Overview
Most workplaces measure safety by one number: injuries. But what if some of the real drivers of safety are invisible?
In this episode, I sit down with Bill Sims Jr., one of the National Safety Council’s “Top 10 Global Keynote Speakers” and the author of the widely acclaimed book Green Beans & Ice Cream: The Remarkable Power of Positive Reinforcement.
Bill has spent more than 30 years designing more than 1,000 behavior-based positive reinforcement systems for companies like Coca-Cola, Disney, DuPont, Siemens, Orkin, and many others.
Together, they explore how “Zero Injuries” is the wrong target and how shifting to Zero At-Risk Behaviors can transform both physical safety and psychological wellbeing in high-risk industries.
This conversation connects the dots between behavioral science, recognition, culture change, and mental health, offering leaders a roadmap for building workplaces where both bodies and minds are safe.
Together, we discuss these questions:
What is the difference between zero injuries and zero at-risk behaviors?
How does positive reinforcement improve workplace safety culture?
How can leaders use behavioral science to improve employee engagement and mental health?
What role does psychological safety play in preventing burnout and workplace stress?
Why do behavior-based reinforcement systems outperform traditional safety compliance programs?
How can supervisors reinforce mentally healthy behaviors on the job?
How do recognition systems reduce injuries and workers’ compensation costs?
What are practical examples of positive reinforcement in high-risk workplaces?
About Bill Sims Jr.
Bill Sims Jr. is the President of The Bill Sims Company. Since 1959, The Bill Sims Company has been helping companies improve performance and increase bottom-line profits. The Bill Sims Company designs and administers awareness and reward systems using leading indicators in safety, quality, and production. Proven methods equip front-line supervisors with the tools they need to achieve lasting behavior change. Bill Sims, Jr. is a world-renowned Keynote speaker and also conducts Webinars and Leadership Workshops globally.
Bill‘s first book, entitled Green Beans & Ice Cream—The Remarkable Power of Positive Reinforcement, has garnered rave reviews. He has built more than 1,000 recognition programs for satisfied clients, including Coca-Cola, Disney, Marathon Oil, and other major service, manufacturing, construction, and shipping companies. Bill speaks worldwide to safety professionals at NSC-National Safety Council, ASSP-American Association of Safety Professionals, ASSP Mid East Chapter, VPPPA, Georgia SHE Conference, AGC-Associated General Contractors of America, Alaska Governor's Safety Conference, AGA-American Gas Association, RILA-Retail Industry Leaders Association, and many others.
See Bill speak at his primary website: www.beyondzeroinjuries.com/
bill.sims.jr@billsims.com 803-600-8325
Book: Green Beans & Ice Cream — www.greenbeanbook.com
SEAL Academy Overview Video: https://bit.ly/SEALOverview