PreAccident Investigation Podcast

Safety Moment - The Myth of Leading Data: Focus on Action, Not Prediction

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.

PAPod 521 - Navigating Risk and Chance: Lessons from a Bluegrass Festival

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.

Safety Moment - The Power of Light in Darkness: A Metaphor for Organizational Growth

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.

PAPod 520 - Navigating Leadership: From Accountability to Responsibility

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.

Safety Moment - Start Strong, Finish Strong: The Power of Effective Job Initiation

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!

PAPod 519 - Good Gets Better, Bad Gets Worse: Navigating Change and Safety

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.

Safety Moment - Embracing Positive Change in Safety Conversations

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.

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.