Safety Science for Experiential Leaders: Were You Lucky, or Were You Good?
In high-risk environments, success is often mistaken for safety. But when things go well, do we truly understand why? This two-day masterclass challenges conventional approaches to risk management in outdoor and experiential education. Drawing from over a century of safety science research, and insights from industries such as nuclear power, firefighting, and space exploration, this experience invites leaders to rethink how safety is understood, measured, and practiced. Participants will explore the shift from traditional, compliance-driven models toward a more human-centered approach known as the “New View” of safety, where learning replaces blame and front-line insight becomes the foundation for safer systems. Through case studies, collaborative discussions, and practical application, this masterclass equips leaders with the mindset and tools to build adaptive, resilient, and learning-focused organizations in an increasingly complex world shaped by climate, social, and operational uncertainty.
Here’s How You Will Benefit
- Understand the evolution of safety management over the past 100 years, and
how it applies today - Apply modern safety science frameworks such as Safety II, HOP, and Safety
Differently - Shift from a culture of blame to a culture of learning and curiosity
- Identify barriers to organizational learning and develop strategies to overcome
them - Design better safety metrics that reflect real-world complexity
- Apply safety science concepts directly to your own organization through guided
working sessions - Strengthen your leadership approach in navigating uncertainty, risk, and complex
systems
Date
17-18 September (2 Days)
Venue
Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok
Costs
9,700 THB 300 USD Approximately
Who should attend
- Executive leaders and board members
- Program and operations directors
- Risk management and accreditation professionals
- Senior leaders in experiential and outdoor education
SUBJECT EXPERT & MASTER FACILITATOR
Steve Smith
Steve Smith is a leading expert in outdoor risk management with over 30 years of experience across field operations, leadership, and governance in the outdoor and experiential education sector. He has held key roles at organizations such as Outward Bound and The Student Conservation Association, and previously served as Chair of the Wilderness Risk Management Conference. Steve has contributed to accreditation and risk management systems across multiple organizations, including the Association for Experiential Education.
An author of two books on risk management, Steve brings a rare combination of practical field experience, academic insight, and organizational leadership, helping leaders rethink safety through both operational and human-centered lenses.