
PreAccident Investigation Podcast
The Pre Accident Podcast is an ongoing safety podcast conversation of Human Performance, Systems Safety, & Safety Culture.
Latest episodes

Sep 28, 2024 • 24min
PAPod 516 - New Ideas for Old Problems: Navigating Sustainable Change
Edgar Schein, an expert in organizational culture, and Eve, a contributor to sustainable change, join the discussion on navigating complex transformations. They delve into the intricacies of implementing sustainable change and the essential role of leadership. The conversation highlights the need for tailored strategies that consider different organizational dynamics. Additionally, there’s a fresh look into risk management, inspired by experiences from a recent festival, enhancing understanding of safety culture and continuous improvement.

Sep 25, 2024 • 3min
Safety Moment - Investigations Learn, Corrective Actions Fix
Hi, everybody, and welcome to the Pre-Accident Podcast Safety Moment with your host, Todd Conklin. In this episode, Todd delves into the crucial difference between investigations and corrective actions in safety management.
Investigations are meant to learn from incidents, while corrective actions are the steps taken to fix the identified problems. Todd emphasizes the importance of understanding this distinction to ensure deeper systemic issues are addressed, rather than just surface-level fixes.
Join Todd as he explains how focusing on learning during investigations can lead to more effective corrective actions and ultimately, a safer work environment. Don't miss this insightful safety moment!

29 snips
Sep 21, 2024 • 37min
PAPod 515 - Engaging Insights from the Santa Fe Workshop Q&A Session
Mike Peters, Martha Acosta, Jennifer Long, Bob Edwards, and Andrea Baker share their expertise in workplace safety and organizational dynamics. They discuss the shift from reactive to proactive safety measures, emphasizing the identification of weak signals. The importance of team trust is highlighted as a cornerstone for enhancing safety culture. The panel also explores innovative strategies for managing organizational risks, focusing on near misses instead of just injuries, and empowering employees through engagement and curiosity.

Sep 18, 2024 • 3min
Safety Moment - The Power of Weak Signals in Safety Management
Hi everybody and welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment. I'm your host, Todd Conklin.
Have you ever crossed a street and pushed the crosswalk button, only to find the signal changes too quickly for you to safely cross? This common issue is an example of poor signal strength. In today's episode, we delve into the concept of signal strength in human factors and its importance in workplace safety.
We'll explore how identifying weak signals—like unclear instructions or confusing signs—can help you diagnose problems before they escalate into significant events. By listening to workers and addressing these issues, you can strengthen your system and enhance overall safety.
Join us to learn how to spot weak signals and improve signal strength, making your workplace safer and more efficient.
That's the safety moment for today. Have as much fun as you possibly can, learn something new every single day, and for goodness' sakes, be smart.

12 snips
Sep 14, 2024 • 27min
PAPod 514 - Insights and Discussions from the Santa Fe Conference
Tony Mishara, a human performance guru and speaker at the Santa Fe conference, joins the conversation to share critical insights on leadership and organizational change. They discuss the evolution of human performance and the importance of psychological safety in workplaces. Topics like enhancing communication for effective learning teams, prioritizing quality in leadership training, and strategies for improving employee retention in skilled trades are highlighted. This rich dialogue provides valuable takeaways for safety professionals and leaders.

Sep 11, 2024 • 3min
Safety Moment - The Power of Success Stories in Safety
Hi, everybody, and welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment, Operational Excellence Moment. I'm your host, Todd Conklin. How are you today? I hope you're good.
Today's episode focuses on a simple yet powerful message about safety and storytelling. Todd discusses how the way we collect and distribute data can sometimes lead us to focus too much on negative safety stories. These stories often highlight what went wrong, with the hope that others will learn from these mistakes and avoid similar pitfalls.
However, Todd suggests that this approach may not be as effective as we think. Instead, he advocates for sharing success stories—stories that illustrate what went right. By focusing on successful outcomes, we can better understand the conditions that lead to success and teach others to manage these conditions effectively.
This shift in narrative can help us move away from managing unexpected failures to creating environments where success is more likely. It's a simple idea, but its time has come. By sharing what works, we can all learn to be safer and more effective in our practices.
That's your safety moment for today. I hope you learned something new. Have as much fun as you possibly can and, for goodness' sake, be safe.

Sep 7, 2024 • 31min
PAPod 513 - Do We Need a 6th Principle?
Brent Sutton, an expert in Human and Organizational Performance, and Jeff Lyth, a strategist in organizational safety, join the discussion on whether a sixth principle, 'Control Saves Lives,' should be adopted. They explore the differences between principles and practices and their role in shaping safety. The conversation touches on the historical context of organizational safety and emphasizes adapting these concepts for modern challenges. Personal stories enrich the dialogue, highlighting the importance of engaging communication and community in enhancing safety strategies.

Sep 4, 2024 • 3min
Safety Moment - The Map is Not the Territory: Understanding Procedures in Real Work
Hey, everybody! In this eye-opening episode of the Pre-Accident Podcast Safety Moment, we delve into a profound concept: "The map is not the territory." This idea, originating from Alfred Korzybski, highlights the crucial difference between models of reality and reality itself.
We explore how procedures, like maps, serve as important guides but cannot fully encompass the dynamic nature of actual work. Workers must adapt in real-time, using procedures as stabilizing documents while making necessary adjustments to handle variations in the work environment.
Tune in to understand why it's essential to recognize that GPS is not driving, and procedures are not the work—they are merely models. Learn something new, be kind, and most importantly, stay safe!

Aug 31, 2024 • 12min
PAPod 512 - Picking Up Pennies in Front of a Steamroller: Understanding High Risk and Low Reward
Hey everyone, Todd Conklin here from the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast. As we transition into the beautiful autumn season in New Mexico, where the air is filled with the delightful scents of roasting chilies and pinon pine, I've been reflecting on the concept of super high risk with super low reward.
In this episode, we delve into the intriguing idea of "picking up pennies in front of a steamroller," a metaphor often used in investments to describe gathering low value in front of advancing high risk. How does this apply to our daily operations and risk assessments? Join me as I explore the balance between risk and reward, and how transparency in complex systems can help us make better decisions.
We'll discuss the importance of recognizing low-value activities that carry high risks and how organizations can evaluate whether these risks are worth the rewards. This episode encourages you to think critically about your work processes and to constantly develop your risk assessment skills.
So, take a moment to reflect on your own "thinking place," understand that mental work can be exhausting, and let's dive into this fascinating topic together. Stay safe, be kind, and keep learning!

Aug 28, 2024 • 2min
Safety Moment - The Complex Nature of Truth: A Philosophical Safety Moment
In this episode of "Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment," Todd Conklin delves into the intricate and often debated concept of truth. He explores how different perspectives can lead to varying interpretations of what is considered true, using a relatable anecdote about airport security lines to illustrate his point.
Through this thought-provoking discussion, Todd challenges listeners to reflect on how personal experiences shape our understanding of truth. He emphasizes that multiple truths can coexist, even when they appear contradictory. This brief yet profound safety moment encourages us to be open-minded, kind, and considerate of others' perspectives.
Join Todd for this enlightening episode and remember to stay curious, compassionate, and safe in all your endeavors.
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