EPISODE · Feb 5, 2026 · 48 MIN
#54 - Ergin Akbaş - How to Set Up Systems for Success: On HSE and Systems that Work for the Frontline
from Safety Heroes Podcast With Mousa Yassin · host Mousa Yassin
Today, we're excited to share our latest Safety Heroes episode with Ergin Akbas.With over a decade at AVANGRID managing EHS systems across wind farms, solar projects, and critical infrastructure serving 3 million customers, Ergin has learned one truth: systems only work when they're built WITH the people who use them, not FOR them. He shares stories about achieving zero findings during ISO audits, why his 6-year-old thinks he "makes sure people don't get zapped," and how Learning Teams are transforming incident investigations from blame to real improvement. If you're trying to build safety systems that frontline teams will actually adopt, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom. Time Stamp Guide:(02:12) From Bridges to Wind Farms: How civil engineering led Ergin to realize safety is integral to everything(04:34) Dual Risk Landscape: Navigating renewables construction and network operations across 26 states(07:37) Systems 101: Why management systems are a journey, not software—and definitely not magic(13:59) Beyond the Audit: Convincing leadership that real value happens every single day, not just certification time(17:41) The Pencil Analogy: Why frontline workers are the sharp end—and must design systems WITH you(24:03) Proving Effectiveness: Moving from training completion checkboxes to measuring actual competence(26:26) Worker Voice in Action: Monthly Innovation Calls and Skilled Safety Panels that empower the field(29:57) Compliance is the Floor: Breaking through the ceiling with risk-based thinking and proactive tools(33:46) AI That Sticks: How supervisors kept using pilot apps weeks after the study ended(41:46) Managing Change Methodically: Why telling people "what's in it for them" prevents reversion to old ways(44:44) HOP & Learning Teams: Replacing root cause analysis with soak time, multi-stakeholder input, and zero blame(50:29) You Fall to the Level of Your Systems: Building resilient frameworks that outlast any individual leader(52:15) Planting Seeds: What a 6-year-old's "Daddy stops people from getting zapped" teaches us about legacyFollow Ergin on LinkedIn to keep up with his latest insights.Send us a message!Send us a message! 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].
What this episode covers
Today, we're excited to share our latest Safety Heroes episode with Ergin Akbas. With over a decade at AVANGRID managing EHS systems across wind farms, solar projects, and critical infrastructure serving 3 million customers, Ergin has learned one truth: systems only work when they're built WITH the people who use them, not FOR them. He shares stories about achieving zero findings during ISO audits, why his 6-year-old thinks he "makes sure people don't get zapped," and how Learning Teams...
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#54 - Ergin Akbaş - How to Set Up Systems for Success: On HSE and Systems that Work for the Frontline
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