Episode 234 - Occupational Safety - Hazard Correction Fixation Syndrome

In this episode, Dr. Ayers introduces a term he created: “Hazard Correction Fixation Syndrome.” It describes what happens when safety professionals become so focused on fixing one specific hazard that they fail to notice other hazards in the area — sometimes even more serious ones.

  🧠 Key Themes 1. Over‑Fixation Creates Blind Spots

• Safety pros often zero in on a single issue (e.g., a missing guard, a spill, a blocked exit).

• While locked onto that one hazard, they unintentionally ignore surrounding risks.

• This narrow focus can lead to incomplete assessments and missed opportunities for prevention.

2. Step Back and See the Whole Picture

Dr. Ayers emphasizes the importance of:

• Pausing before jumping into correction mode

• Scanning the entire work area

• Asking: “What else is happening here?”

• Avoiding tunnel vision that limits situational awareness

3. Engage Employees in Hazard Identification

The episode encourages leaders to:

• Get input from workers who know the job intimately

• Ask what hazards they see

• Collaborate on solutions rather than dictating fixes

• Build a more complete understanding of the environment

  🚀 Leadership Takeaways

• Don’t get tunnel vision. Fix the hazard, but don’t miss the others.

• Use a wide‑angle lens. Assess the entire environment before acting.

• Partner with employees. Their perspective fills in your blind spots.

• Think systemically. Hazards rarely exist in isolation.