This panel focused on moving beyond the Zero Accident mentality and helping organizations understand what it takes to get to Zero Incidents. As a nation, the US accepted President John F. Kennedy’s bold challenge in 1961 to send a man to the moon before the end of the decade. His idea was a stretch. In fact, great minds of the time called it “lunacy” and skeptics said it was impossible. But Kennedy’s vision became a reality when Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong left a dusty trail of footprints on the lunar surface on July 20, 1969.

Today, our industry’s challenge is no less significant and just as daunting – not technically, but culturally. In the US alone, every year more than 4.1 million people suffer a workplace injury or occupational illness – about 4.4 cases per 100 full-time workers. Workplace deaths, illnesses and injuries cost society $155.5 billion annually. It just isn’t good enough for safety to be a priority. Safety must become part of an organization’s values. Why? Because priorities can change and values don’t. Panelists discussed processes and tools, including Human Performance Improvement, for achieving a Zero Incident culture. Our panelists shared information on how to change the paradigm on safety from the “absence of accidents” to the presence of safety.

Panelists included: Mark Lesinski, Executive Director of Delivery, NDA (United Kingdom); Mike Schlender, Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; John Longenecker, President, Longenecker & Associates; Scott Shinn, Technical Service Specialist, Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division, 3M; and Joe Yanek, Executive Director, Technical Support Services, Fluor Government Group (USA).