Mike Snyder
Mike Snyder
VP Operational Risk Management
DEKRA
The Warning Signs Blueprint: Building HROs Through Psychological Safety and HOP
In the world of high-stakes operations, catastrophic incidents rarely strike without warning. Yet these critical signals often go unrecognized or unheeded. High-reliability organizations (HROs) have cracked the code on detecting and acting on these vital early indicators, even while managing complex, high-risk operations. Their secret? A powerful fusion of psychological safety and human performance principles.
This session explores how leading organizations create environments where employees feel empowered to speak up, challenge assumptions, and drive continuous improvement. You’ll discover how combining HRO and principles—anticipation, questioning, diligence, resilience, and learning—with human and organizational performance principles creates a robust framework for preventing major incidents. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to strengthen your organization’s capacity to detect and respond to warning signals before they escalate into crises.
Key Takeaways:
1. Master the five core disciplines that transform organizations into high-reliability powerhouses.
2. Develop practical strategies to identify and act on weak signals before they become major incidents.
3. Build a toolkit of interventions that enhance decision-making quality and operational resilience.
Mike Snyder is a global leader and recognized expert in occupational safety, risk management, chemical process safety and fire prevention. He has extensive industry and municipal risk management experience.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Pragmatic application of Process Safety, Occupational Safety and Loss Prevention programs to multi-site, global organizations
Organizational Risk Discovery and Alignment, enabling organizations to improve management of key risks and achieve operational efficiences
Flammable Liquid storage, processing, and transport
Reactive Chemistry, Waste Handling, and Transportation of Silicone Chemicals
Municipal and Industrial Fire Prevention, Protection, and Emergency Response
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) enforcement for Building Code, Fire Code and National Fire Protection Association Topics
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & HONORS
(2013 to present) Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) Governance Board
NFPA 1, Fire Code, Technical Committee Member
NFPA 30, Flammable & Combustible Liquids Code, Technical Committee Member
NFPA 1720, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations and Special Operations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Departments, Technical Committee Member
One of the 50 People Who Most Influenced EHS in 2014-2015 (EHS Today)
North America Safety Award (IChemE)
Noland Poffenberger Award (Mid-Michigan Section, AIChE)
PRIOR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
(2008 to 2016) Dow Corning, Global Director of Safety and Loss Prevention
(1985 to 2016) Auburn-Williams Fire Protection District (Fire Chief & Fire Marshal)
(1990 to 2008) Dow Corning, Various EHS&S Expertise and Leadership Roles
(1985 to 1990) Dow Chemical, Manufacturing Engineer
(2009 to 2018) National Fire Protection Standards Council Member
ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
Cornell University, Chemical Engineering, Bachelor of Science
Columbia Southern University, Occupational Safety & Health, Master of Science
Professional Engineering License, Michigan
Certified Fire Protection Specialist
Certified Safety Professional
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator