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Safety Moment - The 2020 Version of the "old layers of controls" speech.

The Pre Accident Podcast is an ongoing safety podcast conversation of Human Performance, Systems Safety, & Safety Culture.

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In today's episode, Todd Conklin talks about a profound reality everyone comes to understand with time and experience. This striking insight is about delving deeper into surface-level issues, to discern what's causing deeper-rooted problems in workplace scenarios. Todd shares an intriguing anecdote about a friend's team's struggles with trust-building which provides a springboard for this insightful discussion.Pivoting the conversation from a drawn-out trust-building exercise that ended up being unfruitful and counterproductive, Todd invites listeners to re-calibrate to a new perspective. He suggests that the problem might lie elsewhere. In fact, trust, or lack thereof, is just a symptom of a more profound issue. The real concern may very well be a lack of clarity regarding each team member’s mission, responsibilities, and deadlines, resulting in unfulfilled promises and agreements.This eye-opening talk challenges the listeners' conventional methods of problem-solving and pushes them to look beyond the obvious. Todd emphasizes that merely addressing the surface-level issues might not solve the underlying impediments in team coordination and project management. It's a call to peek under the hood and truly understand the dynamics of teamwork and the fundamental elements required to foster a trustworthy, efficient work environment. Stay tuned, and let's dive deep into identifying and addressing hidden issues that hinder team growth and productivity.Engage in our journey to make work-life safer and more fun. And remember all along: Be safe, be kind, learn something new every day, and above all, have as much fun as you possibly can.

Safety Moment - Delving Beyond Surface-level Problems

In our latest podcast episode, we welcome Nicholas Dahlstrom, Human Factors Manager at Emirates Airline. He takes us deep into his role, managing cultural diversities in one of the world's leading airlines. With more than 100 nationalities on the flight deck, cabin crew and wider company, Dahlstrom explores the benefits and challenges of such varied workforce. Listen as he shines a light on the greater professional culture subduing national cultural differences, sharing the impact of Covid-19 on operations, and explaining his diverse role at Emirates.Our conversation touches base with Dahlstrom's insights into training pilots and cabin crew, supporting the staff, and participating in accident investigation. A fascinating journey into the intricate workings of Emirates, this episode is a must-listen not to be missed!Navigating CRM and Aviation Safety Training with Dr. Nicholas DahlstromJoin us in this exciting podcast episode where we sit in conversation with Dr. Nicholas Dahlstrom, a prominent figure in Aviation Safety Training and Crew Resource Management. Our discussion revolves around the current state and future of CRM, especially from the lens of Emirates Airlines where he has brought about significant change.Dahlstrom stresses the importance of adjustable training methods, the challenges of blending safety and efficiency in training, and the need to focus on human development while making organizational improvements. His insights prove invaluable for anyone intrigued by aviation safety, human factors, CRM, and the delicate task of merging traditional knowledge with innovative methods. Plug in as Dr. Dahlstrom illustrates the power of CRM in enhancing safety and boosting efficiency. A must-listen for all safety professionals!

PAPod 494 - Decoding Cultural Diversity at Emirates Airline with Nicholas Dahlstrom

The next time you experience a potential failure or safety issue, pause and ask, "Who, within the working sphere, wasn't surprised by that?" Todd Conklin hosts the Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Moment podcast episode and emphasizes this query's importance. Unexpected safety issues or near-miss incidents can sometimes be anticipated by individuals targeted in your work environment, and recognizing these signals can guide you to improve precautions.Understanding that some employees weren't startled by the risks and closely examining these situations is key. Significantly, however, creating a psychologically safe atmosphere is crucial to encourage employees to communicate freely and genuinely. This episode aims at creating an environment where employees feel secure enough to admit that the eventual risk was foreseeable.Conklin further points out that fully grasping these 'low-level' or 'weak' signals and timely risk identification can prevent potential disasters. It therefore becomes the leadership's responsibility to ensure these almost unnoticeable signs aren't neglected and, instead, are proactively addressed. It also means refining the company's sensitivity towards detecting these quiet alarms earlier rather than after mishaps.Once safety risks are acknowledged, learning from them and implementing the necessary measures to avert future occurrences is the following step. An essential part of this process is identifying what employees specifically anticipated might go wrong. The information established as a result is valuable data that will drive safety advancement within the organization.This informative yet intriguing episode emphasizes the significance of continuous learning, mutual respect, fun, kindness, and above all, safety in the workplace. Join us on this safety-focused episode and learn how to improve your organization's safety approach today.

Safety Moment - Improving Safety by Recognizing Who Was Not Surprised

In this engaging episode, Todd revisits the genesis and evolution of the 'Fundamentals of Human Performance' class developed over 20 years ago at the Department of Energy at Los Alamos National Laboratory with teammates Martha Costa, Andrea Baker, and Bob Edwards. Together they reflect on the journey of this revolutionary concept, its global influence on safety practices, and the power of innovative thinking within a small group of committed individuals. The conversation provides an intimate look at the origin of their ideas, their growth, and their impact. It's more than a trip down memory lane; it's a testament to their ongoing commitment to global safety practices and standards.
Todd and his guests also delve into their transition from operational learning to 'Learning Teams' within their organization. Despite skepticism and pushback, they highlight their struggles, successes, and the lessons learned in implementation. They candidly discuss the stumbling blocks faced, such as blame culture, and how they ultimately successful in overcoming these issues. This segment encapsulates their views on accountability as a group effort, their learning experiences, and the evolution of their methodology over time.
The episode also hones in on some of their most groundbreaking solutions, including innovative ways to address efficiency issues. These industry trailblazers share their unforgettable 'eureka moments', the initial frustrations, and the broad impact they have had on an array of workplaces. The conversation intertwines their professional achievements with their heartfelt personal sentiments, providing listeners with a deeply moving and inspiring journey.
The episode winds up with a discussion on the joy of bringing about change and how credit becomes secondary when the true reward is the ability to make a difference. Tune in for a mix of thought-provoking stories, personal reflections, and insights into a journey of professional innovation that changed the dynamics of safety practices globally.

PAPod 493 - A 20 Year Look Back at Fundamentals of Human Performance

In this enlightening episode, Todd Conklin explores the paradoxical concept that as a leader, not knowing can actually be a superior position to knowing. Sounds contrarian? Not in the slightest once you understand the reasoning behind it.The tenet of this discussion is founded on the notions of cognitive and confirmation biases - biases we unknowingly nurture. You might be wondering, "How is ignorance beneficial to a leader?" It's simple. Admitting ignorance gives you the licence to learn, often leading to you shedding your ego while entering a prolific phase of self-improvement.However, there is a common misconception that acts as a stumbling block for many leaders. It is the belief that displaying any form of ignorance is a sign of weakness, possibly raising questions about their competence. This episode aims to debunk such misconceptions, arguing that there is immense value in conceding ignorance and turning it into a powerful tool for learning.This intriguing discussion is topped with insights drawn from the scientific world, where every experiment stems from a state of not knowing. These scientists, open to learning and discovering, create fruitful research environments led by the spirit of curiosity and ignorance. Their attitude emphasizes the potency of not knowing – it propels you into a position where learning is more than just acceptable, it is actively sought after.Join us in this episode to challenge your preconceived notions and learning to embrace the unknown. Let's remember that every day brings new opportunities to learn, have fun, show kindness to one another, and most importantly, keep safe!

Safety Moment - The 2020 Version of the "old layers of controls" speech.

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