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 cheese, a nod to Reason's famous model, and reflect on his contributions to the field. Thank you, James Reason, for your remarkable influence on safety and human error research.

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, compliance, and the dynamic role of regulatory bodies in making the world a safer place. Don't miss part two, where the conversation continues with more insights and reflections from these remarkable leaders.

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 thoughtful system design.

Grab a jar of Milo's Tea, sit back, and enjoy this thought-provoking dialogue that challenges our perceptions of safety and efficiency in the workplace. Join Todd and Marc as they navigate these complex discussions with humor and insight.