Sam Olliges, CSP

Sam Olliges is a distinguished safety professional and Human and Organizational Performance Practitioner with over twelve years of progressive experience in environmental health and safety across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, waste management, aviation, and heavy industry. Currently serving as the Senior EHS Coordinator at Landmark Structures, Sam has established himself as a leading voice in the New View safety movement, specializing in elevated water storage manufacturing and construction, as well as high-risk industrial operations. His diverse experience spans critical safety areas, including fall protection, confined space operations, crane safety, and high-angle rescue, among others. Sam holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety from Eastern Kentucky University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management. His professional credentials include, among others, the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation, Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT) qualification, the Part 107 FAA certification for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), as well as qualifications as a TLL Operator and Practical Exam Proctor for the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

Sam leads as a passionate advocate for New View thinking in safety, promoting a progressive shift from blame-focused approaches to learning-centered, systems-based safety management. The New View encompasses Safety II, Safety Differently, Human Organizational Performance (HOP), and High-Reliability Organizations (HRO), all of which emphasize resilience, as well as learning from both successes and failures and engaging frontline workers as safety experts.

Sam recently showcased his expertise in New View safety principles on Doctor Todd Conklin's renowned Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, where he discussed the challenges of attracting and retaining skilled workers in the elevated water storage construction industry while implementing innovative safety solutions. During this appearance, Sam demonstrated his deep understanding of micro experimentation, the art of making safety seamless, and how leadership can guide teams toward safer futures.

Sam's commitment to advancing safety thinking has earned him recognition within the broader safety community. Whether discussing fall protection fundamentals or confined space safety protocols, Sam consistently emphasizes the human elements of safe work and the importance of creating multiple layers of protection. His work exemplifies the New View principle of "deference to expertise," recognizing that frontline workers are the true experts in managing contextual hazards. This philosophy drives his approach to safety leadership, where he focuses on empowering teams rather than simply enforcing compliance. Sam maintains active memberships in many leading safety organizations, including the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), as well as the American Bar Association (Student Member), reflecting his commitment to ongoing professional development and industry engagement. Sam also sits on the AIHA Confined Space Committee.

Sam Olliges represents the next generation of safety professionals who understand that true safety excellence comes not from perfect compliance but from building adaptive, learning-focused organizations that harness the expertise of their people to create safer workplaces for everyone.