Is there such a thing as safety fundamentalism? The concept of fundamentalism was originally coined in reference to a rigid theological movement in the USA in 1905 upholding the literal interpretation of the Bible. More generally, fundamentalism refers to rigid ‘faith like’ exclusivity in thinking … [Read more...] about Safety Fundamentalism
Safety Culture
Supernatural Safety
Supernatural Safety Talking about the supernatural is not in vogue these days. The membership of the church is in rapid decline, there’s no longer ‘scripture’ in schools and the history of unethical behaviour by the clergy has put religion ‘on the nose’. So there’s not much talk of miracles, … [Read more...] about Supernatural Safety
A Comparison of Safety Paradigms
A paradigm is a distinct set of concept and thinking that result in distinct practices. In recent times it has occurred to coroners at inquests, auditors and government that poor safety culture has a central role in normalising unsafe practice. Inspectors and auditors are now ever mindful that … [Read more...] about A Comparison of Safety Paradigms
Safe Work Australia Continues to Perpetuate Safety Mythology
Safe Work Australia Continues to Perpetuate Safety Mythology In December 2014 Safe Work Australia published Work Health and Safety Perceptions: Construction Industry. Despite the intentions of the report yet again Safe Work Australia continues to perpetuate safety mythology just as it does by … [Read more...] about Safe Work Australia Continues to Perpetuate Safety Mythology
Safety Under Stress
Stress is a part of living, the pressure of being a fallible being in a complex world is stressful, but is stress bad? In what ways are humans stressed and how does this affect the discerning of risk and safety? There are four kinds of stress and each affects humans socially, psychologically, … [Read more...] about Safety Under Stress
Safety=Zero Culture
Zero has been the open religious mantra for safety for 7 years. The evidence for this cult is beyond debate (https://safetyrisk.net/if-you-want-to-know-about-culture-dont-start-with-safety/). The evidence for its support is overwhelming (https://safetyrisk.net/the-sponsors-of-zero-are/) especially … [Read more...] about Safety=Zero Culture
The 5 B’s of Safety Conversion
When one looks at the safety industry and safety orthodoxy in general it seems to conform to five basic approaches to the psychology of conversion. Psychology of conversion? Yes, most people in safety are as much in the evangelical conversion business as Hillsong. Mostly, the conversion desired is … [Read more...] about The 5 B’s of Safety Conversion
The Rage for Safety Utopia
This is the title of the stirring book by Ronal Conway published in 1992 but I have added the word safety to the title. Conway argues that obsession and compulsion for Utopia is a problem. The idea of Utopia was proposed by the Plato and the word means “no place”. The idea of utopia was later … [Read more...] about The Rage for Safety Utopia
Error Trajectories and Risk
In 1650 heathen cultures were regarded at best as examples of human error, whilst at worst they were devices of Satan, devised to keep damned souls securely in his net. In either case it was thought that the duty of Christians was to either save them or destroy them. (Thomas Brooks Precious Remedies … [Read more...] about Error Trajectories and Risk
Prepositions for Risk and Safety Leadership
Why not do some observing this week and see what are the most popular words spoken and written in your organisation. The way we prime and frame organizational discourse shapes the culture and focus on safety. When I am first introduced to an organisation I like to explore their cultural artifacts … [Read more...] about Prepositions for Risk and Safety Leadership