Safety Myths & Misconceptions Republished in memory of the late George Robotham (see all of his articles here) and his mentor Geoff McDonald who also recently passed away (https://safetyrisk.net/vale-geoff-mcdonald/) Note:- Brisbane based OHS consultant, Geoff McDonald has considerably … [Read more...] about Safety Myths and Misconceptions
Human Error
Isn’t it Time We Reformed the WHS Curriculum?
Isn’t it Time We Reformed the WHS Curriculum? Dr Robert Long - Executive Director - Centre for Leadership and Learning in Risk Executive Summary This paper argues the case for reformation of the WHS curriculum in Australia. It proposes that safety cannot be done ‘differently’ without such a … [Read more...] about Isn’t it Time We Reformed the WHS Curriculum?
Just Shut The Gates?
Just Shut The Gates? Another pondering from sharp end for discussion – by James Parkinson from www.safety-consultant.com.au In the safety field I have learned to accept that not all things can be controlled the way some people would like to think they can be. In saying this, it brings me to … [Read more...] about Just Shut The Gates?
Situational Awareness and Human Error
Situational Awareness and Human Error An interesting article by Sidney Dekker on the Safety Differently Blog: Is It 1947 Yet? Neither Lieutenant Nathan Poloski’s body, nor his F/A-18 Hornet were ever found in waters almost three miles deep. All that was located in the Western Pacific after his … [Read more...] about Situational Awareness and Human Error
The Error Diary
The Error Diary Just discovered this quirky website “The Error Diary”. Sign up and reveal your daily errors on line or you can hashtag (sounds like I know what that means but I have no idea?) #errordiary from Twitter. They also collect and publish articles about error from the world of medicine, … [Read more...] about The Error Diary
Risk, Safety and Fundamental Attribution Error
Risk, Safety and Fundamental Attribution Error What do they say about damn lies and statistics? Well, maybe safety hasn’t heard about that one, nor it seems has the CFMEU or ACT Regulator. Recently the Secretary of the CFMEU trotted out yet again the statistic that the ACT Building and Construction … [Read more...] about Risk, Safety and Fundamental Attribution Error
Absolute Error Prevention
Absolute Error Prevention Safety is so easy, it’s all about error prevention. Safety is so simple, it’s all about risk aversion. Whilst both of these statements appear to be true, both are wrong. Safety is not simple and is not just about error prevention or risk aversion. Indeed, binary thinking … [Read more...] about Absolute Error Prevention
Perfectionism in Safety and the Denial of Humanity
Perfectionism in Safety and the Denial of Humanity Article by Dr Rob Long from www.humandymensions.com in response to Safety Under Construction What a bizarre claim that someone can guarantee no accidents, no mistakes, no harm and that ‘100% zero harm is the irrefutable future coming towards the … [Read more...] about Perfectionism in Safety and the Denial of Humanity
Error Trajectories and Risk
Error Trajectories and Risk In 1650 heathen cultures were regarded at best as examples of human error, whilst at worst they were devices of Satan, devised to keep damned souls securely in his net. In either case it was thought that the duty of Christians was to either save them or destroy them. … [Read more...] about Error Trajectories and Risk
Safety and Human Error
Safety and Human Error George’s Safety Reflections – classic post by the late George Robotham When you pick up the newspaper and listen to the television or radio you will find terms like driver error, human error and pilot error used frequently as if this was the definitive reason why … [Read more...] about Safety and Human Error