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

PreAccident Investigation Podcast

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.