Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

In this podcast episode, we dive into the critical topic of situational awareness and its profound impact on safety, especially in contexts like firefighting and diving. Today, Gareth emphasizes that despite our modern multitasking abilities, attention remains limited. We explore how situational awareness has been compromised in everyday life, from distracted pedestrians to drivers checking phones at stop signs. Gareth stresses the necessity of focused attention, akin to a spotlight, for effective decision-making and hazard prevention. They outline practical exercises to enhance situational awareness, such as multitasking simulations and scenario-based training. Ultimately, the message is clear: by making situational awareness a habit, we can significantly improve safety outcomes in high-stakes environments.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/selective-attention-exists-5-tips-to-increase-situational-awareness-in-diving Links: The gorilla experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtKt8YF7dgQ Tags:  English, Andrzej Górnicki, Leadership, Situation Awareness, Teamwork

In this episode, we explore the concept of ergonomics through the lens of diving equipment and safety. Ergonomics, which studies how humans interact with systems like physical gear, plays a crucial role in diving. From regulators to dive computers, well-designed equipment enhances ease of use and safety. Feedback mechanisms, like knowing if a regulator is properly connected or interpreting dive computer displays, are vital for diver awareness and safety underwater. Checklists are another critical tool, helping divers remember crucial steps before dives, whether recreational or technical. Choosing the right equipment and checklist system tailored to individual needs and diving environments can significantly enhance safety and enjoyment. Join us as we delve into these essential elements of diving preparation and safety.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/ergonomics-not-just-about-comfy-chairs   Links: Blogs about checklist design and use: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use Mike’s blog about using a checklist on a busy dive boat: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/checks-on-a-dive-boat   Tags: English, Checklists, Jenny Lord

In this episode, I reflect on a recent diving mistake that challenged my beliefs about sharing errors. While minor slip-ups are common and quickly corrected, this particular incident was a deliberate violation. Despite years of advocating for open discussion in human factors, I found myself hesitant to share this mistake publicly due to fear of judgment and repercussions. The dive industry, unfortunately, often lacks psychological safety, hindering honest dialogue and collective learning. The consequences of admitting mistakes can be severe, ranging from professional setbacks to personal shame. Yet, discussing these errors is crucial for understanding underlying conditions and improving safety practices. As leaders in the diving community, it's imperative to role model vulnerability and humility, contrary to the misconception that admitting mistakes shows weakness. Overcoming ego, shame, and embarrassment is essential to fostering a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than grounds for punishment. By reframing mistakes as learning experiences, we can create a more supportive and safer diving environment for everyone.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-admit-to-our-mistakes   Links: Blogs about Psychological Safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFforD-part-10-psychological-safety https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient-pt2 https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/facing-one-s-own-shadow-discrimination-in-diving-limits-learning-impacts-safety-and-perpetuates-stereotypes A blog about a mistake I made: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake The DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing What is a Just Culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture How to build Psychological Safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1 https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2 https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3 https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4   Tags:  English, Human Error, Incident Reporting, Jenny Lord, Learning, Psychological Safety

This week's podcast episode dives into the lessons learned from a recent holiday focused on diving. Jenny, typically more inclined towards activity than relaxation, decided to undertake a diving course during her vacation. Beyond the initial goal of learning, the experience brought a profound realization about the challenges of being a beginner. This insight connects to a historical event where miscommunication due to "the Curse of Knowledge" led to disastrous consequences in the Crimean War. Drawing parallels, Jenny reflects on how experienced divers often overlook gaps in knowledge when teaching novices, emphasizing the importance of empathy and open communication in such scenarios. The podcast also touches on personal diving experiences that underscored the significance of understanding different conditions and team dynamics in ensuring safety and enjoyment underwater. For more details on the course and further insights, head to the Human Factors in Diving Facebook group! Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-curse-of-knowledge   Links: Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810   Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord, Leadership

In this episode, we explore the phenomenon of being distracted by familiarity, commonly known as autopilot, and its implications for safety, particularly in diving and driving contexts. We discuss how familiar actions operate at a skill-based level, where errors are often slips or lapses, and contrast them with rule-based and knowledge-based decision-making. Drawing from examples in driving and diving, we examine how distractions can lead to critical errors even when operating on autopilot. We delve into the challenges of avoiding slips and lapses and emphasize the importance of safeguards such as buddy checks and checklists to mitigate risks. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of navigating autopilot behavior and becoming more aware to enhance safety in everyday activities.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/familiarity-as-distraction-operating-on-autopilot Links: Example of people on autopilot (video, contains swearing): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1126486911851456 Original paper: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1126486911851456 Tags:  English, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Human Performance, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord

In this podcast episode, we dive into the subtle balance between efficiency and complacency in dive briefings and procedures. Drawing from personal experiences and conversations with fellow divers, we explore how familiarity with diving environments and buddies can lead to abbreviated briefings and overlooked safety protocols. Is it complacency or efficiency when briefings get shorter? The answer often depends on the outcome of the dive. We examine the natural human inclination to streamline processes and the potential risks of assuming familiarity with procedures. Reflecting on the importance of honest communication, regular evaluations, and psychological safety within dive teams, we challenge listeners to reconsider their own diving practices and embrace opportunities for improvement.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-and-efficiency Links: Blog about the Efficiency-Thouroughness Trade Off: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/price-vs-quality-the-efficiency-thoroughness-trade-off Tags:  English, Complacency, ETTO, Jenny Lord

In this episode, we delve into the world of distractions and procrastination, exploring how they impact tasks, especially in critical situations like planning dives or navigating wrecks. From the allure of smartphones to unexpected interruptions, distractions can lead to increased stress and errors. Multi-tasking, often seen as efficient, can actually hinder complex tasks, as seen in a diving scenario where a simple conversation led to a crucial mistake. We discuss strategies to combat distractions, like blocking out noise or setting boundaries, but acknowledge the challenge of unexpected interruptions. Drawing from experiences in teaching and diving, we highlight the importance of teamwork and clear communication in managing distractions and ensuring task completion.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/3   Links: Dug the dog from Disney’s “Up”: https://youtu.be/Q8FWzLMobx0 A study on the effects of distraction: https://ics.uci.edu/~gmark/chi08-mark.pdf Multi tasking: https://ics.uci.edu/~gmark/CHI2005.pdf   Tags:  English, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors, Teamwork

In this podcast episode, we debunk common misconceptions about Human Factors, shedding light on its complexity and importance. Contrary to the belief that Human Factors is just common sense, it's an evidence-based practice that delves deeper into understanding human behavior and system design. While technical skills are crucial, Human Factors emphasizes non-technical skills like decision-making and communication to prevent errors. It's not solely about personal limitations but involves training and learning from mistakes. Additionally, Human Factors considers cultural and organizational influences on behavior. Addressing the misconception around Just Culture, it's about learning from mistakes while sometimes assigning blame when necessary. Emphasizing the role of change and learning, Human Factors seeks continuous improvement, making it easier to do the right thing in various aspects of life.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/5-common-misconseptions-about-human-factors   Links: Blog about common sense:https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/common-sense What we mean by a Just Culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture How learning reviews are different to traditional investigations: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-reviews-in-diving Why this is important: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/human-factors-in-diving-what-it-is-what-it-isn-t-why-you-need-to-know   Tags: English, Human Factors, Jenny Lord  

In this episode, we explore the often overlooked gap between how work is envisioned and how it actually gets done. Imagine crafting the perfect set of procedures for a job, only to face the realities of limited resources, budget constraints, and differing perspectives from those actually performing the tasks. This misalignment between "Work as Imagined" and "Work as Done" can lead to various outcomes, from compliant but flawed execution to outright disregard for standards. We delve into the complexities of why this misalignment occurs, from misunderstandings to deliberate acts of defiance or circumvention. By understanding the truth of "Work as Done," we can identify areas for improvement and bridge the gap between expectation and reality. Join the conversation on our Facebook group to share your insights and experiences in navigating these challenges.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Work-as-Imagined-vs-Work-as-Done   Links: The difference between the standards as written and what happens: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/analyzing-the-hidden-consequences-of-undermining-diving-standards Diagram of overlapping circles: https://humanisticsystems.com/2016/12/05/the-varieties-of-human-work/%E2%80%9C Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810/ Further reading: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-does-human-factors-in-diving-mean https://humanisticsystems.com/2016/12/05/the-varieties-of-human-work/ https://psychsafety.co.uk/psychological-safety-work-as-imagined-vs-work-as-done/ https://www.rcog.org.uk/about-us/quality-improvement-clinical-audit-and-research-projects/each-baby-counts-learn-support/safety-thinking-toolkit/work-as-imagined-versus-work-as-done/ Tags:  English, Jenny Lord, Rules

The podcast delves into the issue of ignoring diving standards, highlighting the potential consequences and influencing behaviors within the industry. Despite the prerequisite for Rescue Diver certification before starting Divemaster training, some i nstructors overlook this standard for various reasons, from ignorance to time pressure or complacency. Direct consequences include students being inadequately prepared and potentially posing a danger to themselves and others, while influencing behaviors perpetuates a culture of shortcuts and compromises safety. The authority gradient between instructors and students means that instructors' actions significantly impact students' perceptions of importance and acceptable behavior. This influence extends throughout the diving community, emphasizing the need for adherence to standards to ensure safety and integrity within the industry.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/analyzing-the-hidden-consequences-of-undermining-diving-standards Links: Work as Imagined vs Work as Done https://www.rcog.org.uk/about-us/quality-improvement-clinical-audit-and-research-projects/each-baby-counts-learn-support/safety-thinking-toolkit/work-as-imagined-versus-work-as-done/ Giving yourself permission to do it again: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking Tags:  English, Authority Gradient, Decision Making, Jenny Lord, Leadership