Todd Conklin explores how safety programs, despite good intentions, often degrade over time: leading metrics turn lagging, bureaucracy self-reinforces (the "iron law"), and helpful tools can become weaponized in hindsight. He illustrates with examples like restrictive approval rules for breathing apparatus and reliance on machine safeguards that can encourage risky behaviour.
The episode urges organizations to declutter processes, monitor and adapt systems continuously, and treat safety as an active capacity that must be supported in real time rather than audited for blind obedience.
PAPod 621 - March 2015 - Safety Differently: Sidney Decker on Moving Beyond Blame
Dr. Todd Conklin interviews Dr. Sidney Decker about his work on safety, accounta
PAPod 620 - From Risk to Mission: Rethinking Safety at Golden Gate
Host Todd Conklin visits Golden Gate National Recreation Area with safety specia
PAPod 619 - Normalization of Excellence: Turning Safety into Strength
In this episode, Todd explores the evolution of safety thinking—from blaming hum
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