))
Dr I. David Daniels - From physical safety to addressing psychosocial hazards
Manage episode 475212948 series 3657152
Content provided by Mousa Yassin. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mousa Yassin or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
In this week’s episode, Dr. I. David Daniels shares his journey from a young firefighter to becoming a leading expert in occupational health and safety, with a deep focus on psychological well-being. Dr. Daniels opens up about his early years in the fire rescue service, detailing the thrilling, varied, and sometimes tragic experiences he encountered over 30 years on the frontline, where he witnessed life-threatening hazards, the loss of colleagues, and the often-overlooked emotional toll on first responders.
One of the central themes is the shift from focusing solely on physical safety to embracing the importance of psychosocial safety—the hidden emotional and psychological risks that workers face. He shares personal stories, including the struggles of being a Black man in a predominantly white field and the emotional weight of losing 30 colleagues, either in the line of duty or due to long-term trauma-induced suicide, noting that suicide has become the leading cause of death for first responders.
Another key theme is the importance of leadership in fostering psychological safety. Dr. Daniels explains how empathy, acceptance, and understanding are vital to creating safe spaces, not just for physical well-being but also for mental health; again outlining the fact that the bottomline success of a company is more intertwined with psychological safety than people seem to believe.
Dr. Daniels closes with a personal mantra that sums up his outlook: "Life is empty and meaningless—we make meaning out of it". His message is a call to action, urging individuals to take control of their own psychological health, understand what truly brings them peace and joy, and create environments where both physical and psychological safety are prioritised.
Dr Daniels' Linkedin
Psychological hazards are real book presale.
Dr Daniel's website - ID2 Solutions
-
If you like this podcast episode, subscribe here and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest from our HSE community and guests. Connect with our CEO and host, Mousa, today to stay updated on Safety Heroes, Pixaera, and more.
Do you want to be a guest on Safety Heroes, or know someone who would be a great fit? We’d love to hear from you. Send us a message on LinkedIn or email [email protected].
Chapters
1. Introduction and guest overview (00:00:00)
2. Journey into firefighting and early experiences (00:01:46)
3. Shifting from physical safety to psychosocial hazards (00:03:46)
4. The physical and emotional toll of frontline work (00:10:46)
5. Psychosocial hazards in different work environments (00:12:46)
6. Personal insights and the importance of mental health (00:18:46)
7. Addressing organisational culture and empathy (00:21:46)
8. Leadership and creating safe environments (00:26:46)
9. Closing thoughts and Dr. Daniels' upcoming book (00:32:46)
51 episodes
Share
