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The Changing Safety Podcast with Paul Clark: A Conversation with Crystal Danbury

Picture of Paul Clark By  Paul Clark  ·  2 minute read

Welcome to the Changing Safety Podcast with Paul Clark, where safety narratives are challenged and innovative ideas are championed. In this bi-weekly podcast, Paul Clark, the owner and director of HSC Global Series, brings together industry experts to discuss the future of the EHS profession. In this episode, Paul sits down with Crystal Danbury, a trailblazer in the field of safety and operations, to discuss her background and her passion for creating safe and operationally potent organisations.

Crystal Danbury's Journey

Crystal Danbury's journey into the world of EHS is a testament to her determination and passion for making a difference. Starting as a cleaner and working various roles, including at Domino's Pizza, Crystal's one rule was always to apply for a job that would teach her something new. This mindset led her to a role as a lab hand on a nuclear site, where she quickly rose through the ranks and became a national responder for nuclear emergency support at just 19 years old. Her experience in various industries, from nuclear to rail and telecoms, has shaped her approach to safety and operations.

Key Takeaways

  • Crystal's focus on understanding the reality of work and involving the process owner in creating safety processes.

  • The importance of aligning structure with strategy and creating roles that serve the organisation's mission.

  • The shift in the C-suite's understanding of the shared responsibility for safety and the impact of legal changes on organisational accountability.

Creating Safe and Operationally Potent Organisations

Crystal's passion for creating safe and operationally potent organisations is evident in her approach to safety practice. She emphasises the need to focus on the reality of work and involve the process owner in designing safety processes. By aligning structure with strategy and understanding the unique risks of each industry, Crystal aims to help organisations reach their full potential and see safety as part of their success.

The Impact of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Crystal has played a significant role in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the EHS profession. Her passion for creating safe and operationally potent organisations extends to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities and representation in the industry. Crystal's influence has contributed to the industry's strides towards greater diversity and inclusion.

Embracing Diversity and Innovation in EHS

In the latest segment of the conversation, Crystal delves into the importance of embracing diversity and innovation in the EHS profession. She emphasises the need for a mindset shift from compliance-driven culture to a care-driven organisation. Crystal advocates for a focus on real safety outcomes and encourages organisations to prioritise the well-being of their employees. She also highlights the value of questioning traditional approaches and embracing new ideas and technologies to drive change in the industry.

Conclusion

Crystal Danbury's journey and insights into creating safe and operationally potent organisations offer valuable lessons for the future of the EHS profession. Her focus on aligning structure with strategy, understanding the reality of work, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, and embracing diversity and innovation sets a powerful example for industry professionals. As the EHS profession continues to evolve, Crystal's passion and dedication serve as a guiding light for creating a safer, more inclusive, and innovative workplace for all.