Why not do some observing this week and see what are the most popular words spoken and written in your organisation. The way we prime and frame organizational discourse shapes the culture and focus on safety. When I am first introduced to an organisation I like to explore their cultural artifacts … [Read more...] about Prepositions for Risk and Safety Leadership
The Language of ‘Saving Lives’, Doesn’t Help Safety
The language that ‘Safety Saves Lives’ doesn’t help any process in tackling risk or the outcome of safety. Indeed, if anything this kind of language further promotes safety arrogance, elitism and unethical conduct, delusion and disconnectedness from the everyday practice of helping people tackle … [Read more...] about The Language of ‘Saving Lives’, Doesn’t Help Safety
Addiction in Certainty and the Harm of Addiction In Safety
One of the best books I have read on addiction is by Gabor Mate (2008) In the Realm of The Hungry Ghosts. Of course, there are many other sources that help explain the psychology of addiction but Mate is particularly helpful in situating addiction in social context. The idea that addiction is a … [Read more...] about Addiction in Certainty and the Harm of Addiction In Safety
Stepping Outside Your Worldview, Take a Risk
I discovered recently that there is a Hindu Temple (Mandir) 10 minutes from my place. It was constructed in 1995 and I must have driven past it many times but it’s not something for which I was aware. It’s funny like that, the moment we buy a certain car we suddenly can see all the cars like ours on … [Read more...] about Stepping Outside Your Worldview, Take a Risk
We Are Our Brands and Branding in Safety
How we want to be known by the semiotics we present, the metaphors we use and the discourse we maintain, is our projected identity. This identity is not objective or neutral but rather interpreted. Sometimes, the by-products of a brand or a discourse takes on a life of its own which cannot be seen … [Read more...] about We Are Our Brands and Branding in Safety
Burnout, Distress and Role Conflict in Safety
One of the first signs of distress in role conflict is loss of sleep, sleep disorder or psychosocial fatigue. We know that in whatever you do - The Body Keeps the Score (Van De Kolk ). As much as behaviourists and the great safety con might want to tell you, humans are not bodies driven by a … [Read more...] about Burnout, Distress and Role Conflict in Safety
There’s No Other Place Like Safety for a Good Con
In an industry that is so poorly educated, so low in critical thinking and silent on ethics, there is no better place for a good con. I would receive an email a day from people seeking advice on the latest promise, claim to expertise, product to sell or marketing hype. Most of it from sources … [Read more...] about There’s No Other Place Like Safety for a Good Con
When Quick Conversations Matter
One of the outcomes of learning iCue Engagement (https://safetyrisk.net/icue-engagement-process/ ) is the way it helps rapid conversations about risk, under pressure. Once iCue skills are learned and intuitive, one can get the best out of a 1-to-3-minute conversation about risk. Such skills take … [Read more...] about When Quick Conversations Matter
Are You At-Risk of Burnout in Safety?
One of the findings of Rosa Carrillo’s book Voices From the Resistance is that many people in safety are at risk of burnout. The symptoms of risk of burnout are: You feel mentally exhausted at work. You struggle to feel enthusiastic about your job. You have trouble concentrating when … [Read more...] about Are You At-Risk of Burnout in Safety?
Psychology and safety
Psychology and safety Guest Post by the late George Robotham I am writing this for the purpose of promoting discussion about a topic I am not sure of. The issues are not clear in my mind but I suspect discussion will be of value to fellow safety people. Over the years I have developed a range … [Read more...] about Psychology and safety