PreAccident Investigation Podcast

David Woods from The Ohio State University pays tribute to the late James Reason, a pioneer in safety and human error research. They explore Reason's revolutionary concepts like the Swiss cheese model and the evolution of safety practices since the 1980s. The discussion highlights his influence in various sectors, including healthcare and aviation, and the complexities of safety systems. Woods emphasizes the importance of reflection and kindness, inviting listeners to honor Reason’s legacy by enjoying a sandwich with Swiss cheese.

Doug Parker, former OSHA administrator, and Jim Frederick, an OSHA leadership team member, share their insights on occupational safety and health. They reflect on their achievements and challenges at OSHA, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The duo discusses the importance of proactive safety measures, building trust within the organization, and adapting leadership strategies in crisis. They emphasize collaborative governance as a key to improving workplace safety, highlighting a shift from compliance to a more capacity-focused approach in the safety landscape.

Marc Yeston, a seasoned workplace safety expert with global experience, discusses the fine line between manipulation and thoughtful design in safety protocols. Alongside host Todd Conklin, they explore how environmental choices shape worker behavior, questioning whether these influences are ethical. The duo shares intriguing examples from marketing to highlight the implications of design in safety. They also discuss the moral dilemmas faced in advertising and safety communication, offering insights for improving organizational practices.

Corrie Pitzer, a leading voice in safety and organizer of the 'Safety on the Edge' conferences, joins Todd Conklin for a thought-provoking conversation. They reflect on the importance of diverse perspectives in safety, sparked by a serendipitous text exchange at a concert. The duo discusses the evolution of safety practices, upcoming plans for a conference in Berkeley, and the integration of mental well-being and innovation in safety dialogues. Listeners will gain insight into how past lessons are shaping future safety strategies.

Dive into the intriguing interplay between artificial intelligence and safety systems. Discover how AI can boost efficiency yet also introduce unforeseen complexities and failures. The discussion highlights the essential role of human intuition in navigating these challenges, ensuring safety in critical environments. Prepare for a thought-provoking exploration of how smart systems can lead to not-so-smart outcomes!

Reflecting on the start of a new year, the host shares insights from a recent vacation and highlights shifting priorities as time progresses. A memorable Voltaire quote sets the stage for a discussion on the paradox of perfection, especially in organizational safety. The conversation challenges the common goal of 'target zero' and emphasizes the value of incremental improvements. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate daily successes and navigate their journey toward meaningful progress in an imperfect world.

In this episode, Todd Conklin delves into the unique challenges faced by those in the safety profession, where success often lies in preventing measurable incidents from occurring. Reflecting on his experiences in Colombia, he emphasizes the moral duty and imperative of ensuring workers have the environment and support they need to succeed amidst complexity and change. Conklin argues that although the results of effective safety measures may be "nothing happened," this absence of incidents is indeed a powerful indicator of success. He advocates for a shift from focusing on statistical achievements to recognizing and valuing the quieter, immeasurable successes that occur when standard operations proceed safely and smoothly. This episode encourages listeners to appreciate the significance of their roles in maintaining safety and to educate leaders about the importance of outcomes that are not easily quantified, urging the community to take pride in the unseen impacts of their work. Music.

Join Todd Conklin in a thought-provoking discussion on the unexpected dynamics of podcasting and the complexities of gauging audience interest. Through candid reflections, Todd explores how unpredictability drives innovation, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in uncertain times. Discover the challenges of initiating change in high-risk environments and the role of safety as a presence, rather than an absence, of failures. Dive into Todd's new book, "New Ideas for Old Problems: A Human Performance Approach to Sustainable Change," which offers fresh perspectives on safety and organizational improvement. Learn about the incremental nature of change and the critical shift from traditional safety metrics to a broader understanding of safety as an organizational capacity. The episode invites listeners to rethink conventional approaches and consider monitoring progress through new lenses. Explore how new ideas can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems and the ongoing journey towards more resilient and reliable organizations. Todd shares personal insights and the inspiration behind his latest work, encouraging listeners to engage with innovative concepts and apply them in diverse contexts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in evolving safety standards and fostering sustainable change within their organizations.

Merry Christmas, again.

Bionda van Roosendaal Stelling, General Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment at HEEREMA, shares her expertise on safety in high-risk maritime operations. She discusses the industry's evolving approach, emphasizing worker involvement as integral to safety solutions. The conversation dives into the importance of open communication and collaboration across generations in the workforce. Bionda also highlights how technology can enhance safety without compromising human insight, making it clear that fostering a culture of dialogue is key to navigating complex maritime challenges.