Tim Page‐Bottorff didn’t “choose” safety—he was drawn to it, and has spent his career transforming how organizations think about risk, culture, and technology. In this episode, the ASSP Vice-President of Safety shares the defining moments that shaped his journey from Marine‐trained leader to industry innovator. You’ll hear how he turned PPE drills into gamified challenges, built trust with a simple “REAL” framework, and now leverages AI to spot hidden hazards. Along the way, Tim explains why compliance alone isn’t enough, how to ignite genuine engagement (and cut injuries by up to 71%), and why every safety leader must embrace both data and empathy to make zero harm a reality. Whether you’re at ASSP Safety 2025 in Orlando or leading an HSE team anywhere, this conversation is your playbook for building a safety culture that sticks.
(03:37) The Calling to Safety: Why Tim “didn’t hesitate” when the industry chose him
(17:49) Beyond Checkboxes: Shifting from compliance to purpose-driven training
(14:00) Culture Through Competition: Gamifying PPE drills for “go slow to go fast” results
(35:36) The REAL Trust Framework: Respect, Empathy, Accept, Listen
(22:14) AI as Partner: From site photos to automated hazard reports
(15:32) Engagement Metrics: How driving retention over retraining cuts injuries by 71%
(26:41) Global Safety Lens: Navigating varied regional appetites for innovation and spend
(30:49) Final Charge: “Take the hill” with clear objectives, collaboration, and relentless discipline
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