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
semiotics
The Sacred Bra Tree
The Sacred Bra Tree “When we begin to understand the significance of Bra Trees and roadside memorials then we might learn something about culture and why zero is such a dangerous sacrament” It’s not likely that you have ever seen a ‘Bra Tree’, a rare species of Australian eucalyptus in the … [Read more...] about The Sacred Bra Tree
Semiotics and Corporate Logo Fails
See also: Culture Silences in Safety – Semiotics It is unfortunate that some of organisations below didn't have a better understanding of semiotics when they were in the process of designing their corporate logos – scroll down to see the result but a WARNING – some may be offended, but most will … [Read more...] about Semiotics and Corporate Logo Fails
Deconstruction and Reconstruction for Safety
Deconstruction and Reconstruction for Safety The discipline of Social Psychology has a unique evolution that emerges out of the disciplines of: Critical Theory, Cultural Theory, Semiotics, Poetics, Social Politics, Ethics, Post-Structuralism, Neo-Marxism, Education, Dialectics, Discourse Analysis, … [Read more...] about Deconstruction and Reconstruction for Safety
The Poetics of Resistance and Risk
The Poetics of Resistance and Risk When one is caught in a regime of dictatorial power, where zero is the ideology, much is sustained by the management of Poetics and Semiotics. This is why resistances like the works of Banksy and other graffiti artists are so effective. If you want to pull apart … [Read more...] about The Poetics of Resistance and Risk
‘Man Up’ Safety
‘Man Up’ Safety I read some debate today between a man and woman online about who was the toughest. The opening bait started with a journalist stating he was showing up to work with 3 broken ribs and somehow this was to be admired, he stated he was ‘manning up’. Then a female journalist replied … [Read more...] about ‘Man Up’ Safety
What Does Your Risk and Safety Icon Say?
What Does Your Risk and Safety Icon Say? One of the many things missing in many discussions and definitions about culture and safety is iconography. It is clear from any casual assessment of what Safety deems iconic for business and conveying the meaning of safety, than an icon of an object. Whilst … [Read more...] about What Does Your Risk and Safety Icon Say?
Speaking a New Language in Safety
Speaking a New Language in Safety Dekker wisely recommends that Safety needs a new language (and discourse) for understanding and acting safety (Drift into Failure, pp. 15, 49, 53, 58, 123). He rightly asserts that the language (and grammar) of reductionist (seeking simple binary answers) thinking … [Read more...] about Speaking a New Language in Safety
New Video Available – Semiotics Walk Workshop
New Video Available - Semiotics Walk Workshop A semiotic walk is an awareness activity and experience that seeks out how signs and symbols are present and part of the collective unconscious. It is best to undertake such a walk with someone who has some expertise in semiotics, semiosis and an … [Read more...] about New Video Available – Semiotics Walk Workshop
First Semiotics Masterclass
First Semiotics Masterclass This week (19-21 April) was the first Master Class undertaken by the Centre for Leadership and Learning in Risk (CLLR - http://cllr.com.au/ ) and what an amazing time of learning was had by all 28 participants. Here we are on the steps of the Tuggeranong Community Centre … [Read more...] about First Semiotics Masterclass
