

The Causes of Safety System Failure and How You Can Prevent It
17 snips Jun 6, 2022
Chris Clearfield, co-author of “Meltdown: Why our systems fail and what we can do about it”, discusses how understanding system complexity and coupling can prevent accidents. He emphasizes the importance of improving system feedback and shares practical advice on implementing HSE change and creating inclusive safety cultures. The podcast also explores strategies to reduce risk and improve system design, as well as techniques like premortem and collaborative learning for preventing failure.
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Defining Systems
- A system combines people, processes, and technology to achieve goals.
- Systems operate at different levels, from teams to entire organizations.
Understanding Coupling
- Coupling describes the slack or buffer within a system.
- Tight coupling means little room for error, like a flight with a short layover.
Defining Complexity
- System complexity refers to the interconnections between components.
- Complex systems require many things to go right and are harder to understand.