We know that as humans we are social creatures and being part of a community gives us meaning and purpose. Communities are about connecting and being with others and we strive to ‘belong’ as isolation can be the hardest emotion to deal with. When we are in community with others, we give as well as … [Read more...] about We Need Communities and They Need Us
Communication and Consultation
The Art of Humble Inquiry as a Pathway to Safety Improvement
The message here is so simple yet contradicts orthodox and contemporary safety education, training and practice: “telling is more risky than asking”, "We see ‘asking’ as a ‘weakness’ or being ‘ignorant’ so we avoid it" The Art of Humble Inquiry as a Pathway to Safety Improvement I was chatting with … [Read more...] about The Art of Humble Inquiry as a Pathway to Safety Improvement
Six Tips to Improve Your Safety Conversations
Six Tips to Improve Your Safety Conversations Whilst discussion and conversation is well intentioned it is also important to ensure that our discourse promotes effective culture. I was in a mine recently when I saw a document posted on the walls entitled ‘Six Tips to Improve Your Safety … [Read more...] about Six Tips to Improve Your Safety Conversations
Skilled Conversations in Risk and Safety
The most successful program we have delivered over the past 20 years has been the Safety Observations and Conversations program. It has been delivered globally to nearly every industry one can think of to tens of thousands of people at every level of work. The program is now being delivered by Matt … [Read more...] about Skilled Conversations in Risk and Safety
Is Safety a Choice You Make?
Is Safety a Choice You Make? One of the things safety seems good at doing is developing illogical slogans and sayings. Some examples are: ‘all accidents are preventable’ and ‘safety is no accident’. The trouble is what we say affects the thinking of others and sets cultural agenda. Half of this … [Read more...] about Is Safety a Choice You Make?
Doing Away With Health and Safety–Language and People
‘Whenever Safety is used as an adjective whatever follows is moronic’ - Dr Rob Long In his book “Drift Into Failure”, the attention Sidney Dekker gives to the importance of language is critical as he states: ‘What we need is a language that can help us get to a more functional account … whose … [Read more...] about Doing Away With Health and Safety–Language and People
Dumb Down Safety on Full Show in Fake HSE UK Poster
Nothing surprises me in the world of dumb down safety like a cheap poster of misinformation, disinformation, sexism and condescension. This poster was passed to me this week doing the rounds on Linkedin. I got off ‘Dumbedin’ years ago. The poster is a mock up of the official HSE UK poster … [Read more...] about Dumb Down Safety on Full Show in Fake HSE UK Poster
Safety Conversation Essentials – 20 Tips
In our preoccupation with technology, systems, checklists and legislation I trust we don’t lose sight of the most powerful instrument we have to manage risk – the simple but effective, safety conversation. Now whilst having a conversation is simple, it’s not simplistic. It is however, our greatest … [Read more...] about Safety Conversation Essentials – 20 Tips
Asking Better Questions in Risk
Asking Better Questions in Risk I have written before about questioning skills: https://safetyrisk.net/questioning-skills-and-investigations/ https://safetyrisk.net/conforming-and-questioning-in-safety/ https://safetyrisk.net/critical-thinking-and-questioning-in-safety/ Unfortunately, there … [Read more...] about Asking Better Questions in Risk
The Art of Active Listening in Risk
The Art of Active Listening in Risk I have written before about the importance of listening over telling in risk: https://safetyrisk.net/listening-to-the-symbols-of-christmas/ https://safetyrisk.net/icue-listening-engagement-manual/ … [Read more...] about The Art of Active Listening in Risk
