Systems Over Signs: How James Ferrell is Engineering Out Workplace Hazards

The Canary Report: Safety & Risk Management · Jul 2, 2026 · 38m

My conversation with James Ferrell in this episode focused on Human and Organizational Performance and Workplace Safety at Perdue Farms. James shared how his background as a military pilot shaped his approach to complex systems and Risk Management. We discussed the reality of managing safety across a massive vertically integrated company with diverse locations. I loved hearing his perspective on why leaders should look at Root Cause Analysis instead of using band-aid programs.

James argued that you cannot have a safe plant without also having efficient and high quality processes. We also…