Some current topics available:

• The hierarchy of controls revolution 

We are all familiar with the 5 step hierarchy of controls, a method that dates back to the 1955 National Safety Councils safety manual, and on that has been used in research and practice for over 70 years. Recently several other models have been presented including one based on energy hazards and psychological health and safety, to name a few. In this presentation we will look back at the original hierarchy and examine new models between 1955 and today, discussing how these models can be used to reduce injuries and better inform our control evaluation processes. 

• The Golden Gate Bridge, hierarchy of controls and psychological safety

In this presentation we will learn about the various health and safety innovations utilized during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge (GGB) during the 1930s including the first modern recorded use of hard hats, individual fall protection, face cream to protect workers from high winds during construction, and of course the famous safety net, credited with saving 19 workers through the course of the build. 

The story does not end there, unfortunately over the next 90 years, the GGB has had the nefarious reputation as the most dangerous bridge in North America (2n in the world) with an average of 30 deaths taking place by self-harm, over 2000 since the bridge was completed. Examining the controls implemented during construction against the hierarchy of controls, we see that despite meeting current legislative requirements such as guardrails and physical separation between vehicles and pedestrians, the GGB has failed to prevent fatalities caused by intentional self-harm. 

In 2024 a return to an old method, the safety net was implemented; despite reducing the number of fatalities, it did not eliminate them, which begs the question, how can we get the number to zero and prevent these tragedies not only on this iconic structure but in our own construction projects that pose a similar risk. 

• A weird history: Safety controls of the past and what we can learn from them today

This is a more lighthearted presentation that takes a look at some historic controls up in place to prevent injury to workers in North America. Going all the way back to the bison jumps used by the plains indigenous people, to the Golden Gate Bridge, cages for employees working in banks and other high risk areas, inflatable helmets and even radioactive condoms, we will explore these ingenious, and maybe not so effective controls, again looking for lessons that will help us make better decisions as we control hazards on our own worksites today. 

This is a more lighthearted presentation that takes a look at some historic controls up in place to prevent injury to workers in North America. Going all the way back to the bison jumps used by the plains indigenous people, to the Golden Gate Bridge, cages for employees working in banks and other high risk areas, inflatable helmets and even radioactive condoms, we will explore these ingenious, and maybe not so effective controls, again looking for lessons that will help us make better decisions as we control hazards on our own worksites today. 

• Psychological Safety is not about mental health

Obviously, this is a controversial hook, but the purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the value of PHS in the workplace and its impact on ALL aspects of business – from incident reporting, productivity and employee engagement. A psychologically safe workplace does not stop at reducing mental health injuries, it can lead to improvement in almost all areas of business, and this knowledge helps us understand why changes to our management system are not only necessary to protect workers from injury, but the foundation for a successful business. 

If you have an idea for a safety presentation or keynote, but don't have the time to research and develop the presentation, let us help. We can build it for your delivery, or present it for you. Whatever works best for your organization.