Preaccident Investigation Podcast

Join Todd Conklin on the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast as he dives into an enlightening conversation with David Woods, the pioneer behind The Ohio State University's Cognitive Systems Engineering Laboratory. This episode unravels the intricate layers of resilience engineering and its foundational role in understanding safety, adaptability, and the dynamics of compromise in complex systems. Listen as Professor Woods shares insights on building competent and extensible systems, avoiding the pitfalls of compromising on safety fundamentals, and the importance of reciprocity and adaptive capacity. With references to historical incidents and contemporary examples, this discussion is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in systems engineering, safety, and innovation.

In this enlightening episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, host Todd Conklin engages in a compelling conversation with Vance Walker, an expert in integrating Maori cultural practices with modern health and safety systems. As an indigenous professional deeply involved with Maori communities in New Zealand, Vance explores how culturally resonant safety practices can enhance risk perception and communication, particularly for vulnerable workers. Discover the intriguing concept of 'kia tūpato', an attitude emphasizing caution over the conventional notion of safety, and how this aligns with risk management and competency in various cultural contexts. Through fascinating anecdotes and historical perspectives, Vance sheds light on how traditional Maori approaches to caution and risk have been adapted to contemporary challenges, such as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Todd and Vance as they discuss the importance of cultural awareness in health and safety, the powerful role of storytelling, an

This is Part Two of a two-part discussion.  In this engaging episode of the Pre-Accident Podcast, host Todd Conklin continues the conversation with Doug Parker and Jim Frederick in part two of their insightful discussion. They explore the evolving role of OSHA and how it navigates enforcement and assurance to improve workplace safety. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the episode highlights the proactive measures taken to enhance health and safety management systems. Doug and Jim share their perspectives on shifting from traditional compliance to best practices, emphasizing the importance of worker participation and leadership within organizations. They address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, providing valuable insights into the future direction of OSHA. This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in understanding how OSHA is fostering an environment of innovation while ensuring safety and how it's impacting both the regulatory landscape and workplace practices. Be sure t

In this special episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Podcast, hosted by Todd Conklin, we take a moment to honor the legacy of James Reason, a prominent figure in the field of safety and human error study, who passed away on February 5th, 2025. James Reason revolutionized the way we understand human errors, particularly in complex systems, with groundbreaking concepts such as the Swiss cheese model and the theory of a just culture. Listen as we delve into the life and contributions of James Reason, from his early conversations that expanded our understanding of organizational accidents to his influence in various sectors, including healthcare and aviation. Featuring a special tribute from David Woods, this episode reflects on Reason's enduring impact and challenges us to continue advancing in the world of safety and reliability. Join us in remembering a man whose work has profoundly shaped the foundation of modern safety practices. In a unique tribute, we invite you to enjoy a sandwich with Swiss c

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast with Todd Conklin. In this exciting two-part episode, Todd sits down with former OSHA administrators Doug Parker and Jim Frederick. Together, they dive into the world of OSHA, sharing their experiences and insights from working at the forefront of occupational safety and health governance. Doug and Jim open up about their time at OSHA, discussing what they feel proud of accomplishing, the challenges they faced, and the work they hope will continue. The conversation touches on the role of enforcement and discipline in leadership, as well as the importance of proactive safety measures. Listeners are given a unique glimpse into the agency's internal workings and how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way safety and compliance are perceived and implemented. Doug and Jim reflect on building trust within the organization and with the public while adapting to the uncertainty brought by the pandemic. This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in safety

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Pre-Accident Podcast hosted by Todd Conklin! In this engaging conversation, Todd shares his recent extensive travels across Europe and Asia, the exhaustion that follows, and the reflections it brought. This episode takes a closer look at the intriguing debate of whether the methods used in workplace safety are merely manipulative or cleverly designed for efficiency and security. Through a dynamic discussion with Marc Yeston, Todd explores the implications of context-driven behavior in organizational settings. They dissect scenarios that highlight the subtle ways in which environments influence worker behavior, questioning whether these influences are ethical or simply essential for safety and performance. Listeners are invited to think about their own work systems and practices and whether they facilitate safe behavior or inadvertently lead employees towards riskier decisions. This episode is not only about understanding manipulation but also appreciating thoughtfu

Join us on a captivating journey through the realms of safety innovation and discussion as Todd Conklin invites Corrie Pitzer back to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast. Corrie, a pivotal thinker in the safety domain, shares the story behind the resurgence of "Safety on the Edge," an international series of conferences promoting new and collaborative safety strategies. The episode kicks off with a recount of a spontaneous, thought-provoking text exchange between Todd and Corey during a Billy Strings concert, highlighting the importance of embracing diverse viewpoints in safety discourse. The dialogue inspires the revitalization of the "Safety on the Edge" meetings, aiming to unite thought leaders and professionals globally to push the boundaries of traditional safety practices. Todd and Corrie reminisce about the early days of the movement while unveiling plans for an upcoming gathering in Berkeley. The event promises engaging discussions led by industry pioneers, conceptual innovators, and safety practit

Hey Now

In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Podcast, Todd Conklin reflects on the start of 2025 and the podcast's 11th year. He shares insights from a recent vacation and discusses the evolving priorities that come with age. Todd emphasizes the importance of valuing incremental improvement over the elusive goal of perfection, invoking a memorable Voltaire quote to set the tone for the new year. The episode delves into the complexities of redefining success in organizational safety, challenging the widely-held notion of 'target zero.' As Todd guides listeners through this thought-provoking conversation, he highlights the significance of monitoring progress and appreciating the 'good' that occurs in everyday operations. Join the discussion on how to navigate the path toward improvement in an imperfect world, setting the stage for a meaningful and balanced year ahead.

In this episode, Todd Conklin delves into the unique challenges faced by those in the safety profession, where success often lies in preventing measurable incidents from occurring. Reflecting on his experiences in Colombia, he emphasizes the moral duty and imperative of ensuring workers have the environment and support they need to succeed amidst complexity and change. Conklin argues that although the results of effective safety measures may be "nothing happened," this absence of incidents is indeed a powerful indicator of success. He advocates for a shift from focusing on statistical achievements to recognizing and valuing the quieter, immeasurable successes that occur when standard operations proceed safely and smoothly. This episode encourages listeners to appreciate the significance of their roles in maintaining safety and to educate leaders about the importance of outcomes that are not easily quantified, urging the community to take pride in the unseen impacts of their work. Music.

Join Todd Conklin in a thought-provoking discussion on the unexpected dynamics of podcasting and the complexities of gauging audience interest. Through candid reflections, Todd explores how unpredictability drives innovation, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in uncertain times. Discover the challenges of initiating change in high-risk environments and the role of safety as a presence, rather than an absence, of failures. Dive into Todd's new book, "New Ideas for Old Problems: A Human Performance Approach to Sustainable Change," which offers fresh perspectives on safety and organizational improvement. Learn about the incremental nature of change and the critical shift from traditional safety metrics to a broader understanding of safety as an organizational capacity. The episode invites listeners to rethink conventional approaches and consider monitoring progress through new lenses. Explore how new ideas can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems and the ongoing journey t

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 mari

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 n

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 s

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.