Don Wilson

Over the past decade, numerous SIF (serious injury and fatality) prevention models have emerged from organizations like DEKRA, the National Safety Council (NSC), the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), and others. Most share common elements: PDCA (plan, do, check, act) cycles, high-energy source identification, and human and organizational performance (HOP) principles. Yet, despite good intentions and extensive research, SIF rates have plateaued—even as total recordable injury rates continue to decline. While a surprising majority of SIFs occur outside the workplace, many organizations continue to focus solely on workplace strategies for prevention. In this interactive session, two safety leaders will spark new thinking through real-time polling and small group discussions.
“Are we complicating the path to SIF prevention by constantly reinventing it?” In our pursuit of innovation, are we losing sight of proven fundamentals? This session will challenge prevailing assumptions, critically examine the role of HOP in SIF modeling, and propose that a “back to basics” approach—centered on risk amplification and psychological safety—may offer a more sustainable path forward. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the broader SIF landscape, why workplace-only approaches fall short, and how simpler, people-focused strategies may ultimately deliver greater impact.