James Wendt, CTSP, Xylem Kendall
What if safety wasn’t just about following rules but about trusting human expertise and innovation? Inspired by The Safety Anarchist by Sidney Dekker, this session challenges the idea that more rules mean more safety. Instead, we’ll explore how real safety happens when we design workplaces that embrace human performance, anticipating mistakes and building fail-safes, not just checklists.
Guided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hierarchy of Controls, we’ll take key concepts from Dekker’s work and apply them to our industry, focusing on eliminating hazards, using smart design, and empowering workers to think critically. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to create a resilient work environment, where safety and human innovation work hand-in-hand.
Biography
Wendt, James, CTSP – Xylem Kendall
James brings nearly 30 years of training expertise, beginning with his 20 years of service in the USMC Special Forces, where he specialized in weapons and arms training, high-angle rescue operations, and risk-intensive military environments. After his military career, he spent five years overseas in private security before transitioning to the tree care industry. Over the past eight years at Xylem, James advanced from a groundsman to a certified tree climber, aerial lift operator, lead foreperson, and now serves as Xylem Kendall’s training coordinator, a role he’s held since January 2022.
James specializes in advanced skills training for arboriculture, utility line clearance, safety protocols, and storm restoration. He is a TCIA Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP) and an ISA Certified Arborist. A seasoned public speaker and trainer, James has presented at many events over the years, including community-held Arbor Day challenges, using his real-world experience to bridge safety principles with human performance. Passionate about mentoring future safety leaders, he remains dedicated to building resilient workplaces.