Before It Breaks – Episode 2: Kindness as a Risk Control
Before It Breaks – Episode 2: Kindness as a Risk Control
The second episode of the Before It Breaks podcast is now available, and it explores an idea that might surprise some leaders: one of the most powerful risk controls in an organization may not be a policy, procedure, or piece of PPE — it may be kindness.
Hosted by our CEO, Carrie Bjola, this episode goes into the details behind how leadership tone, psychological safety, and everyday workplace interactions influence hazard recognition, decision-making, and incident prevention. Drawing on research from cognitive science, leadership studies, and modern safety thinking, Carrie explains why kindness should not be dismissed as a “soft” skill. In reality, it plays a critical role in helping workers feel safe enough to speak up about hazards before incidents occur.
This episode also features conversations with two respected leaders in Saskatchewan’s safety community.
Bryan Lloyd, Executive Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Branch with the Government of Saskatchewan, discusses the growing regulatory attention on psychosocial hazards and what evolving expectations may mean for workplaces in the future.
Jackie Belanger, Director of Customer Service at K-Bro Linen Systems Inc., shares practical examples from her leadership experience and why simply “showing up” for your team — checking in rather than checking up — can make a meaningful difference in how people work together safely.
During the episode, listeners will learn how workplace stress and incivility can impair hazard recognition, how psychological safety supports stronger decision-making, and why psychosocial risks are quickly moving from a “nice to have” consideration to an important part of modern workplace safety.
Carrie also shares another tool with us – The Kindness Audit – to help you check your “Leadership RPM’s”.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the YouTube comments. We want to hear from you!
Watch Episode 2 now and discover how leaders can move beyond monitoring tasks to supporting people — and why that shift can make all the difference before something breaks.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the YouTube comments. We want to hear from you!
