Expert Ben discusses the shortcomings of safety audits, focusing on paperwork over tangible work practices. He highlights the disconnect between safety goals and actual results, emphasizing the need for substantive changes. They explore how audit reports may not effectively evaluate work safety, leading to potential catastrophic outcomes. The discussion calls for a reimagined approach to audits to truly protect workers.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
The 'Culture' Trigger
Ben's negative experience with external auditors, who made broad cultural assessments in under four hours, sparked his research interest.
Their use of the word "culture" triggered his scientific skepticism, leading him to question their methodology.
insights INSIGHT
Paperwork vs. Practice
Audits often have a mechanistic focus on paperwork and documentation, rather than actual work practices.
This misplaced emphasis gives a false sense of security, as paperwork compliance doesn't guarantee safe operations.
insights INSIGHT
Superficial Evaluations
Audits often focus on superficial compliance items instead of evaluating actual work and operational risks.
This disconnect leads to a false sense of security, as the true risks may remain unaddressed.
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Ben's expertise guides us through an analysis of audit reports and accident investigations, laying bare the counterfactual reasoning that often skews post-incident narratives. It's an eye-opening examination that calls for a reimagined approach to audits, one that aligns with the genuine complexities of organizational culture and safety. Together, we confront the silent failure of safety audits and management systems, debating the need for a fundamental shift in how these are designed and conducted to truly protect workers. Join us for this critical dialogue that challenges preconceptions and seeks to reforge the link between safety audits and the real work of keeping people safe.
Discussion Points:
Ben’s background and papers authored
The reality of safety audits
Safety plans - often perceived as comfort, not change
Documentation versus actual safety
"Audit masquerade" reveals gaps between theory and practice
Examination of 327 audit corrective actions and their efficacy
Administrative intentions vs. practical safety
The weak connection between audits and physical safety improvements
Concerns about evaluating work practices
Audits can ‘fail silently’, giving false security assurance
Practical steps for ensuring audit effectiveness
A critical examination of safety management systems
Key takeaways
Ben’s answer to our episode’s question is, “Possibly, but it depends.”
Quotes:
"Some audits were very poorly calibrated to actually exploring and eliciting work - day-to-day work and operational risk.." - Ben
“you've got to pick and choose what to pay attention to. So unless something is really standing out as needing attention, then it can be hard to be curious and to notice these weak signals.” - David
“I'm proud to work in safety. I'm proud to call myself a sector professional. What really drove me to understand these systems was my love for safety, and I had just become so disillusioned with the amount of safety work I had to do. It wasn't helping.” - Ben
“Audits, like most activities, are very socio-political. There's a lot of vested power and conflicting interests.” - Ben
The Safety of Work 