PreAccident Investigation Podcast

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.

PAPod 513 - Do We Need a 6th Principle?

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast with your host, Todd Conklin. In this episode, Todd dives into the ongoing discussion about the potential addition of a sixth principle to the long-standing five principles of Human and Organizational Performance (HOP). The conversation explores whether "Control Saves Lives" should be considered a new principle or if it remains a practice, and how this impacts organizational safety strategies.
Joined by Brent Sutton and Jeff Lyth, Todd navigates the complexities of principles versus practices, the evolution of HOP, and the importance of having guiding principles that shape organizational behavior. The episode also touches on the historical context of these principles and the necessity for organizations to adapt to an ever-changing, complex world.
Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and seeks to refine the way we think about safety and risk management in the workplace.

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!

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!

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.

PAPod 511 - The Fox and the Hedgehog: Unraveling Risk Perception

In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, Todd dives deep into the intriguing world of risk perception. He explores the philosophical and practical differences between viewing risk through the lens of the individual versus the organization. Todd discusses the timeless debate between the foxes, who know many things and embrace nuance, and the hedgehogs, who know one big thing and focus intensely on it.Join Todd as he examines how these differing cognitive styles impact our understanding and management of risk. He delves into the importance of balancing these perspectives to foster a risk-informed and competent workforce, drawing insights from psychology, engineering, and even Greek philosophy. This thought-provoking episode challenges the conventional views on risk and encourages listeners to rethink their approach to uncertainty in the workplace.

Safety Moment - Practice Makes Perfect? Rethinking the Phrase

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast Safety Moment with Todd. In this episode, Todd delves into the well-known phrase "practice makes perfect" and offers a fresh perspective on its true meaning.
While many of us have heard and used this phrase countless times, Todd explains why we don't practice to achieve perfection but rather to navigate a world full of imperfections. He highlights the importance of building capacity to handle high-risk, high-consequence situations through practice and simulation.
Join Todd as he emphasizes the significance of practicing in an imperfect world to be prepared for variations and unforeseen challenges. This short and sweet safety moment encourages us to learn, have fun, and be kind and safe in our daily lives.

PAPod 510 - Understanding the Difference: Prevention vs. Recovery in Safety Management

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast with Todd Conklin! In this episode, Todd shares his recent travel adventures and dives into a crucial discussion about the distinction between prevention and recovery in the realm of safety management.Fresh from a trip to Europe, Todd reflects on the challenges of managing safety in organizations, especially after catastrophic events. He emphasizes the importance of shifting the focus from merely preventing accidents to enhancing the capacity for recovery when things go wrong.Listeners will gain valuable insights into how leaders can better understand and manage the aftermath of serious incidents, ensuring that their organizations become more resilient and capable of handling unexpected failures. Todd also teases a potential future discussion with Eric Holnagle on the nuanced concepts of safety and safely, promising a deep dive into this fascinating topic.Join Todd as he unpacks these critical ideas, offering practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives to help organizations navigate the complexities of safety management.Don't miss this episode if you're looking to enhance your understanding of safety, leadership, and organizational culture. Tune in, learn something new, and be part of the conversation!