Join host Todd Conklin on the Pre-Accident Investigating Extra podcast as he delves into the complexities of everyday life and work. In this episode, explore the philosophical musings of how each day of the week shapes our lives and dive into a lively discussion on turning uncertainties into opportunities. Todd shares his recent cooking experiment with papas rellenas, highlighting how creativity can emerge from chaos. The episode also features a captivating conversation with Sam Olliges, a young...
Jun 21, 2025•29 min•Ep. 913
In this compelling episode of the Pre-Exit Investigation Podcast, host Todd Conklin delves into a deeply personal story that challenges perspectives and ignites conversation around resilience and adaptation in organizations. Through the eyes of Hector, a familiar figure from a local restaurant, Todd explores the impact of fear and leadership response in today’s rapidly changing world. With insightful anecdotes, the episode brings to light the unseen pressures faced by individuals and the signifi...
Jun 14, 2025•21 min•Ep. 914
Welcome to the latest episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast with Todd Conklin! Join us on June 1st, 2025, as Todd shares anecdotes about free summer concerts, revealing the intriguing story behind the symbols 'ampersand' and 'ampersat'. Discover how these symbols connect to our understanding of progress and improvement. In this insightful episode, we delve into the dynamics of progress, challenging the notion that it is linear. Todd explores the concept of 'aim small, miss small', en...
Jun 07, 2025•23 min•Ep. 912
Welcome to the latest episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, where we delve into the critical topic of psychological safety and reporting culture in the workplace. Today's discussion is sparked by insights from Brett Torrent, who has observed over his 20-year management career four distinct reasons why employees may hesitate to report issues. These reasons are rooted in fear of blame and punishment, previous reporting fatigue, unawareness of risks, and concerns about complicating wor...
May 31, 2025•25 min•Ep. 911
In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, Todd Conklin reflects on the importance of masterfully understanding the fundamentals. Through a fascinating conversation with a renowned physicist, he discusses the intersection of chaos physics and human performance, emphasizing the need to begin every discourse at the start, not where we currently are. Todd shares insights into a thrilling new bike trail by his home and the forthcoming Santa Fe conference that promises engaging discus...
May 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 910
In this insightful episode, Todd Conklin leads a fascinating discussion on the concept of counterfactuals with experts Robert Waterhouse and Zoe Gulley from Energy Safety Canada. They delve into the limitations of traditional accident investigations and how long-standing practices may not serve us well in truly understanding incidents and improving performance. The conversation focuses on causal reasoning, distinguishing it from negative reasoning, and the importance of learning how work is actu...
May 17, 2025•32 min•Ep. 909
In this engaging episode, host Todd Conklin kicks off with a delightful chat about Milo's tea, leading into a compelling panel discussion with Bob Edwards, Mark Yeston, and Andrea Baker. The conversation explores the journey of organizational transformation, focusing on shifting from traditional safety views to a new perspective that emphasizes human performance and operational learning. Join the team as they dissect the stages of change, from gaining leadership interest to integrating new safet...
May 10, 2025•38 min•Ep. 908
Join host Todd Conklin as he recounts a humorous and eye-opening experience at a Houston airport, navigating an empty TSA line designed for a crowd. Dive into the conversation about design choices and their impact on efficiency and effectiveness, guided by insights from Don Norman's work. Explore how our systems often dictate behavior, and why their design matters, especially when they seem absurd. This episode raises important questions about the balance between convenience and efficiency in sa...
May 03, 2025•27 min•Ep. 907
In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Podcast, host Todd Conklin delves into the complex topic of toxic uncertainty and its impact on organizations. Through engaging discussions, Todd explores how leaders can guide their teams through an ever-changing world by embracing diversity and making incremental adaptations. Reflecting on lessons learned during the pandemic, Todd emphasizes the importance of monitoring progress and understanding the direction in which organizations are ...
Apr 26, 2025•26 min•Ep. 906
Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast with your host Todd. Join Todd and Jennifer Long as they discuss their new book, Workers Are Not the Problem, Workers Are the Solution: A Guide to Leading Differently. The conversation delves into the intersection of leadership, accountability, and the evolving work environment. The discussion highlights the importance of addressing leadership biases and adapting to contemporary workforce dynamics. With a focus on the critical notion of accountab...
Apr 19, 2025•29 min•Ep. 905
Thanks for listening to the PAPod!
Apr 12, 2025•26 min•Ep. 904
Welcome to the PAPod! This episode discusses the Swiss Cheese Model a bit deeper then normally discussed. Thanks for listening.
Apr 05, 2025•23 min•Ep. 903
Join us for the concluding part of an insightful conversation with Edgar Schein as he delves into the intricacies of embedding sustainability within organizational cultures, with a focus on safety. Discover why understanding and integrating sustainable practices are crucial from top management to middle managers. Dr. Schein lays out 12 key factors for effectively embedding values into a company culture and stresses the importance of attention, curiosity, and genuine interest from leaders to nurt...
Mar 29, 2025•26 min•Ep. 902
Welcome to the Pre-Accident Podcast with Todd Conklin, where today marks the first part of an enlightening two-part series featuring Edgar Schein and his son Peter. This episode dives deep into the nuances of trust and openness within organizational culture, particularly in relation to safety and effectiveness. Throughout this engaging conversation, Edgar Schein shares his experiences working with major companies and industries, illustrating how openness and trust are fundamental to creating a c...
Mar 22, 2025•29 min•Ep. 901
In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, host Todd is joined by Georgina Poole, a safety professional from Australia, to discuss a wide range of topics about modern safety initiatives and leadership. Georgina shares her research findings on what creates sustainable change in organizations and the role of leadership in these transformations. The conversation delves into the challenges of measuring safety improvements, the misconceptions surrounding safety practices, and the impo...
Mar 15, 2025•38 min•Ep. 899
Join Todd Conklin on an insightful journey as he delves into the complexities of today's ever-changing world. In this episode, Todd challenges the often-celebrated notion of "Move Fast and Break Things," urging listeners to reassess their approach to change and uncertainty. He highlights the need for organizations to focus on delivering excellence amidst chaos, emphasizing the importance of foundational principles that guide human performance. With a touch of humor and candor, he shares his obse...
Mar 08, 2025•23 min•Ep. 900
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 p...
Mar 01, 2025•34 min•Ep. 898
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 ...
Feb 22, 2025•34 min•Ep. 896
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 shar...
Feb 15, 2025•30 min•Ep. 895
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...
Feb 08, 2025•18 min•Ep. 897
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 continu...
Feb 01, 2025•28 min•Ep. 894
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 implicat...
Jan 25, 2025•32 min•Ep. 893
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...
Jan 18, 2025•29 min•Ep. 892
Hey Now
Jan 15, 2025•5 min•Ep. 891
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, ...
Jan 11, 2025•17 min•Ep. 890
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 in...
Jan 08, 2025•5 min•Ep. 889
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 O...
Jan 04, 2025•25 min•Ep. 887
Merry Christmas, again.
Dec 21, 2024•4 min•Ep. 886
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...
Dec 14, 2024•27 min•Ep. 884
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 hea...
Dec 07, 2024•21 min•Ep. 882
