Sam Goodman, The HOP Nerd, Featured on Environmental Transformation Podcast

We are pleased to announce that Sam Goodman, widely known as The HOP Nerd and host of The HOP Nerd Podcast, was recently a guest on the Environmental Transformation Podcast with host Sean Grady.

In this insightful episode, Sam Goodman discusses the principles of Human and Organizational Performance (HOP). He elaborates on how HOP offers a more effective approach to safety and operational learning compared to traditional safety programs. The conversation highlights the importance of shifting from blame-centric models to system-level improvements, thereby fostering psychological safety and encouraging frontline employee engagement.

Key topics covered during the podcast include:

• A foundational explanation of Human and Organizational Performance (HOP).

• Distinctions between HOP methodologies and conventional safety programs.

• The potential pitfalls of focusing excessively on metrics like Total Recordable Incident Rate.

• The ineffectiveness of "blame, shame, and retrain" approaches.

• Transitioning investigative focus from "who failed?" to "what failed?"

• The significant impact of leadership response on safety culture.

• The use of comedy and storytelling as effective tools for cultural change.

• The background and objectives of The HOP Nerd initiative.

• Information on downloadable video resources suitable for safety meetings.
  

The episode offers valuable takeaways for safety professionals and organizational leaders:

• Emphasize listening to workers over a singular focus on injury metrics.

• Understand that safety is characterized by the presence of capacity to fail safely, not merely the absence of incidents.

• Recognize that a lack of open communication (silence) can be detrimental and learn to cultivate environments where truth-telling is supported.

• Acknowledge that a positive safety culture begins with leadership that responds with curiosity and composure.

  
  

This discussion is beneficial for leaders, EHS leadership, frontline workers, and anyone seeking to move beyond superficial safety measures towards creating meaningful and sustainable safety transformations.

Further Information about Sam Goodman - The HOP Nerd

• Website: https://www.thehopnerd.com/meetsam

• Podcast: The HOP Nerd Podcast (available on all major platforms)

  
  

Sam Goodman is a HOP practitioner, speaker, consultant, and podcast host who brings humor, insight, and practical experience to discussions on modern safety systems. His work draws inspiration from thought leaders such as Todd Conklin and Sidney Dekker, presented with his distinct and transformative approach.

We encourage you to listen to this episode of the Environmental Transformation Podcast and to subscribe, rate, and review the show to support the dissemination of practical strategies for safety and environmental professionals.

Need a hand? Sam can help!

SEO Keywords:

Human and Organizational Performance, HOP safety, Sam Goodman HOP NERD, modern safety leadership, safety culture podcast, TRIR criticism, safety differently, safety improvement strategies, frontline safety communication, operational learning, leadership response safety, psychological safety in the workplace, HOP tools, safety performance podcast, environmental transformation podcast