PreAccident Investigation Podcast

PAPod 518 - Navigating the Future of Workplace Safety: A Conversation with OSHA's Douglas L. Parker

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.

Safety Moment - The Power of Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Reflection

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.

PAPod 517 - From Kansas to the World: Todd Conklin’s Journey and the Evolution of Human Performance

Welcome to a special episode of the Pre-Accident Podcast, hosted temporarily by Jeff Lith. Join Jeff as he interviews Todd Conklin, the most special guest of the pod, and delves into Todd's fascinating journey from a small town in Kansas to becoming a leading voice in human performance and organizational change.
In this episode, Todd shares his experiences growing up in Kansas and Colorado, his educational journey, and his early career, including his significant work at Los Alamos National Laboratory. They discuss the evolution of human performance principles, the impact of Everett Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory, and the challenges of organizational change.
Listen in as Todd and Jeff explore the importance of thinking and acting our way into change, the precarious nature of organizational transformations, and the critical role of leadership in maintaining progress. This episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and a powerful concluding list of key principles for implementing change.

Safety Moment - The Vital Role of Learning in Organizational Success

In this episode of Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment, Todd Conklin explores the fundamental difference between successful and failing organizations: learning. He emphasizes that the ability to learn from within is crucial for organizational resilience and operational excellence.
Conklin explains that organizations slow to learn are prone to failure and brittleness, regardless of having similar components like people, work environment, and tasks. He argues that learning should not be seen as optional but as a vital necessity for any organization aiming to thrive and avoid brittleness.
Join Todd Conklin in this brief yet insightful episode as he underscores the importance of fostering a learning culture within organizations to achieve sustained success and resilience. Remember to learn something new every day and always prioritize safety and kindness.

PAPod 516 - New Ideas for Old Problems: Navigating Sustainable Change

In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, host Todd Conklin shares his recent experiences at the Winfield Bluegrass Festival, discussing the highs and lows of the event and an insightful conversation on risk and chance.
Conklin then dives into an exciting new topic: his latest book, "New Ideas for Old Problems: A Human Performance Approach to Sustainable Change." He outlines the book's unique format, focusing on practical lists and insights from experts like Edgar Schein and Everett Rogers.
The episode explores the complexities of organizational change, the importance of continuous improvement, and the role of leadership in fostering sustainable change. Conklin emphasizes the necessity of adapting strategies to different groups within an organization, from innovators to laggards, using Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory.
Join Conklin as he offers a sneak peek into his book and discusses the ongoing journey of making meaningful and lasting improvements in organizations.

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!

PAPod 515 - Engaging Insights from the Santa Fe Workshop Q&A Session

Welcome to part two of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast hosted by Todd Conklin. This episode features an engaging open question and answer session from the 2024 Santa Fe Workshop.Listen in as Todd, along with industry experts Mike Peters, Martha Acosta, Jennifer Long, Bob Edwards, and Andrea Baker, delve into insightful discussions on improving workplace safety, the importance of trust within teams, and how to effectively manage and predict organizational risks.Throughout the episode, the panelists share practical advice, real-world examples, and innovative strategies to foster a proactive safety culture and enhance operational learning. Whether you're a seasoned safety professional or new to the field, this episode offers valuable takeaways for everyone.Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best and stay ahead in your safety journey. Tune in now!

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.

PAPod 514 - Insights and Discussions from the Santa Fe Conference

In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, host Todd Conklin shares the vibrant discussions and insightful Q&A sessions from a recent conference held in Santa Fe. This three-day event brought together a diverse group of experts and professionals to explore the fundamentals of human performance, leadership impact, and practical applications in safety practices.
The first day delved into the evolution of human performance over the past 25 years, featuring voices like Tony Mishara, Shane Bush, and Ron Gant. The second day focused on leadership, psychological safety, accountability, and mental health, with contributions from experts like Jennifer Long and Mike Peters. The final day was dedicated to practical applications, leadership denial, and an engaging panel discussion with industry leaders.
Join us for a deep dive into the key takeaways and thought-provoking questions raised during the conference. Whether you missed the event or want to revisit the highlights, this episode offers valuable insights and stories that will resonate with safety professionals and leaders alike.

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.