Originally posted on July 23, 2022 @ 12:46 PM
The reason why Greg Smith and I did the Risky Conversations videos (https://vimeo.com/showcase/3938199 and some examples below) all free and online was to dispel the many myths (https://safetyrisk.net/standing-on-the-myths-of-safety/) projected and believed in safety. We recently reached a huge milestone of well over 10000 downloads. Obviously people are finding the videos helpful and many people write to me stating that they pass on the videos to others.
All safety myths (https://safetyrisk.net/understanding-safety-myths/) are sustained by associated symbols whether it be a form, icon, process or image. The common symbols in safety are mostly hierarchical/linear like: Bow-Tie, Pyramids, Curves and Swiss Cheese (https://safetyrisk.net/safety-curves-and-pyramids/). None of these symbols/myths hold any credibility in a court of law indeed, most of this gobbledygook if presented (https://vimeo.com/165996392 ) will be used against you should something bad happen.
There are also podcasts of the videos here: https://spor.com.au/podcasts/risky-conversations-talking-book/
Just like the mythology of injury rates (https://safetyrisk.net/injury-rates-are-up-youre-sacked/) if you think for 2 seconds these symbols/myths are helpful or a defence in court you are going to be profoundly surprised.
You can read some of Greg Smith’s work here: https://www.waylandlegal.com.au/profile/greg-smith/blog-posts
If you haven’t read Paper Safe it is a must. The book is choc a block with case studies and evidence to knock over many of the myths associated with paperwork in the safety industry. Similarly, in the book of transcripts that supports the Risky Conversations videos and podcast there is endless case studies, legal precedents and examples of safety myths that don’t work (https://www.humandymensions.com/product/risky-conversations/ ).
The videos Risky Conversations is not just about Greg Smith but also offers constructive analysis from Dr Long and Dr Craig Ashhurst who serves as a moderator. Craig offers his own thoughts on Wicked Problems (his PhD) on 2 of the videos (https://vimeo.com/162931759; https://vimeo.com/163205135 ).
The video series doesn’t just tear down myths but also builds up positive actions one can do instead of sustaining myths so that actions in safety work.
Everything we do in the Social psychology of Risk (SPoR) is actionable and doable, it works (https://www.humandymensions.com/product/it-works-a-new-approach-to-risk-and-safety/).
Greg and I also support the videos, podcasts and all of our work with a 2 day workshop on Due Diligence (https://cllr.com.au/product/due-diligence-workshop-unit-13/ ). This can be done face to face or online. If this is of interest you can email me at rob@cllr.com.au
Dr Rob Long
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Rob Long says
Now well over 10,000