From Auditor to Field Advocate: Transforming Safety Culture
August 13, 2026
I think safety leadership definitely starts with incident prevention through human connection. I spoke with Joseph Klinzing from GE Healthcare to learn about his journey from the US Army to managing rigging operations and crane operations. We discussed how switching from an auditor to an advocate transforms workplace safety culture. Building trust with the team really does wonders for safety compliance. Joe shares how his military background informs his safety professional career today.
My conversation with Joseph Klinzing highlights how safety training programs and risk management thrive on transparency. As a veteran and Project Management Rigging Operations Manager for GE Healthcare, Joe brings a unique view to construction safety programs and on-site safety.
He shares his experience with crane operations and the importance of fall protection in high-risk settings. Joe explains why a safety professional should prioritize learning from the field over focusing only on OSHA compliance. He uses the "Undercover Boss" analogy to show how safety leadership creates a better safety champion mindset. It also provides a look at hazard assessment through a human lens.
What You’ll Learn:
- How the military mindset improves safety leadership in construction safety programs.
- The difference between being a safety professional who audits and one who advocates.
- Why rigging operations for MRI machines require specialized crane operations knowledge.
- How the Gemba walk philosophy supports incident prevention and workplace safety culture.
- The role of fall protection and hazard assessment in home and work settings.
About the Guest:
Joseph Klinzing is a veteran with twenty-five years of service in the US Army, having served in the armor and ordnance corps with multiple deployments to Bosnia and Iraq. He currently serves as the Project Management Rigging Operations Manager for GE Healthcare, overseeing specialized crane operations across the United States and Canada. Joe holds a master’s degree in crisis and emergency management, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the safety professional field.
Episode Resources:
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