Join Todd and Jennifer Long as they discuss their new book, Workers Are Not the Problem, Workers Are the Solution: A Guide to Leading Differently. The conversation delves into the intersection of leadership, accountability, and the evolving work environment. The discussion highlights the importance of addressing leadership biases and adapting to contemporary workforce dynamics. With a focus on the critical notion of accountability, the episode explores how traditional leadership paradigms need to shift to manage the current landscape of uncertainty and rapid change. Through qualitative observations of various organizations, Todd and Jennifer reveal insights into how the employment environment is changing and how leaders need to rethink their strategies. Tune in to discover how navigating toxicity and uncertainty can redefine leadership roles and expectations.

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Explore the intriguing depths of the Swiss Cheese Model and its relevance in safety strategies. Discover how uncertainty shapes operational environments and the importance of collaboration for safety. The discussion critiques traditional approaches and emphasizes developing robust recovery strategies. It's all about enhancing resilience while rethinking preventive measures!

Join us for the concluding part of an insightful conversation with Edgar Schein as he delves into the intricacies of embedding sustainability within organizational cultures, with a focus on safety. Discover why understanding and integrating sustainable practices are crucial from top management to middle managers. Dr. Schein lays out 12 key factors for effectively embedding values into a company culture and stresses the importance of attention, curiosity, and genuine interest from leaders to nurture an open, trustful environment. Alongside, the episode highlights examples and anecdotes illustrating transformative leadership practices essential for evolving successful organizations.

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Podcast with Todd Conklin, where today marks the first part of an enlightening two-part series featuring Edgar Schein and his son Peter. This episode dives deep into the nuances of trust and openness within organizational culture, particularly in relation to safety and effectiveness. Throughout this engaging conversation, Edgar Schein shares his experiences working with major companies and industries, illustrating how openness and trust are fundamental to creating a culture of safety and effectiveness. He emphasizes the significance of building strong interpersonal relationships within the workplace to foster an environment where employees feel safe to communicate potential issues. Join us as we explore the evolution of management relationships, moving beyond traditional role-based dynamics to embrace deeper, more meaningful connections that can transform organizational effectiveness. This episode is packed with insights and real-world examples that highlight the importance of trust and openness as the cornerstones of a thriving workplace culture.

Georgina Poole, an Australian safety professional and postgraduate student, joins Todd to discuss transformative safety initiatives and the essential role of leadership. They tackle the challenges of measuring safety improvements and the misconceptions about modern practices like Human and Organizational Performance. The duo emphasizes redefining safety as an ongoing capacity for effective work rather than mere compliance. Additionally, they reflect on the importance of adaptable leadership in fostering a positive safety culture and empowering future female leaders.

Dive into the complexities of today's work environment as Todd Conklin challenges the mantra of 'Move Fast and Break Things.' He emphasizes the importance of delivering excellence amidst chaos and reflects on personal growth and the evolution of organizational culture. With humor, he highlights the dynamics of modern workforces and the so-called 'encrapification' of systems. Listen in for insights on maintaining confidence, cultivating resilience, and the vital role of foundational principles in navigating uncertainty.

David Woods, a professor and pioneer in resilience engineering at The Ohio State University, discusses the nuances of safety and adaptability in complex systems. He highlights the importance of balancing comfort with safety in engineering decisions, using personal anecdotes from a nuclear control room. Woods also warns against the dangers of compromising on safety, referencing the Boeing 737 MAX incidents. The conversation emphasizes building resilient systems, understanding interdependencies, and fostering innovation to tackle today's challenges.

In this enlightening episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, host Todd Conklin engages in a compelling conversation with Vance Walker, an expert in integrating Maori cultural practices with modern health and safety systems. As an indigenous professional deeply involved with Maori communities in New Zealand, Vance explores how culturally resonant safety practices can enhance risk perception and communication, particularly for vulnerable workers. Discover the intriguing concept of 'kia tūpato', an attitude emphasizing caution over the conventional notion of safety, and how this aligns with risk management and competency in various cultural contexts. Through fascinating anecdotes and historical perspectives, Vance sheds light on how traditional Maori approaches to caution and risk have been adapted to contemporary challenges, such as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Todd and Vance as they discuss the importance of cultural awareness in health and safety, the powerful role of storytelling, and the need for evidence-based practices that truly resonate with indigenous values. This episode is a call to action for businesses and safety professionals to embrace diversity of thought and enhance workplace safety through cultural inclusivity.

This is Part Two of a two-part discussion.  In this engaging episode of the Pre-Accident Podcast, host Todd Conklin continues the conversation with Doug Parker and Jim Frederick in part two of their insightful discussion. They explore the evolving role of OSHA and how it navigates enforcement and assurance to improve workplace safety. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the episode highlights the proactive measures taken to enhance health and safety management systems. Doug and Jim share their perspectives on shifting from traditional compliance to best practices, emphasizing the importance of worker participation and leadership within organizations. They address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, providing valuable insights into the future direction of OSHA. This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in understanding how OSHA is fostering an environment of innovation while ensuring safety and how it's impacting both the regulatory landscape and workplace practices. Be sure to tune in to learn about these critical advancements and the vision for a safer workplace for all.