Process Safety with Trish & Traci Platypus, Duck or Weak Signal? Process Safety Lessons from Down Under
8 snips
Nov 25, 2025 
Trish Kerin, director of Lead Like Kerin and a columnist for Chemical Processing, shares insights from her book, The Platypus Philosophy. She explains how weak signals can predict industrial incidents, challenging the idea of unforeseen events. Using the platypus as a metaphor, she illustrates how partial sightings can reveal hidden hazards. Trish's engaging storytelling highlights the importance of early signal recognition and offers practical tips for applying these concepts in safety practices. Tune in for a unique blend of biology and process safety wisdom!
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Black Swan Mislabeling Harms Safety
- Many catastrophic events labeled as "black swans" were actually predictable from weak signals.
- Trish Kerin argues we must shift from blaming unpredictability to identifying early warning signs.
Weak Signals Reveal Hidden Patterns
- Weak signals are small, seemingly unconnected data that form patterns when viewed differently.
- Trish Kerin notes hindsight makes connections obvious, but foresight requires actively searching for them.
Platypus As A Risk Metaphor
- The platypus is a metaphor for weak signals: partial signs may or may not indicate real danger.
- You must investigate partial sightings because a seemingly harmless sign could hide a hazardous 'male platypus'.
