What are we to make of safe behaviour programs?

A 2006 article from Andrew Hopkins, discussing some merits and limitations of behavioural approaches to safety. A lot of research has been done on behavioural safety approaches since 2006, but still a pretty reasonable article. Note: This is broader than BBS, but that’s a well-known iteration. Tl;dr – Hopkins argues: ·         “Safe behaviour programs run… Continue reading What are we to make of safe behaviour programs?

The Psychosocial Hierarchy of Controls: Effectively Reducing Psychosocial Hazards at Work

This study redesigned the hierarchy of controls (HoC) to target workplace psychosocial hazards, specifically, adapting the NIOSH Total Worker Health HoC. These called this the Psychosocial Hierarchy of Control (P-HoC). Won’t be anything earth shattering for most, but nice to see it properly articulated. For background: ·         “There is consistent evidence that psychosocial hazards at… Continue reading The Psychosocial Hierarchy of Controls: Effectively Reducing Psychosocial Hazards at Work

Residual risk and the psychology of lower order controls

This conference paper briefly discussed the follies of lower order controls in the context of human performance. Nicely, it took a really empathetic view of people and their limits in perception and attention: it’s not a bug that needs to be blamed or feared, but just a biological feature which needs to be considered. First… Continue reading Residual risk and the psychology of lower order controls

What Control Measures Should I Use? Applying the Total Worker Health Hierarchy of Controls to Manage Workplace Fatigue

This new paper from Drew Dawson and others reconceptualised fatigue risk management within Total Worker Health (TWH) Hierarchy of Controls (HOC). THW HOC works as an extension to the traditional HOC, and “presents strategies in order of effectiveness, ranging from “eliminate,” “substitute,” “redesign,” “educate,” and “encourage” categories” They say that while is mostly associated with… Continue reading What Control Measures Should I Use? Applying the Total Worker Health Hierarchy of Controls to Manage Workplace Fatigue

Efficacy and Understanding of the Safety Hierarchy of Controls

This PhD thesis from Stephen Young was interesting. They studied evidence supporting the hierarchy of control (HOC), constraints on its efficacy, and more. Way too much to cover. Some extracts: ·        There isn’t a lot of evidence supporting the efficacy of the HOC ·        One reason is: “An unequivocal demonstration of efficacy [of the HOC] is problematic,… Continue reading Efficacy and Understanding of the Safety Hierarchy of Controls

Workplace risk management practices to prevent musculoskeletal and mental health disorders: What are the gaps?

This explored two industry sectors with high risk of both musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and mental health disorders (MHDs) and what workplace risk management practices are in place to manage those issues. Safety documents were revised and interviews were obtained from organisations within both sectors. 10 logistics/transport companies & 9 residential aged care facilities were selected;… Continue reading Workplace risk management practices to prevent musculoskeletal and mental health disorders: What are the gaps?