The Safety of Work

Ep. 5 Can increasing uncertainty improve safety?

Dec 15, 2019

Explore the intriguing idea that embracing uncertainty may actually enhance safety practices. The discussion examines how rigid safety norms can blind organizations to hidden risks, using major accidents as case studies. Learn about the importance of maintaining diverse perspectives for better decision-making. The conversation challenges the balance between flexibility and control, advocating for a culture that encourages open dialogue. Discover how adapting safety protocols can lead to more effective risk management in complex environments.

31:59

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Quick takeaways

Embracing uncertainty in safety practices encourages diverse opinions, fostering healthier debates that enhance decision-making and overall safety outcomes.

Organizations must create a supportive environment that empowers individuals to speak up about risks, enabling more flexible and resilient safety practices.

Deep dives

The Paradox of Uncertainty and Safety

The discussion centers around the provocative idea that increasing uncertainty can sometimes enhance safety, challenging the prevailing belief in safety practices aimed at reducing uncertainty. Traditionally, safety measures focus on minimizing unpredictability through risk assessments and standardized procedures, which imply that a certain environment is inherently safer. However, the podcast explores the opposite notion by referencing studies suggesting that allowing for uncertainty in decision-making can lead to better safety outcomes. By staying open to different possibilities and viewpoints, organizations may enhance their ability to respond to unexpected challenges effectively.

Intro

2min

Challenging Safety Norms through Uncertainty

7min

Embracing Uncertainty in Decision-Making

6min

Balancing Flexibility and Control in Human Systems

3min

Embracing Uncertainty for Enhanced Safety

14min

Tune in to hear us talk about this topic in the context of the paper we chose to reference this week.

Topics:

Our safety practices are always about reducing uncertainty.
The paper we’ve chosen to use for today’s discussion is Promoting Safety by Increasing Uncertainty.
The paper uses major accidents to frame its arguments.
Differences of opinion is a type of uncertainty.
Increasing uncertainty in practice.
Feeling uncomfortable with increasing uncertainty.
Encouraging people to speak out.

Quotes:

“If you don’t understand the question or you don’t understand the problem well enough, then you’ve got very little chance of coming up with a good solution.”

“We need to take action that deliberately encourages introduction of contradictory information...breaking consensus, not forming consensus.”

“The responsibility is on the organization to provide the right psychological environment for people to speak up.”

Resources:

Grote, G. (2015). Promoting safety by increasing uncertainty–Implications for risk management. Safety science, 71, 71-79.

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