Beyond the Blame Game: Dr. Tom Krause on Real Safety Leadership
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Sit down with Dr. Tom Krause, behavior-based safety pioneer, co-founder of BST (now within DEKRA), and partner at Krause Bell Group as he traces how safety leadership has fundamentally changed over the decades. From a foundation in clinical psychology to industry-wide innovation, Dr. Krause explains why behavior must be understood in context and how stopping at “the employee is at fault” blocks real improvement.
The discussion connects Deming’s thinking to modern practice, examines where Heinrich’s model can mislead leaders, and tackles cultural barriers that stall progress. Dr. Krause also unpacks how decision analysis prevents serious harm before it happens, shares lessons from NASA’s post‑Columbia journey, and shows why upward communication and authentic leadership sponsorship are non‑negotiable for a resilient safety culture.
Whether leading EHS, running operations, or simply committed to safer work, this conversation distills decades of field experience into practical insight. Plug in to challenge assumptions, find better questions, and redefine what effective safety leadership looks like today.
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tom Krause, pioneer in behavior-based safety and co-founder of BST (now part of DEKRA) and the Krause Bell Group, to explore the evolution of safety leadership over the past few decades. Dr. Krause shares his journey from clinical psychology to safety innovation, dives into the critical importance of behavioral context in workplace safety, and highlights the dangers of stopping at “blame the employee.”
We discuss the enduring influence of Deming, the pitfalls of Heinrich’s model, the cultural challenges organizations face, and the untapped power of decision analysis in preventing serious incidents. You’ll also hear insights from his work with NASA post-Columbia and how upward communication and leadership buy-in can make or break a safety culture.
Whether you’re a safety leader, operations manager, or just passionate about creating safer work environments, this is a must-listen packed with decades of hard-won wisdom.
🎧 Tune in to challenge assumptions, spark new ideas, and reimagine what real safety leadership looks like.
Greg shares the personal side of leadership. He talks about balancing his work passion with family. He also hopes his legacy will inspire future leaders. No matter if you’re in aviation, construction, healthcare, or tech, this talk shares useful tips. Listen in for practical strategies on how to build a culture of safety, accountability, and growth.
Check out this deep dive into leadership, safety, and how to build strong teams that thrive under pressure.
Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: Greg “Boss” Wooldridge
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If you’re working to strengthen your organization’s safety culture, this article unpacks the critical levers, and common pitfalls, that leaders should know.
The Most Dangerous Phrase in Safety: “We’ve Always Done It This Way”
Challenging assumptions is a theme in this episode, this piece explores why clinging to tradition can quietly sabotage even the best safety programs.
Pourquoi les leaders de la sécurité accidentels sont ceux qui ont le plus d'impact
Inspired by Dr. Krause’s unconventional path? Here’s how other professionals outside the “safety box” are driving change with fresh perspectives.
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