We know that zero is extremist and that it holds no compromise with anything other than zero. The anathema to Zero is 1. I was offered an invitation the other day by an engineer to be lectured on balance in risk assessment. Yet, what safety engineers call ‘balance’ is NOT balance. There are at … [Read more...] about Finding Balance in SPoR
headspace
Getting the Balance Right in Tackling Risk
One of the core principles in SPoR is balance. We see this visualised in the SPoR risk maturity model. See Figure 1. Risk Maturity. Figure 1. Risk Maturity. This simple semiotic makes clear all of the ‘steps’ that need to be considered in tackling risk. Whilst we tend to start risk … [Read more...] about Getting the Balance Right in Tackling Risk
Tackling Risk With Engagement Boards
Amongst the many tools (https://safetyrisk.net/what-does-spor-do/ ) developed in the Social Psychology of Risk (SPoR) is the use of Engagement Boards. I discussed these four years ago on this site (https://safetyrisk.net/safety-engagement/). The Engagement Board strategy is based on the notion of … [Read more...] about Tackling Risk With Engagement Boards
We need to make sure this can never happen again
We need to make sure this can never happen again Can you picture this scenario? Manager: So Ben, I’ve just read through the incident report and I see you injured your back when you ran the forklift into the bollard. I need to ask you a few questions as we need to make sure this type of incident … [Read more...] about We need to make sure this can never happen again
A must watch risk and safety video
A must watch risk and safety video I sceptically showed this video yesterday in a presentation to a group of Risk Engineers, Lawyers, Safety Professionals and Project Managers. The response was overwhelming – I could just about see the lightbulbs going off in their heads – one company now wants to … [Read more...] about A must watch risk and safety video
Take a lesson or two from scuba divers about safety
Guest Post by Brian Darlington In preparation for an upcoming diving vacation, I have for the past two weeks, been observing my wife, Aneta, partake in training sessions for her Open Water scuba diving qualification. Throughout the two weeks of theoretical sessions, exams and practical … [Read more...] about Take a lesson or two from scuba divers about safety
Psychosocial Safety, I think it is about a 7?
In the middle of last year I was asked to help a multinational Tier 1 construction company to help with their thinking on a major project that was about to be rolled out. This company knew there were cultural issues that would affect people negatively. The morning of this meeting we did a … [Read more...] about Psychosocial Safety, I think it is about a 7?
SAFETY IS A MYTH, LONG LIVE SAFETY
In the recent days since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, much has been said regarding this. A particular post on Facebook from Australia journalist Van Badham particularly took my eye. The third point is particularly poignant to safety. Safety invests in its symbols with a different meaning … [Read more...] about SAFETY IS A MYTH, LONG LIVE SAFETY
This Is Not A Pipe
In a recent blog by Dr Rob Long, “Myths and Symbols In Safety”, Rob has stirred some great discussions about myths and symbols in safety. Rob is polemic in nature and writes in a way to give pause to think. And to state is upfront, Rob is a friend and mentor and I study with him via the CLLR … [Read more...] about This Is Not A Pipe
Safety Engagement with Workspace, Headspace and Groupspace
So much of what we do in safety takes its focus on workspace. We call this the physical or ‘primary’ dimension of safety. This is easy to administer and regulate because what is required is visible and accountable through checklists matched to regulations. Most safety walks and observations are … [Read more...] about Safety Engagement with Workspace, Headspace and Groupspace