Preaccident Investigation Podcast

Hey, everybody. Todd Conklin here with a Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment. Can you tell it's summer? Today, we're diving into a crucial topic that's been coming up a lot lately: the significance of the green light on your progress chart. One of the things that I think is so important to understand is that you should fear the green, embrace the yellow, and understand the red. The green light doesn’t really tell you anything, and fatalities and catastrophic failures often live in the green light. So, as leaders, it’s essential to question what's happening when everything seems fine. Catastrophic failure doesn’t live in the yellow light because you’re already examining it. It sure doesn’t live in the red light because the red light gets a lot of attention and resources. But the green light? It’s often overlooked because it’s not “squeaky.” That is your safety moment for today. Short and sweet. Learn something new every single day. Have as much fun as you possibly can. Be good to each other. Be kind to

Join Todd Conklin on this enlightening episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast as he sits down with retired Rear Admiral John Meyer of the United States Navy. Dive into a fascinating discussion about Admiral Meyer’s innovative approach to safety, his unique journey, and the transformative steps taken within naval aviation to enhance safety protocols. From the creation of a simulation center for aircraft movement on flight decks to a paradigm shift in leadership thinking, this episode offers valuable insights into managing safety in complex environments. Learn how Admiral Meyer's dedication and forward-thinking have led to significant improvements and what advice he has for current and future leaders. Don't miss this compelling conversation that blends philosophy, practical solutions, and leadership wisdom, all aimed at making the workplace safer for those who serve. Tune in to discover how small changes can lead to monumental impacts in safety and operations.

In this episode of Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Amendment, Todd Conklin explores a crucial aspect of effective leadership: the connection between learning and leading. He emphasizes that good leaders are inherently good learners and delves into the importance of embracing the unknown. Todd highlights the value of continuous learning and the humility it requires, suggesting that leadership success comes from a willingness to seek knowledge and understand the intricacies of organizational processes and employee experiences. Tune in to discover how embracing the journey of learning can enhance your leadership skills, making you a more effective and empathetic leader. Remember, the more you know, the better you lead. Join us for this insightful discussion and take away practical tips to improve your leadership approach. As always, stay curious, be kind, and stay safe.

Welcome to the final part of our three-part series on patient and worker safety in children's hospitals across North America. In this episode, we dive into the evolution of employee safety and health practices, focusing on the challenges and successes experienced over the past few years. Discover how hospitals have shifted from having no data or willpower to address staff safety, to now having 95 hospitals submitting critical safety data. Learn about the innovative strategies used to engage leadership, including board training and distributed leadership models, which have significantly influenced hospital culture and safety practices. We also explore the importance of asking the right questions and fostering a proactive safety culture. The episode concludes with reflections on how to sustain these improvements and the exciting potential for spreading these practices across multiple hospitals. Join us for this insightful conversation that highlights the power of collective learning and the ongoing journey t

In this episode of "Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment," Todd Conklin shares a compelling story about a friend who learned a powerful lesson in leadership. This friend, known for her unpolished approach, often faced resistance and pushback from colleagues. Her boss advised her to remain calm and become instructive rather than defensive when met with opposition. Conklin emphasizes the importance of this advice, highlighting how it can transform challenging interactions and foster better understanding. He encourages listeners to adopt this mindset, reminding them that resistance often stems from a lack of understanding. By becoming instructive, we can navigate conflicts more effectively and build stronger relationships. Tune in to learn how to turn resistance into an opportunity for growth, and remember to be kind, take care of each other, and stay safe.

Welcome to part two of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, where we dive deep into the significance of involving frontline workers in problem-solving within organizations. This episode underscores the importance of asking those who do the work to define the problems and propose solutions, emphasizing their unique expertise. We continue our conversation with five experts discussing proactive safety measures in children's hospitals. Discover how engaging frontline staff has led to improved outcomes and a stronger safety culture. Learn about the success stories of proactive huddles, the creation of behavioral event response teams, and efforts to address safety disparities among patients. From exploring the challenges of measuring psychological safety to the inspiring stories of reducing unplanned extubations, this episode is packed with insights and practical takeaways. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of listening to and valuing the expertise of frontline workers.

In this episode of Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment, Todd Conklin delves into the topic of change and its significance in our professional and personal lives. He discusses his recent project, a book focused on managing the transition from old thinking to new thinking, and shares valuable insights on the importance of being proactive in the face of change. Todd emphasizes that being on the "pro-change" side is crucial for success and adaptability. He reassures listeners that while change can be challenging, it is also a constant part of life that we are inherently good at handling. By embracing change and staying ahead of it, we can ensure that we are not merely reacting but actively shaping our future. Tune in to learn why it's essential to be on the front end of change, and gather practical tips on how to make this mindset a part of your daily routine. Remember to be kind, stay safe, and embrace the continuous journey of learning and growth.

Welcome to this engaging episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast! Dive into a compelling roundtable discussion with a dynamic group of nurses and doctors from various children's hospitals. They share their experiences, stories, and the innovative strategies they've implemented to improve patient and staff safety. Listen as they discuss the importance of vulnerability, curiosity, and collaborative learning in driving significant cultural changes within their organizations. The conversation highlights the power of frontline engagement, the challenges of implementing new safety measures, and the transformative impact of shared knowledge across institutions. Whether you're in healthcare or another field, this episode offers valuable insights into fostering a culture of continuous improvement and safety. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this inspiring dialogue among some of the leading minds in pediatric healthcare safety.

Hey everybody, Todd Conklin here with another Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment. In this brief yet insightful episode, Todd delves into a crucial concept that's often overlooked: the difficulty of noticing something that hasn't happened yet. He emphasizes the importance of building systems that help identify potential drifts and failures, while also acknowledging the inherent challenge in predicting the unforeseen. This episode is a thoughtful reminder that hindsight is always 20/20, and it’s essential to support our organizational systems to better anticipate and prevent failures. Join Todd for a few minutes as he explores this pivotal idea, encouraging us all to learn something new every day and to be kind and safe in our endeavors.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Pre-Accident Podcast with your host, Todd Conklin. Today, we delve into the world of patient safety with a special focus on children's hospitals. Todd introduces Dr. Anne Lyren, the clinical director of Children's Hospitals Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS), an organization dedicated to eliminating serious harm in pediatric care. Dr. Lyren shares the fascinating journey of SPS, detailing its origins, the challenges faced, and the remarkable successes achieved in improving safety measures across 150 children's hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. From reducing surgical site infections and adverse drug events to pioneering new safety strategies and fostering a culture of collaboration, this episode covers it all. Join us as we explore the innovative approaches and proactive safety tools that have transformed pediatric care. Dr. Lyren's insights and stories are not only encouraging but also incredibly meaningful, offering a glimpse into the future of patient safety. S

Hey everybody, welcome to another pre-accident investigation safety moment with Todd! In this episode, Todd kicks things off with an insightful quote from Henry Petrosky: "We have learned to live in a world of imperfect things, just as we've learned to live in a world of imperfect humans." Todd delves into the humility and profound truth behind this quote, emphasizing that neither systems nor people are perfect. He highlights the importance of recognizing potential weaknesses and flaws in our work and daily lives, urging us to be prepared for inevitable failures. Whether managing high-risk systems or simply navigating everyday tasks like shopping or getting repairs done, Todd reminds us that how we approach and understand the potential for disappointment is crucial. He encourages listeners to share their interpretations of the quote and celebrates the diversity of perspectives that make life interesting. Join Todd for a reflective moment that underscores the value of learning, having fun, and being kind an

Welcome to the 500th episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast! Join Todd Conklin as he reflects on a decade of insightful conversations, safety moments, and the evolution of ideas in the safety world. Todd takes us through the origin story of the podcast, sharing how it all began with a simple idea to capture the voices and thoughts of safety professionals. He delves into the importance of consistency, the challenges of podcast production, and the joy of connecting with listeners. Throughout the episode, Todd highlights the significant changes in how safety is discussed, especially the shift in understanding human error. He emphasizes the value of creating systems that are tolerant and expectant of human mistakes. As Todd reminisces about the journey, he expresses gratitude to the listeners for their unwavering support and engagement. He looks forward to continuing the conversation, exploring new topics, and bringing more intriguing guests to the show. Thank you for being a part of this incredibl

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast with Todd Conklin! In this episode, Todd delves into the concept that "two heads are better than one" and explores the value of independent verification in ensuring safety and reliability. He discusses how an additional set of eyes can significantly enhance the ability to catch mistakes and prevent failures, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared expertise. Join Todd for this short and insightful safety moment as he explains how leveraging the skills and experiences of others can lead to greater resilience and reliability in any system. Remember, learning and safety go hand in hand! Stay safe, stay kind, and keep learning something new every day!

In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, host Todd Conklin delves into a real-life scenario that underscores the importance of effective system design. Through an engaging story about a confusing airport security line, Todd explores the concept of high reliability and the pitfalls of blaming individuals for systemic failures. Join Todd as he reflects on the principles of highly reliable organizations and how they apply to everyday situations. This episode offers valuable insights into recognizing weak links in systems and emphasizes the need for clear, user-friendly design to prevent unnecessary confusion and errors. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that not only entertains but also provides practical takeaways for improving system reliability and user experience in any organization.

In this captivating discussion, Todd Conklin takes on the topic of workplace safety, highlighting the importance of the 'Start Work' approach compared to the 'Stop Work' method. Although acknowledging the and ethical and moral value of having a 'Stop Work' authority, Conklin makes a stronger case for the 'Start Work' approach. During the conversation, Conklin illuminates how 'Start Work' is all about identifying essential safety controls necessary for work and ensuring their validation and verification before any task commences. This preventive method, as he contends, eliminates uncertainties, allows for better measurement, verification, and monitoring while negating the unreliability of attempting to predict and prevent potential hazards at every turn, a requirement often associated with 'Stop Work'. Consequently, Conklin underscores the importance of celebrating the successful execution of 'Start Work' within an organization, pointing out that deciding not to start a task due to inadequate provisions should

In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, Todd Conklin presents a comprehensive discussion on the risks and consequences associated with outdoor recreational activities, especially school trips to the lake. The conversation emphasizes the crucial need for understanding risk management and implementing practical safety measures in group outdoor settings. Joining the discussion is Associate Professor Mike Brown from Auckland University, an expert with over three decades of experience in outdoor education. He highlights the fatal consequences of underestimating risks in outdoor activities and introduces listeners to his refined process of identifying and preventing accident patterns specific to outdoor education scenarios using real-life examples from coroner's case studies. The episode explores the thrilling allure of outdoor activities versus the imperative of safety, striking a balance between fun and responsible outdoor learning. It offers a profound understanding of the factors that can tur

In this episode, Todd Conklin discusses the critical element of understanding local rationale in the workplace and how it can serve as the starting point for significant organizational discovery. Rather than using this information to point fingers or penalize individuals, Conklin encourages managers and leaders to utilize these moments of rationale to investigate and gain insight into the broader challenges and issues within their organizations. Highlighting the essence of curiosity, Conklin proffers that when workers explain why something made sense at a particular moment, leaders should seize this as an opportunity to learn and understand instead of using it as a weapon of accountability. This interest, he asserts, is critical to uncover deep-seated organizational issues that might often be overlooked. Conklin's message encapsulates the importance of becoming smarter in every aspect of our lives, pushing listeners to adopt curiosity as a pathway to greater understanding. He finishes off the episode with a h

In this insightful episode, our host, Todd Conklin, presents a new envisioning of safety at workplaces. He emphasises the need to perceive safety not merely as avoiding accidents, but more importantly, fostering operational capacity. Todd emphasises the necessity to reform the investigative processes, urging to involve workers in learning rather than attributing blame. The dialogue gravitates towards studying regular workflows, a welcome deviation from the standard practice of only probing when mishaps occur. Leadership plays a key role in implementing these philosophical and methodological changes, despite inevitable resistance and nostalgia for traditional ways. Overcoming this barrier, leaders need to foster change and pioneer the path to progress. The value of several upcoming workshops, each offering chances to learn and improve upon safety practices, is highlighted. The role of safety within operations evolves from being a theoretical discourse to a focus on practical interventions. The challenge lies i

In this episode, Todd Conklin delves into a unique phenomenon propelling safety regulations globally. Discussing the intriguing concept of 'sticky', an acronym for 'stuff that kills you', Todd highlights how this approach has impacted organizations and reinvigorated safety dialogues. In a world where perfect conditions, processes, or people are not guaranteed, the 'STKY' approach encourages identifying the highest risks involved in a task. However, Todd emphasizes that the magic lies not in the identification but in the follow-up questions. Upon identification of the 'sticky'—the deadliest risk, one ought to ask: 'When that bad thing happens, what keeps us safe?'. This paves the way to identify the essential controls for failing safely. The value of 'STKY' begins to shine through with the critical evaluation of existing safety measures. In conclusion, Todd points out that the power of 'STKY' lies in the subsequent questions: 'What will kill you?', 'When it happens, what keeps you safe?', and 'Is that enough?'

In this enlightening episode, host Todd Conklin talks with Christian Gould from Norwegian energy giant Equinor. The central focus of their conversation revolves around the multifaceted Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) and its effectiveness across diverse cultures, industries, and geographical planes - with a heavy emphasis on the Scandinavian scenario. Gould elaborates on the need to contextualize HOP theories and practices in light of both language and culture. He navigates pivotal discussions on the cultural impact on high-stakes, high-potential events, and dissect how his team is facilitating it. Unravelling insights into how HOP ideologies have been adopted in Scandinavia, Gould notes the one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Instead, he walks us through the stumbling blocks they need to bypass, despite an initial perception of these principles being easy to implement. Furthermore, Gould introduces the listeners to tactics they employ to turn obstacles into opportunities, underscoring the imp