What if the biggest obstacle to workplace safety isn’t the people doing the work, but the systems they’re working within?
In this episode of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert sits down with John Gilmartin, Senior EHS Manager at Ultragenyx, to explore what it really takes to create safer workplaces, build stronger teams, and make safety an essential part of everyday operations.
With more than a decade of experience across biotechnology, healthcare, academic research, and advanced technology environments, John brings a unique perspective on the relationship between environmental health and safety and facilities management.
John shares why creating a culture where employees feel comfortable speaking up is essential, how proactive communication and planning can prevent safety from becoming a roadblock, and why the best solutions often come from listening to the people doing the work.
He also discusses the importance of prevention through design, the growing influence of AI and automation on EHS, and a real-world chemical waste incident that demonstrates why organizations need to make safe behaviors easier, not harder.
From building trust across departments to eliminating hazards before they become incidents, John reminds us that great safety programs aren’t just about enforcing rules. They’re about creating environments where people are set up to succeed.
Takeaways:
Flexibility is essential in facilities and EHS leadership. Priorities, regulations, and operational needs can change without warning. John explains why being adaptable helps teams respond effectively and build stronger working relationships.
Communication only works when people feel heard. Providing multiple ways for employees to report concerns, share observations, and offer feedback is important, but taking action on that information is what builds trust.
A blame-free culture encourages employees to speak up. John emphasizes psychological safety and the importance of looking for systemic solutions rather than simply assigning blame when incidents occur.
Frontline employees should help shape safety procedures. The people performing the work often have the clearest understanding of the risks and challenges involved. Including them in risk assessments and SOP development leads to more practical solutions.
Proactive planning prevents safety from slowing down operations. By coordinating with facilities teams and contractors early, EHS professionals can address permits, training, and job hazard assessments before work begins.
Prevention through design is an ongoing process. John discusses why organizations should identify hazards during initial planning and continue improving equipment, procedures, and work environments based on employee feedback.
The safest choice should also be the easiest choice. Through a real-world chemical waste incident, John illustrates how workplace layouts, labeling, and processes can unintentionally create opportunities for mistakes and why leaders must design systems that help prevent them.
Quote of the Show
“You want the easiest route to be the safest route so that people default to being safe.”
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gilmartin-247ab5b2/
Website: https://www.ultragenyx.com/
Video
