Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving SH161: ‘One mistake and you are dead’ – isn’t how accidents normally happen
Apr 2, 2025
Dive into the intricate world of diving safety and discover the dangers of 'normalization of deviance.' This conversation uncovers how small shortcuts can lead to disastrous outcomes in high-risk scenarios. Learn about human factors and cognitive biases that contribute to accidents, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond just outcomes. With insights drawn from aviation, they discuss the Swiss Cheese Model and systems thinking as essential tools for preventing incidents. Implementing practical strategies like checklists and effective debriefs is key to maintaining safety.
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Accidents Result from Safety Drift
- Accidents don't typically result from a single mistake but from a gradual erosion of safety margins.
- Human brains seek efficiency, leading to shortcuts that cause safety drift over time.
Outcome Bias Masks Risks
- We judge processes by outcomes, a cognitive bias hiding safety deviations.
- Repeated good outcomes reinforce risky shortcuts, eroding built-in safety margins.
Drift Permeates Entire Diving System
- Normalisation of deviance happens at all system levels, not just individual divers.
- Instructors and organizations can unknowingly pass incorrect practices to students, perpetuating risk.
