Training the Dog

Why is a pug named Phoebe likely more qualified than your frontline crew? 

In the oil and gas industry, online training and certification have become the norm. Let's agree it's convenient, cost-effective, and scalable. But what if the people taking that training are subverting the training using AI, or aren’t people at all?

Digital tools, especially generative AI, are now being misused to automate training completion, which undermines the entire compliance system. The same platforms designed to protect workers, assure reliability, comply with regulations, and safeguard the environment may be certifying untrained staff, putting lives at risk and exposing companies to severe legal and financial consequences.

In this episode, Rob Day joins me on the podcast to discuss this hidden crisis. Rob is Managing Director at Cognisense, and a dedicated expert in risk mitigation. From court cases involving industrial explosions to training a pug to complete OSHA 10, Rob shares shocking and true stories from the frontlines of digital risk. He also outlines what companies can do right now to reclaim control over their training systems, ensure legal compliance, and reduce exposure. All managers and supervisors on the front line of industrial work need to be aware of the risks they face. 

#RiskWashing #OHS #SafetyTraining #TrainingthatMatters #AI #WorkplaceSafety #RiskManagement #OilAndGas 

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👤 About the Guest

Rob Day is Managing Director of Cognisense, a firm focused on risk mitigation and training validation for industrial operations. His background spans military firefighting, hazardous materials response, legal consulting, and refinery operations. Rob has advised on major incident investigations and regulatory risk across the energy sector. He’s now leading efforts to counter AI-enabled “risk washing” and bring integrity back to digital training systems.

🔗 Connect with Rob on LinkedIn

🌐 Connect with Cognisense

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🧰 Additional Tools & Resources

• 📄 All about risk-washing by Rob Day

• 🎥 Go backstage and check out my studio: https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/

• 📘 Take my one-day digital strategy course for oil and gas: https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185

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🔗 Connect with Me

• ✍ Blog: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/

• 🎙 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/

• 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/

• 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/geoffreycann

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🎤 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes

I speak regularly on these and other topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.