PreAccident Investigation Podcast

Merry Christmas, again.

Join host Todd Conklin in this engaging episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast as he dives into a captivating conversation with Bionda van Roosendaal Stelling, the General Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment at HEEREMA. Recorded during an unexpected taxi ride, this episode takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of high-risk maritime operations. Explore the challenges and innovations in safety within the maritime industry, emphasizing a shift from viewing workers as problems to seeing them as integral solutions. Bionda shares insights into how European maritime companies like HIRMA are embracing new perspectives on safety and resilience, highlighting the importance of learning from normal operations and integrating technology as a tool rather than a crutch. This episode also reflects on the broader changes in safety discussions over the years, the continuous evolution in industry practices, and the vital role of accountability in managing project risks. Whether you're in the maritime industry or interested in modern safety approaches, this episode offers valuable lessons on navigating complex environments while keeping the human element at the forefront.

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.

Part Two of a continuing conversation from almost 10 years ago.  In this captivating episode of the Pre-Accident Podcast, host Todd Conklin welcomes the legendary Edgar Schein and his son Peter for a deep dive into the world of organizational culture and safety. This is part one of a two-part series that promises to challenge your thinking and spark new insights. Listeners are treated to an enlightening conversation with Edgar Schein, a revered figure in the field of organizational development, as he shares his distilled wisdom gathered over decades of academic and consulting work. Schein emphasizes the critical importance of openness and trust in driving both safety and effectiveness within organizations, drawing from his extensive experiences with major corporations and industries. The episode explores the concept of relationship building within management, challenging traditional notions of role-based relationships and advocating for a more personal and trust-based approach. The discussion touches on the nuances of creating psychological safety, the impact of reward systems, and the often overlooked role of middle management in fostering a culture of safety and effectiveness. Join Todd Conklin and his distinguished guests for an engaging conversation that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment. Tune in to discover how openness and trust can transform your organization and why these elements are the bedrock of true effectiveness.

In this episode, Todd Conklin shares a valuable piece of advice he received from his boss during challenging times. Despite facing criticism and negativity, Todd emphasizes the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude. He recounts the lesson his boss imparted, which has become a guiding principle for him: "Get caught trying to make it better." Todd reflects on how this mindset has influenced his approach to leadership and personal growth. Join Todd for this insightful safety moment as he encourages listeners to embrace challenges and strive to improve situations, even when faced with adversity. Remember to have fun, learn something new every day, and, above all, stay safe.

In this captivating episode of the Pre-Accident Podcast, host Todd Conklin welcomes the legendary Edgar Schein and his son Peter for a deep dive into the world of organizational culture and safety. This is part one of a two-part series that promises to challenge your thinking and spark new insights. Listeners are treated to an enlightening conversation with Edgar Schein, a revered figure in the field of organizational development, as he shares his distilled wisdom gathered over decades of academic and consulting work. Schein emphasizes the critical importance of openness and trust in driving both safety and effectiveness within organizations, drawing from his extensive experiences with major corporations and industries. The episode explores the concept of relationship building within management, challenging traditional notions of role-based relationships and advocating for a more personal and trust-based approach. The discussion touches on the nuances of creating psychological safety, the impact of reward systems, and the often overlooked role of middle management in fostering a culture of safety and effectiveness. Join Todd Conklin and his distinguished guests for an engaging conversation that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment. Tune in to discover how openness and trust can transform your organization and why these elements are the bedrock of true effectiveness.

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment with Todd Conklin. In this engaging episode, we delve into the concept of "graceful extensibility," a crucial feature for enhancing the safety and reliability of operations. Inspired by insights from David Woods of Ohio State University, Todd explores how building margins into systems can mitigate the consequences of potential failures. Through thought-provoking examples, like the space program's ability to take one more orbit, this episode illustrates the importance of creating room for error without severe repercussions. Discover how you can apply graceful extensibility to your safety programs and everyday life, ensuring resilience in the face of variability and risk. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on how to hedge your bets and build robust processes that accommodate unforeseen challenges, all while learning something new and prioritizing safety.

In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, host Todd Conklin delves into a vital conversation about mental health and worker engagement within the construction industry. As the world navigates through increasingly stressful times, Todd emphasizes the importance of addressing mental well-being in the workplace. Joining Todd is Alan Palmer from JMJ, who shares insights on innovative programs like the "Village Heroes," designed to listen and support workers on major projects. The discussion highlights the alarming statistics around suicide rates in the construction sector and the proactive measures some organizations are taking to create a more supportive work environment. Through engaging anecdotes and expert opinions, this episode encourages listeners to rethink traditional management approaches, emphasizing the need for holistic worker engagement strategies that address mental health and foster a culture of safety and resilience.

In this episode of Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment, Todd Conklin delves into the intriguing concept of happiness as a pivotal element in facilitating organizational change. Despite the challenges and resistance that often accompany change, Todd argues that happiness should not be seen as oppositional but rather as an integral part of the process. Exploring the idea that happiness is a choice, Todd emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive environment during times of significant shifts within organizations. He suggests that a content and satisfied team is more likely to embrace and navigate challenges effectively. Tune in to understand how happiness and satisfaction can play a crucial role in successful organizational transformation. Join the conversation and reflect on how you can incorporate happiness into your daily life and work environment. As always, strive to learn something new, have fun, and be kind and safe.

Welcome to an exciting episode of the Pre-Accident Podcast with Todd Conklin, where we dive into a thought-provoking conversation with the remarkable Eric Hollenagle. Known for his pioneering work on the Efficiency-Thoroughness Trade-Off (ETTO) principle and the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM), Eric shares insights into the evolving landscape of safety and resilience. In this episode, Todd and Eric explore the future of system performance, questioning traditional safety paradigms and advocating for a holistic understanding of organizational functioning. Eric emphasizes the importance of perceiving the unseen and understanding the complexities of industries like healthcare, drawing on his vast experience and research. Todd's engaging storytelling, including a personal anecdote about resilience in the face of a spilled Coke Zero, sets the stage for a compelling discussion. Eric's reflections on his journey, the impact of his work, and the need for a shift towards synthesis in safety thinking make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in advancing reliable systems and organizational performance. Join us for an enlightening conversation that challenges conventional safety narratives and offers a fresh perspective on managing complexity and change. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the leading voices in the field of safety and resilience!

In this episode of "Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment," Todd Conklin challenges the common pursuit of leading data, questioning its existence and value. He argues that the time spent trying to predict outcomes is time not spent on actively addressing and improving real-world issues. Through a thought-provoking discussion, Todd emphasizes the importance of engaging with people, identifying risks, and implementing solutions to make a tangible difference. He encourages listeners to prioritize actions over predictions, urging them to focus on direct interventions that can lead to safer and more effective outcomes. Join Todd as he explores the limitations of predictive technologies and behaviors, advocating for a proactive approach to safety and problem-solving. This episode serves as a reminder to stay engaged, be kind, and most importantly, be safe.

Join Todd Conklin in this engaging episode of Pre-Accident Investigation as he reflects on an unexpected experience at a bluegrass festival that was interrupted by lightning. Through this anecdote, Todd explores the intriguing concepts of risk, chance, and control, delving into the differences between them and their implications in the world of safety. Discover how the inability to predict the future emphasizes the need for systems that are not only robust but also resilient, capable of absorbing and managing unforeseen events. Todd discusses the importance of focusing on recoverability and flexibility in operations, rather than solely on risk prediction. This episode challenges traditional views on risk assessment and encourages a shift towards enhancing control and adaptability in safety management. As Todd celebrates his birthday, he shares personal reflections on the value of friendships and gratitude, while inviting listeners to ponder their own thinking time. Tune in for an insightful discussion that blends personal stories with professional insights, all while encouraging you to learn something new, have fun, and stay safe.

In this episode of Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment, Todd Conklin introduces an ancient metaphor that highlights the significance of positivity in challenging times. This metaphor illustrates how even in complete darkness, a single point of light remains visible, signifying the impact of small improvements in a struggling organization. Conversely, when an organization is thriving, a minor negative aspect is barely noticeable, emphasizing the strength of a high-performing team. Todd encourages listeners to embrace this metaphor in their daily work, promoting the importance of continuous learning, kindness, and safety within their teams.

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, where we delve into the nuances of leadership and team dynamics. In this episode, host Todd Conklin engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Mark Homeyer, a seasoned professional from the maritime industry. Mark shares his insights from years of experience as a vessel master and leader, focusing on building dependable systems and understanding variability in operations. Mark discusses the shift from traditional accountability to fostering a culture of trust and responsibility among teams. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and the transformative impact of viewing workers as solutions rather than problems. The conversation also highlights the significance of leaders stepping into the field to gain firsthand insights and the benefits of moving from a defensive to an offensive mindset in organizational strategy. Join us as we explore the intricacies of leadership, the power of frontline insights, and the journey towards creating high-performing teams in various industries. This episode promises to offer valuable lessons on the role of leadership in driving organizational success and reliability.

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment with Todd Conklin. This episode delves into the significance of starting a job effectively and how it can impact the overall outcome. Contrary to the common belief that planning cannot foresee unexpected events, Todd emphasizes the importance of preparation and understanding the controls at the beginning of a task. Discover the value of revitalizing initial job processes like tailboard meetings and toolbox talks, transforming them from mere administrative tasks into critical thinking activities. By building capacity through thoughtful planning, workers can better manage unexpected challenges that arise. Join us for this insightful safety moment that encourages learning, fun, and, most importantly, safety. Start strong to finish strong!

Join Todd Conklin in this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast as he reflects on last week's enlightening discussion with Doug, the OSHA administrator, about the evolving landscape of occupational safety and health in the United States. Todd shares his insights on the positive feedback received and emphasizes the importance of being open to change and dialogue. The episode delves into the concept that "good gets better and bad gets worse," exploring how organizations can improve or decline without intervention. Todd stresses the significance of understanding where an organization currently stands and the impact of creating the right conditions for growth and safety improvement. Amidst personal anecdotes about autumn in New Mexico, chili roasting, and the global craziness of the season, Todd highlights the importance of appreciating the present and fostering a culture of psychological safety. He encourages listeners to think critically about their roles in helping organizations thrive and navigate the challenges of an uncertain world.

In this episode of Pre-Accident Investigation, Todd Conklin shares an insightful safety moment, encouraging listeners to shift their focus from opposing disliked ideas to championing the concepts they truly believe in. Drawing inspiration from Stephen Covey's concept of "sharpening the saw," Todd emphasizes the importance of February as a time to reflect on and enhance operational excellence. Through a compelling narrative, Todd urges safety professionals to embrace a mindset that promotes understanding and complexity over outdated models like Heinrich's Pyramid. By advocating for ideas rooted in truth and effectiveness, individuals can foster deeper discussions, facilitate meaningful change, and ultimately lead safer and more fulfilling lives. Join Todd in this short yet powerful episode, and discover how adopting a positive approach can transform safety conversations and lead to greater impact. Be brave, have fun, and remember: safety first.

Join host Todd Conklin on this special episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast as he sits down with Douglas L. Parker, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. Dive into an enlightening discussion about the evolving landscape of workplace safety, the role of OSHA, and the balance between enforcement and innovation. In this in-depth conversation, Parker shares insights on advancing values-driven approaches to health and safety, emphasizing the importance of organizational culture and worker participation. Discover how OSHA is adapting to modern challenges, including mental health, workplace stress, and post-pandemic changes in the employment environment. Explore the synergies between enforcement and outreach, as Parker highlights initiatives to reduce workplace incidents and foster safety innovation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of occupational safety and the transformative potential of collaborative efforts between regulators, employers, and workers.

Welcome to this special Thanksgiving episode of Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment for 2021. In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of gratitude, especially during challenging times. Host Todd Conklin shares personal insights on how to cope when the world seems filled with uncertainty, from global pandemics to everyday struggles. Instead of meeting pain with pain or anger with anger, he encourages us to step back and appreciate the good things in our lives. Discover why gratitude is a healthier, more restorative response and how it can make a significant difference in your outlook. Learn the importance of being thankful for the people, experiences, and opportunities that support you on your journey. Join us for a heartfelt reminder of why gratitude is crucial, not just during Thanksgiving, but every day. Be good to each other, stay safe, and remember to have fun.