Larry Wilson

Fatigue is one of the most significant issues that companies face in every industry, but it’s also the one that people don't think about as a serious problem because most of us feel tired every day. A deeper look at the causes of incidents notably shows worker fatigue as one of the most common human factors named by individuals and it affects safety, quality, and productivity. This session will reveal what the research shows in terms of best practices for scheduling, shift structure, and even staffing to help avoid problems stemming from an excessively tired workforce and examine emerging technologies that can help identify at-risk individuals during the work shift. It will also uncover how the individual worker reduces the likelihood of injury by developing skills including self-triggering when the state of fatigue is elevated and maintaining good sleep habits.

Storytelling is so much more than just telling a story. A good storyteller can take the underlying message of the story and make it emotional so that the listeners have a meaningful connection with the story. The reason that better engagement is obtained through storytelling is that people are hardwired to think in narrative terms. If storytelling is done correctly, it can have lasting effects over time which makes stories a useful teaching tool—a link of cause and effect is exactly how people reason.

What’s more, there are ways to tell stories or link to other stories that will make the story more powerful or add more credibility. Storytelling, especially from Larry and Jack, can also be very entertaining and humorous—prepare to laugh out loud! These two experienced and successful storytellers will demonstrate how different kinds of stories have different purposes and as a result a different impact or learning outcome. Some generate raw emotion, others demonstrate “values in action” that teach a lesson or make a point. As a result, storytelling is a powerful tool for a safety trainer; it connects with people on a personal and emotional level and feeds into the way their brains process information.

Winning over an audience can be hard if you’re not skilled in the art of storytelling. Larry survived with his storytelling ability starting as a behavior-based safety consultant at the age of 28, when his audiences were—in some cases—incredibly hostile. And Larry hired Jack almost instantly when he heard him tell one of his most moving stories. The principles of a well-told story are essential to not only gain the trust and buy-in of your audience but also deliver the message to get employees and leaders motivated to move forward. So not only will you learn a lot, but you’ll be moved, you’ll be laughing and you’ll be thoroughly entertained!