The Seduction of Templates, Set and Forget Image Source One of the favourite activities of Safety is downloading and sharing templates. This is promoted by the idea that paperwork is an end in itself. Once the paperwork is completed in comes ‘set and forget’, nothing to worry about except the next … [Read more...] about The Seduction of Templates, Set and Forget
Robert Long
Loathing Fallibility and Rituals of Safety
Loathing Fallibility and Rituals of Safety I was in the Post Office yesterday and despite the markings on the floor, some people didn’t maintain the appropriate social distance. There were 3 people at the counter and one person was asked to wait while the attendant searched out back for an order. … [Read more...] about Loathing Fallibility and Rituals of Safety
‘Professional’ Challenges for the Risk ‘Industry’
‘Professional’ Challenges for the Safety ‘Industry’ Download the full paper, including references: Professional Challenges for the Safety Industry by Dr Robert Long Introduction I have been in conversation with large organizations/businesses recently that are in the process of changing the nature … [Read more...] about ‘Professional’ Challenges for the Risk ‘Industry’
Do Persons and Systems ‘Drift’ into Failure?
Do Persons and Systems ‘Drift’ into Failure? The identity of personhood as defined by fallibility (https://www.humandymensions.com/product/fallibility-risk-living-uncertainty/ ) should be foundational to any ethic of risk. The vulnerability and mortality of being human ought to determine what one … [Read more...] about Do Persons and Systems ‘Drift’ into Failure?
Understanding Ethical Dilemmas in Safety
Understanding Ethical Dilemmas in Safety One of the intriguing things about this safety industry that has no ethic is that it imagines that ethical dilemmas is a game (https://fromaccidentstozero.com/product/the-safety-dilemmas-game/ ). How astounding this industry that believes in its own … [Read more...] about Understanding Ethical Dilemmas in Safety
SPoR Quarterly Newsletter September 2021
SPoR Quarterly Newsletter September 2021 Theme - Brain-Centrism and Risk I was contacted by a safety person the other day who was at his wits end because he had ‘tried everything’ in the so called ‘safety arsenal’ to reduce injury and harm at work. The letter started with comments like ‘we have … [Read more...] about SPoR Quarterly Newsletter September 2021
The Bias of Method Design in Risk
The Bias of Method Design in Risk Anything that is designed hides the assumptions and philosophy of the designer. The methodology (philosophy) of the designer is not visible but is rather hidden in the method, what is enacted. So, if one looks at the iCam method one tends not to see its bias … [Read more...] about The Bias of Method Design in Risk
AIHS Repeating the ‘Race to 80’ and ‘Live With COVID’ Rhetoric
AIHS Repeating the ‘Race to 80’ and ‘Live With COVID’ Rhetoric Interesting to see the AIHS buying the cool-aid of the ‘Race to 80’ and ‘live with COVID’ rhetoric. This is NOT the discourse of the Doherty Report . At best, this idea of ‘race to 80’, language of ‘freedom’ and ‘living with COVID’ are … [Read more...] about AIHS Repeating the ‘Race to 80’ and ‘Live With COVID’ Rhetoric
Deconstructing iCam, Useful or Useless
Deconstructing iCam, Useful or Useless? It’s always an education to see what Safety flocks to and makes ‘orthodox’. Safety always seeks out mechanistic-behaviourist methods to suit its assumptions about what constitutes personhood. It actually never discusses personhood, it just leaves that silent … [Read more...] about Deconstructing iCam, Useful or Useless
Serendipity and Risk
Serendipity and Risk One of the great challenges for traditional safety is the problem of uncertainty, unpredictability and luck. I have written before about luck: https://safetyrisk.net/good-luck-to-the-luck-deniers/ https://safetyrisk.net/do-you-believe-in-good-and-bad-luck/ … [Read more...] about Serendipity and Risk