The Seduction of Measurement in Risk and Safety Rather than measure what we value, we tend to value what we can measure Many safety mottos and mantras for organisations are sent to me and I recently saw one for a mantra and motto of ‘safety beyond measure’. The strange thing about the … [Read more...] about The Seduction of Measurement in Risk and Safety
Zero Harm
What’s Faith Got To Do With Safety
What’s Faith Got To Do With Safety Guest Post by Dr Rob Long from www.humandymensions.com Risk is all about uncertainty, and uncertainty is one of the things that characterises what it is to be human. There is little in human living that is certainly predictable, there is little that is … [Read more...] about What’s Faith Got To Do With Safety
The Tyranny of Absolutes
Guest Post by Dr Rob Long from www.humandymensions.com – for those of you who still have nothing to love! The text book approach to goal setting recommends that all goals should be SMART - Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant and Time considered. Yet, when it comes to safety and risk many … [Read more...] about The Tyranny of Absolutes
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
Pass Me Another SWMS Leo, The Last One Was Too Short
Isn’t it marvelous, SAI Global recently advertised new editable SWMSs (Safe Work Method Statement) for download. Now you don’t have to really assess risk, understand the job or know how to be safe, it’s the ultimate in cut and paste. So when the inspector comes, all the columns will be ruled … [Read more...] about Pass Me Another SWMS Leo, The Last One Was Too Short
Risk and Safety Communities of Practice and the Practice of Community
Risk and Safety Communities of Practice and the Practice of Community Dr Rob Long’s third book entitled “Real Risk, Human Discerning and Risk” will be launched in early October. For those of you who have read and enjoyed For The Love of Zero and Risk Makes Sense I am sure you will be looking … [Read more...] about Risk and Safety Communities of Practice and the Practice of Community
Symbols Have Power
One of the most overlooked yet important factors in safety culture influence is the power of symbols. The psychological significance of symbols and the embodiment of values in symbols are often neglected when organisations think about safety culture. Many organisations have next to no emphasis on … [Read more...] about Symbols Have Power
When Zero Doesn’t Work, Don’t Blame Zero
We read sadly about the continuing increase in the road toll across Australia (Deadliest six months on Australian roads since 2010 leaves industry demanding answers), despite all the billions of dollars in spending, road improvements and technological design. This year’s road toll is the highest in … [Read more...] about When Zero Doesn’t Work, Don’t Blame Zero
You Don’t Believe in Common Sense?
The Coroners decision confirms it, there is no ‘common sense’, it can’t be assumed, and we shouldn’t talk about it because it dumbs down the industry and perpetuates a delusional myth. On 5 July the Queensland Coroner has found three men who died while working on the Federal Government's home … [Read more...] about You Don’t Believe in Common Sense?
