Keywords safety management, communication, leadership, compliance, business understanding, resistance, safety culture Summary In this conversation, David Sawyer discusses the critical role of safety managers in bridging the gap between upper management and safety protocols. He emphasizes the need for effective communication to ensure that safety is understood not just as a compliance issue but as a vital business concern. Additionally, he addresses the common resistance from leadership when it comes to safety directives and the importance of navigating these challenges to foster a safety culture. Takeaways upper management doesn't usually ignore safety, they just don't understand it. it's your job as a safety manager to communicate the importance of what needs to happen. a lot of people that own companies and are managers in companies, they don't want to be told what to do. the wall goes up when you tell them what to do. effective communication is key to bridging the gap in understanding safety. safety should be viewed as a business concern, not just compliance. navigating resistance is crucial for safety managers. building a safety culture requires understanding leadership dynamics. safety managers must tailor their approach to different management styles. creating dialogue is essential for improving safety practices. Sound bites "it's your job as a safety manager to communicate the importance." "they don't want to be told what to do." "the wall goes up when you tell them what to do." Chapters 00:00 The Challenge of Safety Communication 00:38 Real-Life Safety Scenarios: The Bandsaw Incident