The Reason Safety Has Gone So Crazy – With Must Watch Video
This recent article of ours Fall Harness–The Latest Dumb Safety Photo To Go Viral has gone viral itself and it leads very well into this article.
One of main reasons that safety has become so silly and out of control basically comes down to the “F” word – irrational and disproportionate FEAR!!
This stuff is driven by the regulator (we’ve seen the ads and heard the threats) and the myth is perpetuated by Safety – how often do we hear “We need to cover our @rse” or “I’m not losing my house or going to jail”. This fear of prosecution is totally disproportionate to the reality – we have a much greater risk of being prosecuted for a driving offence!!!. Unfortunately it is the official role of some in Safety to do nothing but try to find people being non-compliant – I have a friend who’s job it is to do exactly that with sub-contractors and he has an informal quota – how does this distrust encourage people to “speak up” or co-operate or “stop the job” or see safety as anything to do with real care for people?
A lot of what we do in the name of preventing prosecution, in fact, increases the likelihood we will be prosecuted – much of this quickly and very poorly produced paperwork (plans, permits, inductions, work methods and incident investigations) will actually be very effectively used AGAINST you in court and increase your risk of prosecution!!
Learning is only facilitated by trust, relationships and engagement – fear is anti-learning and anti-relationship! Have a think about teaching a kid how to ride a bike – do we use fun, learning and support or fear to get the most favourable outcome??
This is a must watch video by experts on this subject and presents a great reality check. It is one of 22 videos in the series accompanying the new book:“Risky Conversations, The Law, Social Psychology and Risk”
20. FEAR from Human Dymensions on Vimeo.
MORE ON FEAR IN SAFETY:
Anxiety and Fear Professionals
“When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.” – Nelson Mandela. Another great article by Dr Robert Long to stir the pot! – If you liked this article then you should read the whole series: CLICK HERE. Thanks to James Parkinson from www.safety-consultant.com.au for sharing the image Anxiety and Fear Professionals There are …… Enjoy the rest of the article >>>>>
Why Have Some Freedom in Safety When a Dose of Fear and Guilt Will Do?
Why Have Some Freedom in Safety When a Dose of Fear and Guilt Will Do? I was sent a rather sickening poster this today, another one of those pithy senseless aphorisms that now populate Linkedin. The poster read: ‘The person who choses safety is a person of conviction, character and caring’. This seems harmless enough, what …… Enjoy the rest of the article >>>>>
Has safety become an illness called fear?
Has safety become an illness called fear? Great article by one of our Brisbane Thinking Group Members, Keith McCabe. First published on LinkedIn One of the best things about sharing my thoughts about safety and risk is the feedback in all its positive and negative guises. Recent responses have made me think that the safety industry is …… Enjoy the rest of the article >>>>>
Predicting Earthquakes and the Fear of Uncertainty
Predicting Earthquakes and the Fear of Uncertainty Guest Post by Dr Rob Long – Scary Stuff!!!! Enjoy the rest of his work: click here The news this week that 6 scientists received goal sentences (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/23/italian-scientist-earthquake-condemns-court) for not communicating effectively about risk should send a shiver up the spine of anyone interested in risk and safety. An Italian court’s …… Enjoy the rest of the article >>>>>
Leave a Reply