Safety Labs by Slice

The Causes of Safety System Failure and How You Can Prevent It

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.

48:24

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Episode guests

Chris Clearfield

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Understanding system complexity and coupling helps HSE professionals prevent accidents in safety systems.

Creating a culture of learning, transparency, and resilience is crucial for effective safety leadership in complex systems.

Deep dives

The Importance of Soft Skills in Safety Leadership

The podcast emphasizes the significance of soft skills, such as empathy, influence, trust, and rapport, in safety leadership. It highlights the role of these skills in supporting safety professionals and addressing the human side of safety. The guest, Chris Clearfield, shares his expertise in guiding leaders to navigate complex and uncertain environments. He discusses the importance of incorporating social and technical aspects in work to solve unique challenges. Clearfield also emphasizes the need to focus on the core skills of safety leadership to effectively prevent system failures and ensure workplace safety.

Introduction

3min

Systems, Complexity, and Coupling

17min

Applying SPIES Method to Improve Estimation and Mitigate Biases

3min

Using the Premortum Technique to Prevent Failure

3min

Intuition in Project Management

9min

Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) and Collaborative Learning

13min

A New Lens and Transformational Change

2min

In this episode, Mary Conquest speaks with Chris Clearfield, a coaching consultant, speaker, and co-author of “Meltdown: Why our systems fail and what we can do about it”.

Chris studies disasters, and his research into systems failure provides many valuable lessons for EHS professionals who rely on systems every day to maintain safety.

He explains how understanding system complexity and coupling (the amount of slack) can help HSE professionals keep their safety systems out of “the danger zone” and prevent accidents.

Also, he highlights how improving systems - so they provide more feedback - is key to making better safety decisions.

Using real-life disasters such as Deepwater Horizon, Chris provides lots of practical advice on implementing HSE change and creating more curious, experiential and inclusive safety cultures.

To find out more about Chris’ work, visit:

https://www.chrisclearfield.com/

Chris Clearfield on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisclearfield/

Chris’ book, “Meltdown: Why our systems fail and what we can do about it” - Financial Times' best business book of the year, 2018:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meltdown-Systems-Fail-What-About/dp/1786492245