Episode 185: Safety and Security

In this episode of the Leading and Learning Through Safety podcast, Dr. Mark French explores the increasingly blurred lines between safety and security, especially for field teams working in unpredictable public environments. Reflecting on a recent visit to a street lighting crew in a high-risk urban area, he shares his concern for worker safety amid uncertain external threats. Traditional safety protocols fall short in these contexts, and current de-escalation training—typically designed for healthcare or retail—doesn’t fully apply to field operations.

Dr. French discusses the challenge of managing safety in situations where workers may encounter homelessness, substance abuse, or volatile behavior. These are not clearly addressed by OSHA regulations, which tend to focus more narrowly on workplace violence in healthcare settings. He underscores the need for adaptable training and new best practices for teams working in public spaces.

The episode highlights a broader leadership issue: the discomfort of facing problems without perfect solutions. Dr. French encourages safety professionals to start with what’s available—even if imperfect—because doing something is better than doing nothing. He emphasizes the role of empathy, continuous learning, and proactive problem-solving in effective safety leadership.

Dr. French ends with a call for collaboration and innovation, inviting others to share solutions and ideas. He also announces his upcoming live appearance at the Kentucky Safety Conference in Owensboro to discuss safety culture.