Indicators of Larger Accidents : Q&A with Scott Kimmel

Scott, thank you for joining us today. With your extensive background in the Nuclear Navy (safety record: 7500 reactor years without incident) and your work with High Reliability Group, you have a unique perspective on safety in industrial environments.

Can you share your thoughts on how minor safety mishaps can indicate larger issues?

Scott Kimmel: One thing I've learned is that minor safety mishaps, like slips and falls, often signal the overall performance and standards within an organization. It's easy to dismiss these incidents as part of business in an industrial environment, but that's not the right approach. We should always aim to reduce both the severity and frequency of these incidents.

That makes sense. Can you share an example from your experience?

Scott Kimmel: Sure. I've lost count of how many times I've walked into an industrial environment and seen workers without the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). You might have four workers in an area, and one isn't wearing safety glasses or a hardhat. If I walk past that and don't correct it, I've just lowered the standards in the minds of the workers. It sends the message that it's okay to ignore safety requirements.  Here’s the basic Heinrich Safety Pyramid you are likely familiar with:

So what do you do in those situations?

Scott Kimmel: It's easy to tell someone to put on their safety gear, but that’s hit or miss on whether they'll remember next time. Instead, it's crucial to engage everyone in the area. Ask the person why they didn't have their PPE on. Did they know it was required? Then, broaden the discussion to others in the area. Ask them why they let this happen. Did they notice the person wasn't wearing their gear? The answers can vary widely, but the goal is to ensure everyone understands the importance of PPE and looks out for their fellow workers.

It sounds like building a culture of safety is key. How do you handle an increase in low-level injuries as an indicator of performance and standards?

Scott Kimmel: Exactly, building a culture of safety is fundamental. An increase in low-level injuries is a red flag. We should see these minor incidents as opportunities to identify weaknesses in the system before they lead to more significant problems. This proactive approach helps reduce the possibility of larger accidents or catastrophes.

Can you elaborate on how you engage with workers to foster this culture?

Scott Kimmel: The days of assuming someone knows better are over if you want to fix the problem. The best approach is to gather everyone and discuss the incident openly. This involves not only addressing the individual but also involving the team. It's about continuous discussion and reinforcement of safety standards. Everyone needs to be reminded of the requirements and the standards we maintain.

Your approach seems to hinge on communication and accountability. How do organizations maintain these principles consistently?

Scott Kimmel: Consistency is achieved through leadership and engagement. Leaders must be visible and actively involved in safety practices. It's not enough to set standards; leaders must model those standards and hold everyone accountable. This means addressing issues immediately and fostering an environment where safety is everyone's responsibility.

Can you share a bit about your background and how it informs your approach to safety?

Scott Kimmel: Of course. I served 21 years in the Navy Nuclear Power program, both as an enlisted sailor and a commissioned officer. My time in the Navy included training sailors and operational time on submarines. After retiring from the Navy, I worked in one of the Navy’s public shipyards for 19 years, holding various leadership positions. This experience taught me the importance of building high-performing teams that execute complex maintenance work safely and on time. These principles have been invaluable in my role at HRG, where I help organizations achieve operational excellence.

Thank you, Scott. Your insights are invaluable, and I'm sure our readers will appreciate your practical advice on improving safety and performance in their organizations.

Scott Kimmel: Thank you, it's been a pleasure sharing my experiences. Remember, building a culture of safety is a continuous journey, and it starts with leadership and engagement at every level.

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