PreAccident Investigation Podcast

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.

In this episode, join Todd Conklin for a casual yet insightful chat on the importance of understanding and interpreting data in both personal and organizational contexts. Using a humorous anecdote about a data-collecting ring, Todd delves into how data can provide insights into our happiness and health, drawing parallels to the abundance of data collected in workplace safety and operations. Moreover, Todd discusses the significance of open-ended conversations with employees to gauge the true health of an organization. He emphasizes the importance of building quick relationships and understanding the changing needs of the workforce in a rapidly evolving work environment. Todd also challenges listeners to think about the nature of feedback and data collection, promoting genuine conversations as a vital tool for organizational success and personal growth. Tune in for a reflective journey on how we can all benefit from asking the right questions and being open to the answers, however surprising they may be.

Join Todd Conklin in this insightful episode of Pre-Accident Investigation, where he reflects on the moral duty and challenges faced in the safety industry. Discover the importance of allowing workers the ability to succeed in complex environments, even when achievements can't be measured.