There is a huge chasm between three things: the intent and design (assumed philosophy) of a model, the semiotic diffusion of the model and what humans make of the model. Models and symbols are not neutral nor objective. All models are semiotics and as such seek to explain the inexplicable. This is … [Read more...] about The Search for Meaning in Safety Models
SAFETY MYTHS
Myth and Symbols in Safety
A myth is not a fairy tale or fiction but a false belief made true by ‘anchoring' to a symbol. Myths/symbols are not historically or scientifically true but are made true by the mythical proposition of the symbol. We saw this in the last blog about posture. Despite dozens of safety text books that … [Read more...] about Myth and Symbols in Safety
More Realistic Swiss Cheese Symbol
Dr Rob Long’s recent Safety Myths Series touched quite a few nerves in the safety industry, particularly his piece: Myth and Symbols in Safety, where he suggested that we should deconstruct the projected ‘truths’ of linearity and causality of models such as Swiss Cheese, Dominoes, Bow Tie and … [Read more...] about More Realistic Swiss Cheese Symbol
Safety Mythbusters
Continuing our series on Safety Myths – see them all here Myths and mythology are not about fairy tales or non-truth but rather symbolic truth and mythical truth. What this means is that when an idea is made true by a culture, it is then enacted as true by that population. We see this in common to … [Read more...] about Safety Mythbusters
The Domino Myth in Safety
Continuing our series on Safety Myths – see them all here It seems whenever a safety book wants to identify its roots it traces itself back to Heinrich, Bird, Weaver, Adams, Loftus, Reason and Petersen and the mythical domino construct (The Domino Delusion). Always be suspicious of engineers using … [Read more...] about The Domino Myth in Safety
Understanding Safety Myths
Understanding Safety Myths The term ‘mythology’ is not understood well and is associated with the idea of legend/fairy tale but that’s not its meaning. It is certainly not how myth is defined in social psychology. Mythology is really a set of beliefs supported by semiotics (symbol systems) and … [Read more...] about Understanding Safety Myths
Jingoism is NOT Culture, but it is for Safety
If you want to know about culture it’s best not to read mythology peddled by Safety. There is no better example of this than this a recent piece in the SHP Practitioner (UK). One thing is for sure, when Safety spins out nonsense like this you know the opposite is the reality. First some … [Read more...] about Jingoism is NOT Culture, but it is for Safety
Best Fraud in Safety Wins, ‘This is the Way’
The first lie started when my flight was changed due to ‘traffic control concerns’, hmmm, my travel partner (Matt) was on the same flight??? We were going to meet in Sydney and travel together to Vienna. Strange, his flight was not changed? So, I contacted Qantas and asked why his flight (the … [Read more...] about Best Fraud in Safety Wins, ‘This is the Way’
The Need for Discernment in Risk and Safety
If ever there was a time for critical thinking and discernment (https://www.humandymensions.com/product/real-risk/) it is now. We are not just bombarded with the propaganda of AI but also endless dis-information and mythology (https://safetyrisk.net/indiana-jones-and-the-hero-myth-in-safety/) … [Read more...] about The Need for Discernment in Risk and Safety
Indiana Jones and the Hero Myth in Safety
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is due for release this week and reminds us of the myth of the hero. Particularly, the addiction of Safety to this myth. Here are a few examples: https://www.ergon.com.au/network/safety/safety-heroes … [Read more...] about Indiana Jones and the Hero Myth in Safety