Best David Provan Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 4 – The Unburied Truth 33:17

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5h ago33:17

33:17

A warning on a truck. Milk gone sour. A body dug from the ground. When Reilly finds a chilling message on her father’s truck, the police dismiss it as nothing more than a prank. But trouble multiplies—the farm is barred from selling milk, Cam grows restless, and the sheriff makes a shocking call: Harrison’s body will be exhumed. As secrets surface,…

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Ep. 132: How much should we worry about the invasiveness of team support AI? 41:22

3d ago41:22

41:22

The findings reveal that invasiveness drives negative reactions more than the stated purpose of monitoring, with participants showing skepticism about AI's ability to accurately measure teamwork quality. The hosts emphasize that even well-intentioned monitoring systems introduce psychosocial hazards and stress, requiring organizations to carefully …

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Episode 3 - Echoes of Deceit 31:13

9d ago31:13

31:13

A secret affair. A buried truth. An unwelcome guest. Reilly stumbles upon her mother’s hidden past, a revelation that shakes the fragile foundation of her family. Frank wrestles with a tempting offer from BFC, while tensions with Josh erupt into confrontation. Just as the pressure mounts, a mysterious investigator arrives—suggesting Harrison’s deat…

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Episode 1: Love, Lies, and Betrayal 41:09

8d ago41:09

41:09

A career in freefall. A family tragedy. Secrets waiting in the shadows. Reilly thought she had it all figured out: a promising career in New York City and a stable life with her girlfriend. But in a single week, everything shatters—her designs are called into question, her relationship implodes, and a shocking tragedy at the family farm pulls her b…

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Episode 2: Ties That Bind 49:13

8d ago49:13

49:13

Thirty days on the farm. Strange noises. Someone’s watching. Reilly’s plans to escape back to the city right after the funeral are crushed when her father’s will forces her to stay on the farm. But home is no refuge—funeral tensions boil over, strange noises echo in the night, and shadows linger where they don’t belong. When she finally seeks comfo…

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Ep. 131: How can we make automated systems team players? 36:13

17d ago36:13

36:13

The discussion centers on two key design principles: observability, which ensures humans can understand what automated systems are doing and why, and direct ability, which allows humans to steer automation rather than simply turning it on or off. Using examples from aviation incidents like Boeing's MCAS system and emerging AI technologies, the epis…

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THE FARM - TRAILER 0:37

1M ago0:37

0:37

OUT NOW! THE FARM is a gripping narrative audio drama podcast about family secrets, rural suspense, and a woman’s fight to reclaim her legacy. When a high-powered architect returns home after her father’s sudden death, she uncovers a conspiracy that could cost her the farm—and her life.By Little Fish Entertainment, LLC

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Ep. 130: What are the problems with Just Culture models? 1:00:17

2M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

You'll hear about BP's attempt to create a fairer process using eight new questions that focus more on system factors like management influence, procedural clarity, and organizational goal conflicts. They discuss how even this thoughtfully redesigned framework still resulted in predominantly individual-focused interventions, with 80% of actions tar…

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Ep. 129: How can we use swapping as a strategy for decluttering? 39:00

7M ago39:00

39:00

You’ll hear six key principles for effective behavioral substitution, drawing parallels between healthcare and safety contexts. They discuss how these principles can guide both the removal of ineffective practices and the implementation of new ones, emphasizing the importance of considering practical needs, existing skills, and organizational resou…

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Ep. 128: What are the attributes of an effective supervisor? 56:36

7M ago56:36

56:36

The discussion challenges traditional views of supervision by emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and predictable relationships between supervisors and workers. Through analysis of interviews with both supervisors and supervisees, the research highlights how effective supervision requires balancing organizational needs with worker su…

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Ep. 127: Should safety education focus on hard skills 44:20

7M ago44:20

44:20

Drawing on insights from business leaders and contemporary educational theory, we propose that effective safety professionals require both technical expertise and sophisticated narrative capabilities. The findings suggest significant implications for safety education and professional development, challenging institutions to reconsider how they prep…

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Ep. 126: Is it time to stop talking about safety culture? 45:11

8M ago45:11

45:11

In this discussion, we dissect various models of safety culture, scrutinizing how organizations perceive, measure, and manage these concepts. From artifacts like management systems to individual attitudes and behaviors, we delve into the inconsistencies and challenges of these models. We also revisit historical perspectives, such as Dov Zohar's wor…

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Ep. 125: Does ChatGPT provide good safety advice? 59:43

10M ago59:43

59:43

From discussing mobile phone use while driving to the challenges of giving advice to older adults at risk of falls, this episode covers ChatGPT’s responses to a wide range of safety topics - identifying biases, inconsistencies, and areas where ChatGPT aligns or falls short of expert advice. The broader implications of relying on ChatGPT for safety …

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Ep. 124 Is safety a key value driver for business? 44:41

1y ago44:41

44:41

We challenge the notion that high injury rates are punished by market forces, as we dig into this article that posits the opposite: that safety should be a performance driver. Our analysis dives deep into the credibility and methodologies of the article, emphasizing the critical role of peer review and the broader body of knowledge. We'll also scru…

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Ep. 123: Is risk a science or a feeling? 59:21

1y ago59:21

59:21

From the perceived control in everyday activities like driving, to the dread associated with nuclear accidents, we discuss how emotional responses can sometimes skew our rational assessments of risk. Finally, we explore the ethical and practical challenges of balancing emotional and analytical approaches in risk communication, especially in high-st…

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Ep. 122: What makes a good presentation? 42:55

1y ago42:55

42:55

The discussion provides an in-depth examination of the principles of multimedia, modality, and redundancy, all of which are crucial for optimizing learning and information retention. The episode also offers a wealth of practical strategies for interactive design and meticulous preparation, aimed at enhancing audience engagement and comprehension. T…

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Ep. 121 Is safety good for business? 45:45

1y ago45:45

45:45

We examine whether a safe work environment truly enhances productivity and engagement or if it stifles business efficiency. Historical incidents like the Union Carbide disaster and BP's Deepwater Horizon blowout are analyzed to question if neglecting safety can still lead to profitability. Finally, we break down the misconception that good safety p…

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Ep. 120: What does the literature say about safety professionals? 1:00:52

1+ y ago1:00:52

1:00:52

David and Drew share insights into Dr. Provan’s PhD research journey, exploring the scarce guidance and fragmented views within academic research on safety practices. They discuss the challenges of painting a clear picture of the day-to-day responsibilities of safety professionals and how this prompted an in-depth investigation into the profession.…

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Ep. 119: Should we ask about contributors rather than causes? 45:19

1+ y ago45:19

45:19

Today’s paper, “Multiple Systemic Contributors versus Root Cause: Learning from a NASA Near Miss” by Katherine E. Walker et al, examines an incident wherein a NASA astronaut nearly drowned (asphyxiated) during an Extravehicular Activity (EVA 23) on the International Space Station due to spacesuit leakage. The paper introduces us to an innovative an…

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Ep. 118 How should we account for technological accidents? 49:50

1+ y ago49:50

49:50

Using the Waterfall incident as a striking focal point, we dissect the investigation and its aftermath, we share personal reflections on the implementation of safety recommendations and the nuances of assessing systems designed to protect us. From the mechanics of dead man's systems to the critical evaluation of managerial decisions, our dialogue e…

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Ep. 117: Can digital twins help improve the safety of work? 38:49

1+ y ago38:49

38:49

Using the paper, “Digital Twins in Safety Analysis, Risk Assessment and Emergency Management.” by Zio and Miqueles, published in the technical safety journal, Reliability Engineering and System Safety, we examine intricate simulations that predict traffic flows to emergency management tools that plan safe evacuation routes, and we delve into how th…

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Ep 116. Do audits improve the safety of work? 36:52

1+ y ago36:52

36:52

Ben's expertise guides us through an analysis of audit reports and accident investigations, laying bare the counterfactual reasoning that often skews post-incident narratives. It's an eye-opening examination that calls for a reimagined approach to audits, one that aligns with the genuine complexities of organizational culture and safety. Together, …

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Ep. 115: Why are subcontractors at higher risk? 35:12

1+ y ago35:12

35:12

Safety isn't one-size-fits-all, especially for subcontractors who navigate multiple sites with varying rules and equipment. This episode peels back the layers on the practical safety management challenges subcontractors endure, revealing how transient work complicates the integration of safety protocols. We scrutinize the institutional oversights a…

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Ep. 114 How do we manage safety for work from home workers? 40:16

2y ago40:16

40:16

Lastly, we delve into the role of leadership in addressing psychosocial hazards, the importance of standardized guidance for remote work, and the challenges faced by line managers in managing remote workers. We wrap up the episode by providing a toolkit for managers to effectively navigate the challenges of remote work, and highlight the need for t…

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Ep. 113 When are seemingly impossible goals good for performance? 58:25

2y ago58:25

58:25

The conversation stems from a review of a noteworthy paper from the Academy of Management Review Journal titled "The Paradox of Stretch Goals: Organizations in Pursuit of the Seemingly Impossible," which offers invaluable insights into the world of goal setting in senior management. Discussion Points: The concept of seemingly impossible goals in or…

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Ep 112 How biased are incident investigators? 52:55

2y ago52:55

52:55

You’ll hear David and Drew delve into the often overlooked role of bias in accident investigations. They explore the potential pitfalls of data collection, particularly confirmation bias, and discuss the impacts of other biases such as anchoring bias and hindsight bias. Findings from the paper are examined, revealing insights into confirmation bias…

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Ep. 111 Are management walkarounds effective? 36:06

2y ago36:06

36:06

The research paper discussed is by Anita Tucker and Sarah Singer, titled "The Effectiveness of Management by Walking Around: A Randomised Field Study," published in Production and Operations Management. Discussion Points: Understanding senior leadership safety visits and management walkarounds Best practices for safety management programs How manag…

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Ep. 110 Can personality tests predict safety performance? 41:04

2y ago41:04

41:04

The paper reviewed in this episode is from the Journal of Applied Psychology entitled, “A meta-analysis of personality and workplace safety: Addressing unanswered questions” by Beus, J. M., Dhanani, L. Y., & McCord, M. A. (2015). Discussion Points: Overview of the intersection between psychology and workplace safety How personality tests may predic…

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Ep. 109 Do safety performance indicators mean the same thing to different stakeholders? 58:34

2+ y ago58:34

58:34

Show Notes - The Safety of Work - Ep. 109 Do safety performance indicators mean the same thing to different stakeholders Dr. Drew Rae and Dr. David Provan The abstract reads: Indicators are used by most organizations to track their safety performance. Research attention has been drawn to what makes for a good indicator (specific, proactive, etc.) a…

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Ep. 108 Could a 4 day work week improve employee well-being? 55:11

2+ y ago55:11

55:11

This report details the full findings of the world’s largest four-day working week trial to date, comprising 61 companies and around 2,900 workers, that took place in the UK from June to December 2022. The design of the trial involved two months of preparation for participants, with workshops, coaching, mentoring and peer support, drawing on the ex…

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Ep. 107 What research is needed to implement the Safework Australia WHS strategy? 46:58

2+ y ago46:58

46:58

Summary: The purpose of the Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Strategy 2023–2033 (the Strategy) is to outline a national vision for WHS — Safe and healthy work for all — and set the platform for delivering on key WHS improvements. To do this, the Strategy articulates a primary goal supported by national targets, and the enablers, actions and …

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Ep. 106 Is it possible to teach critical thinking? 54:47

2+ y ago54:47

54:47

Baron's work focuses primarily on judgment and decision-making, a multi-disciplinary area that applies psychology to problems of ethical decisions and resource allocation in economics, law, business, and public policy. The paper’s summary: Recent efforts to teach thinking could be unproductive without a theory of what needs to be taught and why. An…

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Ep. 105 How can organisations learn faster? 44:27

2+ y ago44:27

44:27

You’ll hear a little about Schein’s early career at Harvard and MIT, including his Ph.D. work – a paper on the experience of POWs during wartime contrasted against the indoctrination of individuals joining an organization for employment. Some of Schein’s 30-year-old concepts that are now common practice and theory in organizations, such as “psychol…

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Ep. 104 How can we get better at using measurement? 46:09

2+ y ago46:09

46:09

You’ll hear some dismaying statistics around the validity of research papers in general, some comments regarding the peer review process, and then we’ll dissect each of six questions that should be asked BEFORE you design your research. The paper’s abstract reads: In this article, we define questionable measurement practices (QMPs) as decisions res…

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Ep. 103 Should we be happy when our people speak out about safety? 1:01:13

3y ago1:01:13

1:01:13

In concert with the paper, we’ll focus on two major separate but related Boeing 737 accidents: Lyon Air #610 in October 2018 - The plane took off from Jakarta and crashed 13 mins later, with one of the highest death tolls ever for a 737 crash - 189 souls. Ethiopian Airlines #30 in March 2019 - This plane took off from Addis Ababba and crashed minut…

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Ep. 102 What's the right strategy when we can't manage safety as well as we'd like to? 41:36

3y ago41:36

41:36

The paper’s abstract reads: Healthcare systems are under stress as never before. An aging population, increasing complexity and comorbidities, continual innovation, the ambition to allow unfettered access to care, and the demands on professionals contrast sharply with the limited capacity of healthcare systems and the realities of financial austeri…

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Ep. 101 When should incidents cause us to question risk assessments? 1:01:18

3y ago1:01:18

1:01:18

The paper’s abstract reads: This paper reflects on the credibility of nuclear risk assessment in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima meltdown. In democratic states, policymaking around nuclear energy has long been premised on an understanding that experts can objectively and accurately calculate the probability of catastrophic accidents. Yet the Fukushi…

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Ep. 100 Can major accidents be prevented? 1:02:54

3y ago1:02:54

1:02:54

The book explains Perrow’s theory that catastrophic accidents are inevitable in tightly coupled and complex systems. His theory predicts that failures will occur in multiple and unforeseen ways that are virtually impossible to predict. Charles B. Perrow (1925 – 2019) was an emeritus professor of sociology at Yale University and visiting professor a…

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Ep.99 When is dropping tools the right thing to do for safety? 48:09

3y ago48:09

48:09

The paper’s abstract reads: The failure of 27 wildland firefighters to follow orders to drop their heavy tools so they could move faster and outrun an exploding fire led to their death within sight of safe areas. Possible explanations for this puzzling behavior are developed using guidelines proposed by James D. Thompson, the first editor of the Ad…

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Ep.98 What can we learn from the Harwood experiments? 59:28

3y ago59:28

59:28

In 1939, Alfred Marrow, the managing director of the Harwood Manufacturing Corporation factory in Virginia, invited Kurt Lewin (a German-American psychologist, known as one of the modern pioneers of social, organizational, and applied psychology in the U.S. to come to the textile factory to discuss significant problems with productivity and turnove…

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Episode 97: Should we link safety performance to bonus pay? 52:36

3y ago52:36

52:36

This was very in-depth research within a single organization, and the survey questions it used were well-structured. With 48 interviews to pull from, it definitely generated enough solid data to inform the paper’s results and make it a valuable study.We’ll be discussing the pros and cons of linking safety performance to monetary bonuses, which can …

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Episode 96: Why should we be cautious about too much clarity? 1:01:27

3y ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Just because concepts, theories, and opinions are useful and make people feel comfortable, doesn’t mean they are correct. No one so far has come up with an answer in the field of safety that proves, “this is the way we should do it,” and in the work of safety, we must constantly evaluate and update our practices, rules, and recommendations. This of…

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Ep.95 Do Take-5 risk assessments contribute to safe work? 56:27

3+ y ago56:27

56:27

Assessing the Influence of “Take 5” Pre-Task Risk Assessments on Safety” by Jop Havinga, Mohammed Ibrahim Shire, and our own Andrew Rae. The paper was just published in “Safety,” - an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal of industrial and human health safety published quarterly online by MDPI. The paper’s abstract reads: This paper des…

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Ep.94 What makes a quality leadership engagement for safety? 49:02

3+ y ago49:02

49:02

The authors’ goal was to produce a scoring protocol for safety-focused leadership engagements that reflects the consensus of a panel of industry experts. Therefore, the authors adopted a multiphased focus group research protocol to address three fundamental questions: 1. What are the characteristics of a high-quality leadership engagement? 2. What …

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Ep.93 Do the benefits of Lifesaving rules outweigh the negative consequences? 52:30

3+ y ago52:30

52:30

We will discuss the pros and cons of “Golden Safety Rules” and a punitive safety culture vs. a critical risk management approach, and analyze the limitations of the methods used in this research. The paper’s abstract introduction reads: Golden safety rules (GSR) have been in existence for decades across multiple industry sectors – championed by oil…

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Ep.92 How do different career paths affect the roles and training needs of safety practitioners? 52:06

3+ y ago52:06

52:06

The paper results center on a survey sent to a multitude of French industries, and although the sampling is from only one country, 15 years ago, the findings are very illustrative of common issues among safety professionals within their organizations. David used this paper as a reference for his PhD thesis, and we are going to dig into each section…

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Ep.91 How can we tell when safety research is C.R.A.A.P? 49:13

3+ y ago49:13

49:13

We will go through each letter of the amusing and memorable acronym and give you our thoughts on ways to make sure each point is addressed, and different methodologies to consider when verifying or assuring that each element has been satisfied before you cite the source. Sarah Blakeslee writes (about her CRAAP guidelines): Sometimes a person needs …

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Ep.90 Does formal safety management displace operational knowledge? 47:32

3+ y ago47:32

47:32

An excerpt from the paper’s abstract reads as follows: The proposition is based on theory about relationships between knowledge and power, complemented by organizational theory on standardization and accountability. We suggest that the increased reliance on self-regulation and international standards in safety management may be drivers for a shift …

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Ep.89 When is the process more important than the outcome? 59:26

3+ y ago59:26

59:26

Wastell, who has a BSc and Ph.D. from Durham University, is Emeritus Professor in Operations Management and Information Systems at Nottingham University in the UK. Professor Wastell began his academic career as a cognitive neuroscientist at Durham, studying the relationships between brain activity and psychological processes. His areas of expertise…

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Ep.88 Why do organisations sometimes make bad decisions? 52:09

3+ y ago52:09

52:09

While this paper was written over half a century ago, it is still relevant to us today - particularly in the Safety management industry where we are often responsible for offering solutions to problems, and implementing those solutions, requires decisions to be made by top management. This is another fascinating piece of work that will broaden your…