This cute little song by Slim Dusty lays out the ultimate challenge for Risk and Safety. So much of what characterizes Safety is about looking backward. Counting data, LTIs, TRIFR and counting lead indicators (positive activity) all focus on the past as if these are an indicator of the future. Most … [Read more...] about Looking Forward, Looking Back
BBS
Science and Acts of Faith in Safety
Science and Acts of Faith in Safety The language of scientific ‘proofs’ is the language of positivism, behaviourism and empiricism. Such a language often gives away a discourse of control, power and security in the face of uncertainty. It is one thing to seek knowledge ‘scientifically’ and … [Read more...] about Science and Acts of Faith in Safety
It’s not in the KPI or LTI but the MRI
It’s not in the KPI or LTI but the MRI The assumption of behaviourist psychology that people are the sum of inputs and outputs is the greatest weakness of BBS philosophy. There is plenty of evidence to show that people don’t respond to stimulus either in self interest or in ways that make … [Read more...] about It’s not in the KPI or LTI but the MRI
Non-Conscious Safety
Non-Conscious Safety No-one in safety seems to show much interest in the nature of consciousness or about the unconscious. One thing is for sure, trying to locate the unconscious or consciousness in the brain is a lost cause. The brain-as-computer metaphor doesn’t serve us well in understanding … [Read more...] about Non-Conscious Safety
No Paradigm Shift with BBS
The cardinal rule in safety is to present what you are not by stating what something is, then claiming the myth created as true. Then anchor a symbol and ritual to that myth and it becomes the new truth. Is it true? No! Does it work? No! But why let reality get in the way of a good myth. This is the … [Read more...] about No Paradigm Shift with BBS
Beyond ‘What We Do Around Here’
Beyond ‘What We Do Around Here’: Why a Deeper Look at Organisational Culture is Crucial for Risk and Safety. By Andrew Thornhill – first published here In risk and safety, culture is often defined as ‘what we do around here’. In this blog we examine the origin of this definition, how it omits … [Read more...] about Beyond ‘What We Do Around Here’
When Safety (Zero) is Abusive
We learn from Gabor Mate that trauma is the foundation of suffering and harm. In his movie The Wisdom of Trauma we learn how extremisms creates harm and suffering. Safety in zero is one such extremism. The Wisdom of Trauma should be mandatory viewing for any safety person. Of course … [Read more...] about When Safety (Zero) is Abusive
Safety Silver Bullet
Latest article by Dr Robert Long which attacks the idea that one can solve a safety system problem by simply building ever expanding safety systems! Oh and a little swipe at BBS and Zero Harm! If you liked this article then you should read the whole series: CLICK HERE. I highly recommend you check … [Read more...] about Safety Silver Bullet
No Safety in Numbers
No Safety in Numbers I was asked to present recently to a group in the USA on the fixation/psychosis of Safety with numbers. I started with the title of this blog making two points: that you are no safer in a crowd/group, dispelling the myth ‘there is always safety in numbers’ and then spoke on the … [Read more...] about No Safety in Numbers
Why People Do As They Do
The mature study of the psychology of motivation ought to be foundational for any safety person. The foundation for understanding human motivation is one’s worldview and understanding of personhood. One thing is for sure, neither Behaviourism or BBS have a foggy clue about motivation. This … [Read more...] about Why People Do As They Do