"You do not rise to the occasion in an emergency. You always descend to your level of training." – James Junkin
This week Dr. Martin and James examine a tragic workplace incident and walk through what every safety leader needs to know.
They explore the warning signs that escalate into crisis, the gaps in how most organizations respond to conflict, and what it actually takes to build a culture where people report concerns before situations spiral.
Real examples, hard truths, and actionable strategies you can start implementing now.
Inside the Episode:• Behavioral warning signs appear early—shifts in demeanor, escalating arguments, and verbal threats are key indicators in workplace violence cases.• Preparedness depends on planning and practice—effective prevention requires clear roles, rehearsed response steps, and structured escalation processes.• Reporting culture determines whether concerns surface—leadership, communication, and psychological safety encourage early reporting and faster resolution.
The Risk Matrix Podcast: Weekly masterclass in risk management from industry titans Dr. L.F. Martin (32-year veteran, Board of Global EHS Credentialing Impact Award winner) and James Junkin (trainer of 40,000+ safety professionals, ASSP's 2024 Safety Professional of the Year).
Every Tuesday: The tough conversations safety managers need to have. Critical insights from safety experts. Real-world strategies. Actionable solutions.
The Risk Matrix Podcast is powered by Veriforce: Bringing workers home safe from high-hazard jobs.