From Clutter to Clarity: Simplifying Safety Systems - Facility Rockstars - Episode # 057
Host Jay Culbert welcomes back previous guests Matt Twerdy and Joe Gilliland for a deeper dive into Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).
Matt Twerdy, Director of Environment Health and Safety at Collins Aerospace, and Joe Gilliland, Senior Director of Health, Safety, and Environment US at Sanofi, share their expertise on EHS management systems, human and organizational performance (HOP), and the concept of safety clutter. They emphasize the importance of humble leadership, effective communication, and collaboration in building simple yet resilient safety systems.
The conversation highlights the value of empowering employees, fostering a blame-free culture, and leveraging AI to predict and mitigate risks. The guests also explore how these principles apply across industries and the critical role of psychological safety in creating a high-functioning, secure workplace.
This episode reinforces the mission to protect workers and cultivate a safety-first culture in all operations.
Takeaways:
- Collaborate with Workers Closest to the Work – Involve employees directly engaged in daily operations to better understand challenges and develop practical safety solutions.
- Lead with Humility – Foster a culture where leaders value input from all levels, ensuring employees feel respected and heard.
- Eliminate Safety Clutter – Simplify procedures by removing unnecessary documentation and focusing on critical safety aspects to keep workers engaged.
- Implement Clear, Simple Procedures – Use short, straightforward checklists and guidelines to reduce errors and enhance safety, especially in emergencies.
- Encourage Leadership Engagement and Open Conversations – Regularly interact with employees through gemba walks and discussions to uncover risks and improve processes.
- Empower Employees to Take the Lead – Promote a leader-leader culture where workers are encouraged to make decisions, suggest improvements, and stop unsafe activities.
- Prioritize Psychological Safety – Create a work environment where employees can voice concerns without fear of blame, fostering trust and organizational excellence.
Links:
- Matt Twerdy
- Joe Gilliland
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-gilliland-544b1611/
- Website: https://www.sanofi.com/en
Shoutouts:
- “Turn the Ship Around” by David Marquet: https://davidmarquet.com/turn-the-ship-around-book/
- PreAccident Investigation Podcast: https://preaccidentpodcast.podbean.com/
- VPP Conference: https://vppregion1.com/2025-safety-health-conference-exhibition/
- VPP Speakers: https://vppregion1.com/speakers-presenters-guide/
Ways to Tune In:
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2XB78b09i5vkWy1eHsxb
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facility-rockstars/id1729458441
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/60bbc4f3-a123-47ca-9a83-eade102c5859/facility-rockstars
- Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/facility-rockstars-5616662
- YouTube: https://youtu.be/OKyOmVGLCPM
- Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com
Facility Rockstars is sponsored by Kaloutas, operating the way you operate in order to make your life easier. Learn more at: https://www.kaloutas.com
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