In the continuous discourse of Safety, we get constant sloganizing and naïve language from various groups. It seems the more Safety feels irrelevant, the more bizarre language it develops and accepts. We already know that absurd and extremist slogan like ‘blame fixes nothing’ hides a principle of … [Read more...] about Your Normal is NOT My Normal, Just Another Slogan in Safety
Safety Slogans
All Death is Preventable
All Death is Preventable The tall building looked like a church with four high Corinthian columns and marble foyer. I walked inside, through the stained-glass doors and down some stairs. I was greeted by the Master who produced a large key from his pocket and opened a 3 metre high sponge … [Read more...] about All Death is Preventable
Poetics and Risk; Part III Slogans
This episode we discuss Slogans in the workplace with one of our favourites “All accidents are preventable,” Poetic in nature, lovely cadence and song like qualities, make this easy to remember and repeat. So what else is hidden under the hood? What is the worldview of this statement, what … [Read more...] about Poetics and Risk; Part III Slogans
Great Quote To Think About In The Context Of Safety At Work
Great Quote To Think About In The Context Of Safety At Work This is a famous quote by Sir Thomas More from his book “Utopia”, written in 1516. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utopia_(book). It was also quoted in the film “Ever After – A Cinderella Story” The quote struck a chord with me in … [Read more...] about Great Quote To Think About In The Context Of Safety At Work
Poetics and Risk Part II; Why is Poetics Important to Risk and Safety?
‘Risk and Safety is a narrow discipline and yet it uses poetic forms of language and expression and is not even aware of it.’ Have you heard yourself saying, following or discussing about these Poetics or other like them? Memes Metaphor Slogans Life Saving Rules Salvation … [Read more...] about Poetics and Risk Part II; Why is Poetics Important to Risk and Safety?
Safety is Our First Priority, Until Caught Out
There is nothing more potent than the indoctrination of meaningless slogans. Safety spruiks this stuff like it was cool-aide. At the recent Inquiry into Child Care in NSW … [Read more...] about Safety is Our First Priority, Until Caught Out
Researchers Reveal the Top 10 Most Effective Safety Slogans Of All Time
Using AI and a new iphone app, a team of social psychology experts has analysed every meaningless aphorism and every condescending platitude ever displayed in the workplace to come up with a list of the most effective safety slogans of all time. Research project leader, Prof. Gerhardt Spudovsky, … [Read more...] about Researchers Reveal the Top 10 Most Effective Safety Slogans Of All Time
Critical Thinking Not Repetition
So much of safety orthodoxy is created by repetition. Say the word ‘professional’ often and it must be so! This is the safety way. No need to actually think critically about what it is to be professional or act professionally just, open the lid, throw in, wash, rise and dry. There you go, I’m a … [Read more...] about Critical Thinking Not Repetition
What is said in the name of Safety
Last night I was doing the NYT crossword when I came across this great piece from Sam Corbin; I often hear people talking about how a given slang word is “breaking containment.” By this, they’re usually describing the spread of a community-specific term into mainstream usage. Consider “props,” from … [Read more...] about What is said in the name of Safety
Safety Aphorisms and Platitudes
Safety Aphorisms and Platitudes Someone recently posted a photo of an old safety sign from NC Transport Museum on LinkedIn. Its a great find of an interesting artefact. I am not sure how old it is and it was probably considered to be amazingly insightful in its day. We often laugh at these very … [Read more...] about Safety Aphorisms and Platitudes