Stay ConnectedHuman factors is a critical topic within the world of SCUBA diving, scientific diving, military diving, and commercial diving. This podcast is a mixture of interviews and ‘shorts’ which are audio versions of the weekly blog from The Human Diver.
Each month we will look to have at least one interview and one case study discussion where we look at an event in detail and how human factors and non-technical skills contributed (or prevented) it from happening in the manner it did.
Copyright: © 2023 (c) The Human Diver 2023
One of the key lessons in diving is that anyone can end a dive at any time for any reason, no questions asked, yet making that call can be tough due to unspoken pressures. This episode explores how inferred peer pressure, desire for group belonging, and risk-taking in “losing situations” all affect a diver’s willingness to thumb a dive. Through stories and research, we discuss how factors like fatigue, previous lost dive opportunities, and good visibility can cloud judgment, making it harder to call off a dive. Recognizing these influences and discussing them in debriefs can help divers build confidence in prioritizing safety over peer expectations.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-thumb-a-dive-or-end-something-that-you-have-committed-to
Links: Paletz’s research about pilots in Alaska: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Socializing-the-Human-Factors-Analysis-and-Paletz-Bearman/58a0496739adb8778b3f95cf53e9016f15dcf8e6
Kahneman and Tversky’s research: http://psiexp.ss.uci.edu/research/teaching/Tversky_Kahneman_1974.pdf
Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors
In this episode, we dive into the concept of human error, examining why labeling it as the sole cause of accidents often oversimplifies the issue and prevents meaningful improvement. Human error is natural, inevitable, and can range from minor to life-threatening in impact. Effective safety culture encourages open discussion of mistakes without blame, helping us understand the factors influencing these errors, like pressure, environment, and subconscious decision-making. This episode also covers how divers and instructors can reflect on and report errors, find systemic solutions, and avoid jumping to conclusions like "human error," which should be a starting point, not an endpoint, in any investigation.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/human-error-or-diver-error-are-they-just-an-easy-way-of-blaming-the-individual
Links: Situation awareness model: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/blogs/817/images/sbYcrVK0QVe0CYJ2fYoC_ngcezfVOQw69fnrwH2BI_EndsleyModel.jpg
Diving fatality causes from DAN: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/files/DivingFatalityCauses.pdf
Instructor who didn’t analyse their gas: https://www.divingincidents.org/reports/136
AOW diver continuing diving: https://issuu.com/divermedicandaquaticsafety/docs/divermedicmagazine_issue6
Diving Incident Safety Management System: http://www.divingincidents.org/
Second victim issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BsHmwAFPKs
Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Error, Human Performance, Just Culture, Safety
In this episode, we explore the concept of a Just Culture in diving, where learning from mistakes and sharing incidents openly helps improve safety without fear of unfair criticism or blame. Inspired by Human Factors and Ergonomics, which emerged in WWII to address human error in fast-evolving systems, Just Culture highlights that mistakes often result from systemic issues, not individual faults. In diving, many errors go unreported due to fear of judgment, especially on social media, which prevents the community from learning valuable lessons. Just Culture fosters a fair, open environment where divers can learn from errors and incidents, understanding the difference between human error, risky behavior, and recklessness, helping all divers make safer decisions.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/we-all-make-errors-let-s-not-judge-those-involved-without-understanding-the-how-it-made-sense
Links: Blog about local rationality: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/local-rationality-why-an-old-lady-vandalised-art-and-how-to-improve-diving-safety
Tags: English, Gareth Lock
In this episode, we discuss how openly sharing failures can lead to safer, more effective diving practices and team connections. Inspired by a diving forum thread called “I Learned About Diving From That,” we explore how sharing mistakes helps others learn without fear of criticism, creating a “Just Culture.” Embracing failure is vital for growth: it strengthens team bonds, encourages personal learning, fosters tolerance, and prepares us for future challenges. By acknowledging our mistakes, we create a safe space for feedback, helping us improve and making every dive a chance to learn and grow. Failure is normal; learning from it is essential.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-talk-about-failure
Links: The Dive Forum: http://www.thediveforum.co.uk/
Tags: English, Diving, Failure, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Leadership, Scuba Diving
In this episode, we explore how understanding "local rationality"—the idea that people make decisions that make sense to them in the moment—can improve diving safety and team performance. Using the story of a 91-year-old woman who "completed" a crossword art piece in a museum, believing it was interactive, we see how context shapes our actions. This concept is critical in diving, where incidents are often judged in hindsight, ignoring the pressures, norms, and limited information divers faced. By approaching errors with curiosity rather than blame, we can better understand and prevent future mishaps in diving and beyond.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/local-rationality-why-an-old-lady-vandalised-art-and-how-to-improve-diving-safety
Links: BBC report about “vandalism”: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36796581
Mod 1 CCR bailout: https://www.divingincidents.org/reports/136
Diving with out of date cells: https://cognitasresearch.wordpress.com/2015/05/04/ccr-incident-feb-2013-double-cell-failure-human-factors-inquest-report/
Tags: English, Communication, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Error, Human Factors
In this episode, we delve into "normalization of deviance"—how divers, like workers in many fields, can gradually drift from safe practices due to pressures to be more efficient or productive. Often starting with small rule-bending or shortcuts, this drift can increase over time, as divers operate closer to safety limits without realizing the risk. Drawing on examples from high-reliability organizations, we'll discuss strategies for recognizing and counteracting this drift, from clear baseline definitions to fostering environments where divers feel comfortable speaking up about concerns. Finally, we explore the value of critical debriefs to ensure safe practices remain a priority.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-a-deviant-is-normal
Links: Steve Lewis’ blog: https://decodoppler.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/normalization-of-deviance/
Andy Davis’ blog: http://scubatechphilippines.com/scuba_blog/guy-garman-world-depth-record-fatal-dive/#The_Issue_of_Normalization_of_Deviance
Amalberti’s papers: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092575350000045X
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2464877/
Cook’s paper: http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/14/2/130.short
Blog about complacency: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-the-silent-killer-but-it-s-not-that-simple
Efficiency thoroughness trade off: http://erikhollnagel.com/ideas/etto-principle/index.html
Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Non-Technical Skills, Normalisation of Deviance, Normalization of Deviance
In this episode, we explore complacency in technical diving, using the tragic case of Wes Skiles' 2010 rebreather accident as a springboard. Often labeled as the "silent killer," complacency can emerge when divers become overly reliant on their equipment and fail to actively monitor it, especially automated systems like rebreathers. Diving systems, much like any automated setup, require continuous attention and critical monitoring to avoid a gradual drift from safe operating practices—a concept known as the "normalization of deviance." We discuss the importance of training, shared learning from others' experiences, and maintaining a mindset of proactive failure anticipation, following insights from human factors research.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-the-silent-killer-but-it-s-not-that-simple
Links: Report about Wes Skiles: http://postoncourts.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2016/05/20/pbc-jury-deciding-whether-to-award-widow-of-famed-diver-wes-skiles-25-million/
HFACS: https://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/fireInfo_documents/humanfactors_classAnly.pdf
Parasuraman et al 2010: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21077562
Normalisation of deviance blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know
Endsley’s Situation Awareness model: http://hfs.sagepub.com/content/37/1/32.short?rss=1&ssource=mfc
Bahner et al: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1071581908000724
HUDs research: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21077562
Pilot missing parked aircraft: http://www.aviation.illinois.edu/avimain/papers/research/pub_pdfs/techreports/05-23.pdf
Tags: English, Gareth Lock
In this episode, we dive into the Dunning-Kruger effect and how it impacts diver safety. The presentation from TekDiveUSA 2016 emphasizes that humans often overestimate their own knowledge, creating gaps in situational awareness that can lead to dangerous decisions. By understanding cognitive biases, such as outcome and hindsight bias, divers can begin to recognize how easy it is to misjudge risks. Just as in aviation, implementing safety protocols like checklists and open communication within dive teams can improve decision-making. The Human Diver training offers essential human factors skills, enabling divers to better manage complex situations and avoid the complacency that comes from overconfidence.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know
Links: Wingsuit video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9cs51gbyujce3i6/Wingsuit-small.mp4?dl=1
Digger video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lmoj32hq6ajgd7h/Digger-Captioned.mp4?dl=1
Selective attention video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGQmdoK_ZfY&feature=youtu.be
Sidney Dekker’s videos on Just Culture: https://youtu.be/PVWjgqDANWA
Reading list: https://www.thehumandiver.com/pages/reading-list
Tags: English, Diving, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Safety
In this episode, we discuss how complacency and cutting corners can lead to serious diving accidents. We explore how the same mental shortcuts that help us operate efficiently can also cause us to miss critical changes in our environment, leading to dangerous situations. Using examples from aviation and diving, we highlight the importance of situational awareness, monitoring equipment, and questioning decisions—no matter how experienced you are. We also emphasize the need for open communication, where divers feel comfortable addressing concerns without fear of judgment. The Human Diver training helps develop these essential skills to improve safety and performance in diving.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/it-s-the-little-things-that-catch-you-out
Links: C130 accident summary: http://aerossurance.com/safety-management/c130j-control-restriction-crash/
Tags: English, CCR, Diving, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Safety, Scuba Diving
In this episode, we explore why Human Factors are crucial in diving, even if you haven’t experienced an accident. Drawing from high-risk industries like NASA and aviation, we highlight how human errors often lead to major incidents, even when no technical failures are present. We discuss real-life diving examples where poor communication, peer pressure, or lack of planning led to dangerous situations. By "sweating the small stuff" and embracing constructive feedback, divers can improve teamwork, decision-making, and safety. We also introduce the Human Factors Skills in Diving courses, which teach these vital skills, showing their importance both in diving and other high-performance environments.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-relevance-does-human-factors-have-to-recreational-and-technical-diving
Links: NASA and the Challenger and Columbia disasters
An Executive Jet crew who forgot to remove the gust lock
Pilot who didn’t drain the water from his fuel tanks http://www.kathrynsreport.com/2012/07/experimental-plane-crash-at-sandy-creek.html
Student who bailed out of his CCR https://www.divingincidents.org/reports/136
Instructor diving with out of date cells https://cognitasresearch.wordpress.com/2015/05/04/ccr-incident-feb-2013-double-cell-failure-human-factors-inquest-report/
Recently qualified AOW diver https://issuu.com/divermedicandaquaticsafety/docs/divermedicmagazine_issue6
Even experts make mistakes http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1397693/Wrong-kidney-surgeon-ignored-me-says-student.html
Tags: English, Diving, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Performance, Safety
In this episode, we explore the concept of "pre-mortem" or prospective hindsight, a technique that helps teams identify potential reasons for failure before a project begins. Research shows that this approach increases the ability to foresee outcomes by 30%. By imagining a scenario where a project has already failed, team members can share their insights and concerns without the fear of being seen as negative, helping to prevent issues before they occur. This method is highly effective in decision-making and risk management, particularly in high-stakes environments like diving or complex team projects.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-help-correct-the-biases-which-lead-to-poor-decision-making
Links: Sunk cost fallacy: http://youarenotsosmart.com/2011/03/25/the-sunk-cost-fallacy/
Authority gradient: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/authority-gradient-why-people-don-t-or-can-t-speak-up
Video from Daniel Kahneman about the “pre-mortem”: https://vimeo.com/67596631
Hindsight bias: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindsight_bias
Outcome bias: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outcome_bias
Tags: English, Gareth Lock
In this episode, we discuss the challenges teams face when speaking up, especially in the presence of authority figures. A German research study found that in 72% of cases, team members chose to remain silent even when verbal intervention was necessary, and only 40% of those who did speak up were assertive. Reasons for silence included deference to authority, lack of confidence, and failure to recognize the situation’s urgency. This highlights the need for effective Non-Technical Skills training, which helps individuals practice assertiveness without confrontation, improving safety and communication in high-stakes environments.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/authority-gradient-why-people-don-t-or-can-t-speak-up
Links: Tenerife crash 1977: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenerife_airport_disaster
Surgeon who removed wrong kidney: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1398408/Surgeons-who-removed-the-wrong-kidney-are-cleared.html
German research paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231210745_Do_residents_and_nurses_communicate_safety_relevant_concerns_Simulation_study_on_the_influence_of_the_authority_gradient
Improving Anesthetists’ ability to speak up: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26703413
Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Healthcare
In this episode, we discuss the potential and challenges of using Big Data to predict safety and performance issues, especially when human behavior is involved. While traditional cause-and-effect thinking works in some cases, complex incidents often involve many small contributing factors that are hard to detect. Big Data could help spot these hidden factors, but it requires detailed context and validation to ensure accuracy. Unlike structured fields like medicine, human behavior is unpredictable, influenced by culture, risk perception, and dynamic environments. While Big Data shows promise, it’s not yet ready to replace the experienced insights of human supervisors.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/big-data-use-as-a-predictor-or-not
Links: Article about Big Data: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/07/opinion/eight-no-nine-problems-with-big-data.html?_r=0
Todd Conklin’s Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/leading-safety-metrics-big-data-prediction-todd-conklin
Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Safety, Safety Culture
In this episode, we explore cultural awareness and how understanding our own culture is key to improving relationships and performance in diverse environments. After attending a training session at Abbey Communication, I learned that we often judge others based on our own biases without realizing it. The course used the Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner model, which outlines seven dimensions of culture, to help us understand these differences. By recognizing and respecting cultural variations, we can work toward better communication, teamwork, and safety in multi-cultural settings, rather than assuming others share our viewpoint.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/looking-in-the-cultural-mirror
Links: Riding the Waves of Culture (book): https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1904838383/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1904838383&linkCode=as2&tag=cogniincidres-21
Seven dimensions: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/seven-dimensions.htm
Seven dimensions video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veA0bLa8xAg
Abbey Communication: http://www.abbeycommunication.com/
Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Safety Culture
In this episode, we discuss the concept of "common sense" and how it's not always as common as we might think. Using the example of Columbus and his "uncommon sense" solution to standing an egg on its end, we explore how knowledge and experience shape our understanding of what seems obvious. Just because something appears simple to one person doesn't mean it's clear to others who haven't had the same experiences. This idea is crucial when explaining the need for training or coaching to others, as assumptions about common sense can hinder problem-solving and safety improvements.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/anyone-could-have-done-that
Links: The Ergonomist: http://www.ergonomics.org.uk/the-ergonomist/
Study about US college students knowledge: http://youarenotsosmart.com/2013/07/22/yanss-podcast-episode-seven/
Extramission theory: http://www.asa3.org/ASA/education/views/extramission.htm
Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Safety
In this episode, we explore the parallels between decision-making in diving and the concepts from Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow." The discussion focuses on how divers often face tough choices when equipment malfunctions, similar to the mixed gambles described in the book. While staying on the boat may seem like the safe choice, the fear of missing a dive can lead to riskier decisions, driven by loss aversion and regret. We emphasize the importance of using logical, System 2 thinking in these situations and considering the potential consequences of your choices.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-much-are-you-willing-to-risk
Tags: English, Diving, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Risk Safety
In this episode, we discuss the importance of human factors in rebreather diving, highlighting key themes from the Rebreather Forum 4 conference. Rebreather diving, while offering unique opportunities, is far more complex than traditional scuba due to its intricate systems and hidden failure modes. The talk covers the role of systems thinking in improving safety, the need for a just culture, the value of psychological safety, and the importance of non-technical skills like teamwork and communication. We also explore the challenges of implementing human factors and why they are essential for the future of safe rebreather diving.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/summary-of-rf4-paper-human-factors-in-rebreather-diving
Links: Workshop proceedings: https://indepthmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Rebreather-Forum-4-Proceedings-2024.pdf
HSE report RR871: http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr871.pdf
HFiD Essentials program: https://www.thehumandiver.com/HFiD-Essentials
Gareth’s thesis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXqeQvRFK0
Video’s from the presentations: https://rebreatherforum.tech/program/
Gareth’s presentation: https://gue.tv/programs/rebreather-forum-4-ccr-diving-advancements?cid=3312565&permalink=human-factors-rebreather-diving-ccr-systems-safety
Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Rebreather, Research, Safety
In this podcast episode, we discuss a recent accident analysis published by RAID, which was framed as a hypothetical event but turned out to be based on a real-life diving incident without full consultation with those involved. The focus is on how we frame learning opportunities in diving and the importance of understanding the decisions made in the moment rather than placing blame after the fact. Effective accident analysis must explore the conditions and pressures present, fostering empathy and a learning culture within the diving community. A PDF review of this case is available in the show notes.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/language-matters-an-HF-approach-to-reviewing-an-accident-analysis
Links: PDF copy of the analysis text: https://bit.ly/THD_Incident_Analysis_Review
Learning from Unintended Outcomes training: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lfuo
Danish Maritime Investigation board report: https://dmaib.com/reports/2021/beaumaiden-grounding-on-18-october-2021
US Air Force report: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3850845/b-1b-accident-investigation-report-released/
Other reports and blogs: Roaring River Fatality
Links: English, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting, Just Culture
In this episode, we discuss why mistakes are a valuable part of the learning process, especially in scuba diving training. While most instructors aim for their students to perform perfectly, making mistakes actually helps students learn more effectively. Mistakes provide opportunities for problem-solving and critical thinking, which can lead to deeper learning. We explore how immediate or delayed correction of errors, depending on the student's experience, enhances this learning process. The episode also highlights the importance of conducting effective debriefs to create a psychologically safe environment, where students can openly discuss their mistakes and learn from them.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-are-good-learning-from-mistakes-is-sometimes-better-than-getting-it-right
Links: What is a mistake? https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-errors-words-have-meaning
Make sure everyone knows it’s ok to make mistakes https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-admit-to-our-mistakes
The DEBrIEF model https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing
Tags: English, Debrief, Human Error, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety
In this episode, we explore the challenges of effective communication and the barriers that often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. We discuss how stress, language differences, and personal insecurities like the Imposter Syndrome can prevent clear communication, both underwater and on land. We also highlight the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up. Ultimately, good communication requires effort from both parties to ensure that the message is understood, not just transmitted. Tune in to learn how to improve your communication skills and build better connections.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/communication-what-stops-people-speaking-up
Links: Blog about language use https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/speaking-the-right-language
Blog about the Dunning Kruger effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-dunning-kruger-effect-incompetent-or-competent-and-unaware
Building a safe psychological environment series
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, Cognitive Biases, Communication, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety
In this episode, we explore the Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias where people with limited skills or knowledge in a particular area tend to overestimate their abilities, while those with more expertise may underestimate their competence. This effect explains why some new divers might think they’re better than they are, while more experienced divers might not realize how skilled they’ve become. We discuss how continuous learning and staying humble can help us accurately assess our abilities, leading to safer and more effective diving practices.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-dunning-kruger-effect-incompetent-or-competent-and-unaware
Links: Kruger and Dunning- Unskilled and Unaware https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12688660_Unskilled_and_Unaware_of_It_How_Difficulties_in_Recognizing_One%2527s_Own_Incompetence_Lead_to_Inflated_Self-Assessments&ved=2ahUKEwi-8Z2f2p6HAxUmV6QEHYb0CUEQFnoECBEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2M00VJJpL1TSHlK-6bZ-Pl
The four stages of learning https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-four-stages-of-learning
Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord
In this episode, we explore the challenges of explaining decisions to others, especially when they don’t share the same knowledge or experience. Jenny recounts a personal story about deciding not to dive a local canyon system again due to safety concerns, despite it seeming straightforward to others. The incident highlights the importance of situational awareness, good communication, and building a shared mental model within a dive team to ensure everyone understands the reasons behind decisions. This helps prevent misunderstandings and promotes safer diving practices.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/decision-making-how-do-we-explain-our-decisions-to-others
Links: The Dunnig Kruger effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know
Briefing and Debriefing video https://youtu.be/JTM_Lh7HtmA?si=H4ZSo4AiIQlpZn_e&t=585
The DEBrIEF model https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing
Tags: English, Brief, Debrief, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Jenny Lord, Teamwork
In this episode, we discuss a personal diving incident where I ran out of gas underwater—a situation that could have been fatal but wasn't due to quick thinking and luck. The experience highlights the dangers of complacency and the importance of maintaining situational awareness, even during routine dives. We explore how easily small oversights can lead to critical mistakes and the value of debriefing and sharing experiences to learn from them. This incident serves as a reminder that staying vigilant, especially when things seem routine, is crucial to safety in diving and beyond.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/running-out-of-gas-why-does-this-happen-and-how-can-we-prevent-it
Links: Outcome bias blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened
Counterfactuals blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/shoulda-woulda-coulda
Complacency and Efficiency blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-and-efficiency
Blame vs Learning blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-vs-learning
Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Complacency, Counterfactuals. Hindsight Bias, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord, Situation Awareness, Situational Awareness
In this episode, we explore the illusory truth effect, where repeated information, even if false, can become ingrained in our beliefs. This cognitive bias can be reinforced by social media echo chambers, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. The effect is particularly strong when the information aligns with what we already believe, making us more likely to accept it without question. We discuss how this phenomenon affects not just everyday life but also diving practices, where long-held "common knowledge" can be hard to change. The key to overcoming this bias is to question information, especially when it supports our existing beliefs, and to seek out diverse perspectives to challenge our assumptions.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/illusory-truth-effect
Links: Blog about the backfire effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-backfire-effect-why-our-brains-make-it-difficult-to-change-our-mind
Repeated studies inducing false memories https://web.archive.org/web/20161231091706/http://ejop.psychopen.eu/article/viewFile/456/pdf
Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord
In this episode, we dive into the issue of diving standards and safety, particularly how some instructors may not follow proper procedures, putting students at risk. Unlike other outdoor sports, the underwater environment makes it difficult to monitor and ensure that standards are upheld. This episode explores why this might be happening, such as the pressure on instructors to certify students quickly, and how the certification-focused culture in diving often prioritizes collecting cards over gaining real experience. We also discuss the importance of addressing safety concerns constructively, encouraging a culture of learning and improvement rather than punishment, to ensure that divers are truly prepared and safe in the water.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/standards-why-do-we-have-them-and-what-can-we-do-if-someone-breaks-them
Links: Gareth’s Thesis “Story Telling to Learn: What happens underwater, stays underwater”
Blogs about Just Culture https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=just+culture
Tags: English, Instruction, Jenny Lord, Just Culture, Learning
In this episode, we explore the importance of experience in diving and how it shapes decision-making and problem-solving. Experience helps divers build mental models that guide them in various situations, but beginners often face challenges because they don't know what they don't know. We discuss the value of curiosity in learning, emphasizing the need to ask questions, seek quality information, and understand the "why" behind rules and skills. By combining curiosity with experience, divers can better recognize gaps in their knowledge and adapt to new situations more effectively.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-do-novices-know-what-questions-to-ask
Links: Who is responsible for learning blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-learning
David Snowden’s paper https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241660493_Complex_Acts_of_Knowing_Paradox_and_Descriptive_Self-Awareness
Tags: English, Instruction, Jenny Lord, Learning
In this episode, we explore how divers can manage extreme stress in life-threatening situations. While technical skills and knowledge are vital, the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure is crucial. We discuss strategies like controlled breathing, tactical thinking, and continuous training to enhance mental resilience. Techniques such as stress inoculation training and mindfulness can help divers maintain composure and make sound decisions when it matters most. This holistic approach to readiness goes beyond survival, ensuring divers can perform effectively even in chaotic conditions.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/survival-instinct-reaction-to-stress
Links: Reducing biological stress https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/16/2351
Breathing allowing us to focus https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/psyp.13952
Tactical breathing vs prolonged exhalation https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10484-020-09485-w
Other references:
Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Diving Psychology, Non-Technical Skills, Performance Shaping Factors, Stress
In this episode, we discuss the concept of experience in diving and how it goes beyond simply logging a certain number of dives. True experience comes from the quality of dives, solving problems, and learning from mistakes in varied environments and conditions. We explore why minimum dive numbers shouldn't be seen as targets and highlight the importance of breadth and depth in diving experiences. Understanding that the same dive repeated 100 times doesn't equate to 100 unique dives is key, and embracing mistakes as learning opportunities is essential to becoming a skilled diver or instructor.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-do-we-mean-by-experience
Links: Blog about learning https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-learning
Building experience https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/you-need-more-than-mistakes-to-learn
The same dives 100 times isn’t the same as 100 dives https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/unleashing-your-sixth-sense
Why we need experience https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-importance-of-experience
Tags: English, Instruction, Jenny Lord, Learning, Rules, Training
In this episode, we explore Jenny’s journey as a diving instructor who discovered that teaching goes beyond technical skills and dives into the complexities of human behavior and communication. She realized that understanding and applying the concept of "situation awareness" was the missing piece in helping students who seemed competent but lacked a crucial element. This episode highlights how learning the language of human factors can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, enhancing both teaching and learning by bridging gaps in communication and awareness.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/speaking-the-right-language
Tags: English, Communication, Jenny Lord
In this episode, we explore how human factors and non-technical skills can be applied to diving and diving instruction to enhance safety and performance. We discuss strategies like training senior instructors, fostering psychological safety, and promoting a culture of learning through context-rich storytelling. Practical tools include effective team communication, structured debriefs, and encouraging mutual accountability. The episode emphasizes the importance of a gradual paradigm shift towards incorporating these skills in training, supported by a wealth of resources available to divers and instructors looking to improve their practices and build stronger, safer teams.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/practical-application-of-teamwork-in-diver-training
Links: Video about compliance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNhmxz2_adc
Blog about compliance https://indepthmag.com/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/
The gaps between what should happen and what does happen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgIwHrUWVQ
How to build a team blogs (series of 4) https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1
Checklist design blogs https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use
Speaking up https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient
Structured briefing (UNITED-C) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTM_Lh7HtmA
Constructive dissent https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/challenger-safety-control
Debrief model https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief
Counterfactuals https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/shoulda-woulda-coulda
Don’t look at the outcome, look at the context https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened
Continual learning and reflection https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-road-to-excellence-systems-and-structure-form-the-foundation-of-a-culture-of-improvement
What should happen compared to what does happen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErhRa9i2giA
Putting HF into technical diver training programmes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noO1g3JnPRA
If Only….documentary https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly
Human Diver Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@thehumandiver863/featured
Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Teamwork
In this episode, we delve into the responsibilities of diving instructors and students in ensuring divers are competent and prepared for independent diving. Initially, instructors must provide comprehensive training, but as divers gain experience, they must take responsibility for identifying and addressing knowledge gaps. The discussion highlights the importance of continuous learning, as some divers assume they know everything once certified, leading to potentially dangerous situations. The role of social media in learning is debated, with some preferring direct answers over independent research. We emphasize the need for open, constructive discussions about mistakes and learning opportunities to promote safety and growth within the diving community.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-learning
Tags: English, Jenny Lord, Learning
In this episode, we discuss the complexities of understanding diving accidents and human communication. A recent diving fatality in Norway prompts reflection on how quickly we jump to conclusions and how our minds fill gaps with assumptions. Human Factors teach us to slow down, consider multiple perspectives, and understand that our memories and stories evolve over time. Effective communication, especially in high-stress situations, requires recognizing our biases and the importance of context. By focusing on asking questions rather than making judgments, we can better understand and learn from incidents, fostering a more comprehensive and less judgmental approach.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/diving-accidents-the-want-to-know-what-happened-and-why
Links: Cognitive dissonance blogs by Jenny: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cognitive-dissonance-or-why-we-don-t-always-follow-our-beliefs
And Gareth: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cognitive-dissonance
Blog about joining the dots: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome
Conversations triggering ideas: https://youtu.be/E9TaHfvlyoU?t=986
Learning review guide for diving: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lr-diving
Fit to Dive, Dealing with Trauma in Diving: https://blog.fittodive.org/2023/01/18/scuba-diving-ptsd/
Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Just Culture, Psychological Safety
In this episode, we explore the concept of Human Factors, which, as one insightful 10-year-old put it, is like mind reading. Human Factors involves understanding and improving how we communicate, make decisions, and work together. Humans often struggle with communication, unlike animals that navigate and cooperate effortlessly. By focusing on what’s said, what isn’t, and how it’s conveyed, Human Factors helps us avoid misunderstandings and mistakes. It enhances teamwork and leadership by fostering better awareness of each other’s knowledge, needs, and limits. This makes it easier to do the right thing and harder to do the wrong thing, bringing us closer to being effective “mind readers” in our interactions.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Mind-Reading-for-Beginners
Tags: English, Communication, Decision Making, Human Factors, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Situation Awareness, Teamwork
This week, we dive deeper into the backfire effect, where contradictory information can reinforce rather than change a deeply held belief. When faced with conflicting information, our brains often react emotionally, making it harder to accept new ideas. We discuss how our analysis of information—based on compatibility, coherence, credibility, consensus, and evidence—can be influenced by emotions, leading to belief perseverance. Using examples like nitrox in the 90s and current vaccination debates, we explore how understanding the opposing view can help counter the backfire effect. For divers, staying open to change and analyzing new research and methods is crucial for keeping up with advancements in the field.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-backfire-effect-why-our-brains-make-it-difficult-to-change-our-mind
Links: System 1/System 2 thinking: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/teaching-on-old-dog-new-tricks-why-it-is-so-hard-to-unlearn-bad-practices
Further reading: The Oatmeal comic
https://www.themarginalian.org/2014/05/13/backfire-effect-mcraney/
Making the truth stick & the myths fade: Lessons from cognitive psychology
When (fake) news feels true: Intuitions of truth and the acceptance and correction of misinformation
The Prevalence of Backfire Effects After the Correction of Misinformation
Correcting the unknown: Negated corrections may increase belief in misinformation
Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Jenny Lord
In this episode, we explore the critical decision-making process in diving, emphasizing the importance of safety and thorough planning. We discuss how divers must evaluate various factors, such as weather, equipment, and team dynamics, to ensure safe dives. Key steps include assessing justification and feasibility, finding the right solution, identifying alternatives, and choosing the best option. By conducting a "pros and cons" assessment, involving the entire team, and preparing contingency plans, divers can make informed decisions and maintain safety. Effective communication and psychological safety within the team are essential for addressing concerns and ensuring successful dives.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/to-dive-or-not-to-dive-the-power-of-decision-making
Links: Costs incurred: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/sunk-costs
Practise your crew resource management: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2
Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Decision Making, Leadership
In this episode, we dive into the concept of cognitive dissonance, where our thoughts and actions conflict, causing discomfort and the need to resolve this inconsistency. We explore everyday examples, such as pretending to enjoy a course you disliked or justifying an expensive but unsatisfactory purchase. Cognitive dissonance often forces us to either change our actions or alter our beliefs to ease the mental tension. We also discuss how our brains perform mental gymnastics to rationalize our choices, sometimes even reinforcing false beliefs. Through intriguing examples and studies, we highlight the impact of cognitive dissonance on our emotions and decision-making, providing insights into why we sometimes cling to certain beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cognitive-dissonance-or-why-we-don-t-always-follow-our-beliefs
Links: Human Factors in Diving 2 day face to face course: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2
Website: Thehumandiver.com
Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Diving, Psychology, Jenny Lord, Stress
In this episode, we dive into the importance of organizational culture and effective systems in achieving success, using examples from elite teams like the Navy SEALs and NASA. We explore how these principles apply to diving, emphasizing the need for aligned goals, skill development, clear communication, and constructive feedback. By creating a supportive and structured environment, teams can foster continuous improvement and inspiration. We discuss the significance of planning and debriefing, drawing from Einstein’s principle of spending the majority of time understanding the problem. This approach transforms diving from an individual activity into a cohesive, goal-oriented team effort, enhancing safety and mutual growth.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-road-to-excellence-systems-and-structure-form-the-foundation-of-a-culture-of-improvement
Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Communication, Debrief, Decision Making, Leadership, Safety Culture, Teamwork
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
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/
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
The allure of SCUBA diving offers unparalleled opportunities for underwater exploration but also comes with inherent risks that demand respect and understanding. This podcast, summarizing a conversation between industry experts, delves into the critical aspects of risk management and incident reporting in diving. Understanding the risks, the role of equipment in safety, learning from experience, psychological preparedness, and the importance of community are all explored in depth. Each dive presents unique challenges, requiring thorough planning, adaptability, and a keen understanding of the underwater environment. By sharing experiences and fostering a culture of safety, divers can collectively enhance their awareness and practices, ensuring safer and more enjoyable experiences beneath the waves. Safety in diving is a continuous journey, requiring a holistic approach that considers people, equipment, processes, culture, and the environment, with each dive serving as an opportunity for learning and growth.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-management-podcast-review
Links: Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191453/14228917
2nd Podcast with Gareth: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191453/14507924-interview-with-gareth-lock
DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief
Tags:
English, Gareth Lock, Just Culture, Psychological Safety, Risk Management
In this podcast episode, we delve into the psychological impact of diving incidents, particularly focusing on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the diving community. While physical injuries from diving accidents are well-documented, psychological trauma often goes unnoticed and untreated. Research suggests that a significant portion of divers experience psychological effects even a year after an incident, affecting their overall well-being and decisions regarding future diving. However, the prevalence of PTSD in diving remains unclear due to limited reporting and awareness. Trauma related to diving accidents can have long-lasting consequences, affecting divers' mental health, social functioning, and their ability to cope with stress during subsequent dives. Despite the lack of formal diagnosis, unresolved trauma can lead to avoidance behaviors, anxiety, and even substance abuse. Addressing psychological well-being in diving is crucial for creating a safer and more supportive diving environment. Divers should be aware of the potential for psychological issues after an incident and know where to seek help. By prioritizing psychological support alongside physical safety measures, we can foster a culture of resilience and empowerment within the diving community.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/psychological-consequences-of-a-diving-accident
Links: Fit to dive
Reakcje psychologiczne i nurkowanie, opis terapii
The psychological impact of accidents on recreational divers: A prospective study
RISK OF SLEEP DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS: A NATIONWIDE, POPULATION-BASED STUDY IN TAIWAN -
- Psychiatria Danubina, 2019; Vol. 31, No. 2, pp 172-181 https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2019.172
A twelve-year longitudinal study of neuropsychological function in non-saturation professional divers
Tags:
English, Andrzej Górnicki, Diving Psychology, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors, Psychological Safety, PTSD
In this podcast episode, we explore who should be driving change in the diving industry, drawing inspiration from quotes by George Bernard Shaw and Albert Einstein emphasizing the necessity of change for progress. While top-down leadership models are common, with executives setting the culture and direction, it's argued that true change often stems from the middle, where individuals are most affected. With millions of divers worldwide, those employed in diving, including instructors and professionals, hold significant influence and can champion higher standards and improved teaching methodologies. By advocating for better quality instruction and embracing current best practices, the industry can address issues like declining numbers and quality, ultimately fostering a safer and more satisfying experience for all divers. Encouraging discussions, teaching effective communication, and prioritizing skills training in buoyancy control can shape a positive culture shift that permeates through agencies and influences industry-wide change. As individuals in the middle, listeners are encouraged to envision the culture they desire and actively contribute to driving positive change within the diving community.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-change
Tags: English, Jenny Lord, Leadership
In this podcast episode, we delve into the necessity of change, exploring why it's crucial and who should be driving it. Drawing insights from Winston Churchill's quote, "To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often," we examine how change is an inherent part of life and essential for progress. While some resist change due to comfort or reluctance to adapt teaching methods, advancements in knowledge, equipment, and teaching methodologies underscore the importance of evolving practices in diving instruction. From teaching students while neutrally buoyant to embracing new equipment setups like wings and long hoses, the diving community is witnessing transformative shifts aimed at enhancing safety and efficacy. Despite challenges like the reluctance to break from tradition or financial constraints, we explore the imperative of staying abreast of modern best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in diving education.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-we-need-change
Tags: English, Jenny Lord, Safety Culture
In this podcast episode, we explore the pitfalls of using "shoulda, woulda, coulda" in discussions about diving mistakes and accidents, emphasizing the need for constructive language and learning-oriented approaches. Drawing from real-life diving scenarios, we highlight how counterfactual responses hinder progress and fail to address the root causes of incidents. Instead, we advocate for reframing language to focus on actionable solutions and future improvements. By shifting from "would" to "will," "could" to "can," and "should" to proactive suggestions, we empower divers to learn from mistakes and enhance safety practices. Additionally, we stress the importance of understanding the context behind errors and offering supportive guidance for continuous improvement.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/shoulda-woulda-coulda
Links:
Blog about hindsight bias; https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome
Multiple factors leading to an incident: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/one-mistake
The Swiss Cheese model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/when-the-holes-line-up
Tags:
English, Counterfactuals, Hindsight Bias, Human Error, Jenny Lord
In this podcast episode, we draw parallels between aviation and diving safety, emphasizing the importance of human factors and non-technical skills in preventing accidents. Reflecting on a tragic airplane crash, we explore hazardous attitudes commonly seen in both industries and propose antidotes to mitigate their risks. From anti-authority to resignation, these attitudes can lead to complacency and unsafe practices, impacting instructors and divers alike. Through real-life examples and insights, we underscore the need for awareness and positive attitudes in diving instruction, aiming to foster a culture of safety and responsibility within the diving community.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-five-hazardous-attitudes
Links:
National Transportation Safety Board, Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report
CAA tutorial about Airmanship: https://infringements.caa.co.uk/tutorial/airmanship/
FAA info about Airmanship: https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_content.aspx?cID=723&sID=1448&preview=true
EASA info about Aeronautical Decision Making: https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/HE4_Single-Pilot-Decision-Making-v1.pdf
More about this from a flight instructors perspective: https://www.aviation101.com/deathbyflightinstructor
Tags:
English, Communication, Human Performance, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord, Leadership
In this podcast episode, we delve into the dynamics of mentoring in the diving community, exploring how mentor-mentee relationships contribute to personal and professional growth. While traditionally seen as unequal, effective mentoring fosters mutual development, relying on trust, vulnerability, and constructive feedback from both parties. Mentors guide mentees to find solutions independently, balancing support with respectful critique. Through real-life examples, we witness how mentors facilitate learning by encouraging self-reflection and providing targeted guidance. Feedback plays a pivotal role in this relationship, promoting continuous improvement and mutual learning. Ultimately, mentoring in diving cultivates a culture of collaboration and skill development, benefiting both mentors and mentees alike.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mentoring-both-sides-of-the-story
Links:
Blog about leadership in a short term team: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadership-in-a-short-term-team
Blog about debriefing: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing
Tags:
English, Followership, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Psychological Safety
In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of leadership in diving beyond traditional roles like Divemasters and Instructors. Leadership in diving involves guiding a team towards a common goal, prioritizing communication and maintaining situational awareness. Through real-life scenarios, we see how leadership can shift within a dive group, with experienced divers stepping up to lead even without formal titles. Effective leadership entails understanding each diver's goals, ensuring compatibility, and adapting plans accordingly. Whether navigating, monitoring gas levels, or supporting specialists like photographers, leaders prioritize safety and effective teamwork. Trust and communication are key components, fostering psychological safety within the team. Through briefings and debriefings, divers can enhance their leadership skills and ensure successful and safe dives.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadership-in-a-short-term-team
Links:
Part 1: building a short term team: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/building-a-short-term-team
Blogs about 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, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Teamwork
In this podcast episode, we delve into the crucial role of effective communication and trust in scientific diving. Communication underwater is essential for safety, coordination, and data collection, but it comes with its challenges, including language barriers and equipment limitations like Full Face Masks and helium distortion. Various methods such as hand signals and underwater writing tools facilitate communication but require practice and agreement among divers. Trust is equally vital, involving confidence in team members, equipment, and established procedures. Team cohesion and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for successful diving missions, emphasizing the need for ongoing training and preparation. Ultimately, prioritizing safety and effective communication enhances the efficiency and outcomes of scientific diving projects, ensuring the safety of all involved while gathering valuable research data.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/scientific-diving-trust-and-communication-in-the-depths
Tags:
English, Beatrice Rivoira, Communication, Trust
In this podcast episode, we explore the importance of Human Factors training in the diving industry, drawing parallels with its significance in aviation. A firsthand account reveals how insurance premiums reflect the recognition of this training's value, emphasizing the shift from blaming individuals to fostering a culture of learning for safety improvement. While insurance companies incentivize instructors to undergo such training, diving agencies have yet to mandate it, potentially impacting the industry's sustainability. The discussion underscores the necessity of viewing the issue holistically and integrating Human Factors training into all aspects of diving, beyond just formal instruction. Ultimately, change may only occur when instructors recognize the direct benefits, potentially through increased premiums, prompting a broader industry shift. The episode concludes with a reflection on the potential for a politically relevant event to drive change, echoing insights from Gareth Lock's presentation on the subject.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/diving-liability-insurance-enabler-or-barrier-to-diving-safety
Links:
Compliance to avoid litigation: https://gue.com/blog/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/
Gareth’s presentation at Rebreather Forum 4: https://gue.tv/programs/5-gareth-lock-human-factors-in-diving
Relevant slide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/rf4-resources
Tags:
English, Decision Making, Guy Shockey, Risk Management
In this episode, we delve into the concept of learning loops in scuba diving, inspired by the works of Chris Argyris and Donald Schön. We explore single-loop learning, focusing on immediate problem-solving like fixing a malfunctioning buoyancy control device (BCD), and double-loop learning, which involves analyzing underlying issues such as calibration errors in a rebreather. Then, we introduce triple-loop learning, which considers broader contexts like team dynamics and learning culture within the dive community. Practical examples illustrate each loop's application, from troubleshooting equipment issues to enhancing training programs. Drawing parallels with other high-risk domains like wildland firefighting, we emphasize the importance of fostering a learning culture and embracing continuous improvement at every level of diving. Whether troubleshooting a BCD or revising safety protocols, remember that each dive offers opportunities for growth and deeper understanding, contributing to a safer and more knowledgeable diving community.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-value-of-loops-for-learning-don-t-just-fix-the-diver
Links:
Learning in Loops doc: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WOy5v81N5zkAAgwVOZD53G6LIVPMnZr5/view?usp=sharing
Standards changes: https://fifthpointdiving.com/the-dive-pro-hub-teaching/changes-to-padi-dry-suit-standards/
Blog about moving too quickly through the system: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/racing-through-courses-how-fast-is-too-fast
Human and Organisational Performance: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/five-key-principles-how-to-improve-individually-and-organisationally
Brad Mayhew’s blog: https://bradmayhew.substack.com/p/38-the-first-law-of-learning
What is a Just Culture?: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture
Tags:
English, Gareth Lock, HOP, Human Performance, Leadership, Learning
In this episode, we explore the dynamics of teamwork in diving, emphasizing that although diving may not be a traditional team sport, divers typically operate in teams to ensure safety underwater. Key factors in team development include communication, shared goals, and role clarity. Whether diving with familiar partners or strangers, effective communication through pre-dive briefings and debriefings is crucial. Trust is built on competency, honesty, and consideration for others, while role clarity ensures everyone understands their responsibilities. These principles apply to both short-term dive teams and longer-term collaborations, fostering a culture of safety and cooperation in the diving community. For more insights, check out the links in the show notes.
Original link: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/building-a-short-term-team
Links:
Debriefing: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing
Dummies blog about teamwork: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-teamwork
Dummies blog about communication: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-comms
How to build psychological safety in teams: 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, Communication, Jenny Lord, Team, Teamwork, Trust
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of dive training agency standards and the challenges faced by instructors in evaluating student performance. While standards outline specific skills, determining their mastery isn't always straightforward. New instructors, lacking experience and nuanced judgment, often prioritize efficiency over thoroughness due to external pressures like time constraints and financial considerations. This efficiency-thoroughness trade-off (ETTO) can compromise the quality of instruction, leading to pass grades for students who may not be fully prepared. The root issue lies in instructors' limited exposure to diverse student experiences and the reluctance of dive centers to invest in extensive observation opportunities. As an industry, we must reconsider this trade-off, where financial concerns often outweigh safety and quality. Ultimately, the responsibility falls on individual divers to evaluate their skills, raising questions about the integrity of certification processes and the adequacy of diver preparedness.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/price-vs-quality-the-efficiency-thoroughness-trade-off
Links:
Erik Holnagel’s paper: https://erikhollnagel.com/onewebmedia/ETTO.pdf
Another blog about ETTO: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/ETTO
Tags:
English, Decision Making, ETTO, Jenny Lord
In this episode, we reflect on the tragic death of a fellow diver and the tendency within the diving community to rush to conclusions and assign blame rather than focusing on learning from incidents. Highlighting the need for a shift towards a more transparent and constructive approach, Gareth introduces The Human Diver's "Learning Review Guide in Diving," which provides a structured framework for analyzing diving incidents. Drawing on concepts from safety science and human factors, the guide emphasizes understanding the complexity of diving incidents and the role of various factors at play. Through a system-centric approach and steps for conducting a learning review, divers and organizations can work towards enhancing safety and preventing future mishaps. The guide, available for download, offers practical tools and insights for promoting a culture of learning and improvement within the diving community.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-reviews-in-diving
Links:
Jenny’s blog about the death of one of her colleagues: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-vs-learning
Learning review technique understanding the relationships, tensions, and conflicts within the complex system of diving: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/can-divers-learn-from-the-us-forest-service
Learning Review in Diving guide here
Tags:
English, Gareth Lock, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting
In this episode, we confront the harsh reality of diving accidents and the lack of transparency within the diving community regarding incident reporting and analysis. Reflecting on a recent tragedy involving a colleague, we emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes rather than engaging in speculation and blame. Unlike other sports, diving lacks a comprehensive reporting system, leading to misinformation and missed opportunities for collective learning. We advocate for a cultural shift towards open discussion and analysis of accidents, recognizing that understanding why incidents occur is essential for improving diver safety. By asking constructive questions and sharing insights, we can honor those who have lost their lives by preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-vs-learning
Links:
Last week’s blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/racing-through-courses-how-fast-is-too-fast
Incident analysis: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-diving-incident-stories-are-good-and-bad
Incident investigation: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors
Just Culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-or-learn
Tags:
English, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting, Jenny Lord, Just Culture
In this podcast episode, we delve into the complexities of diving instruction and the pressures to rush through courses without adequate skill consolidation. The author reflects on a student who quickly progressed from one course to another, raising concerns about the thoroughness of training and readiness for advanced dives. Despite the instructor's thorough evaluation process and warnings, the student passed the course but may lack crucial experience. The episode highlights the need for a shift towards quality over quantity in diving instruction, encouraging instructors to prioritize skill development and safety. As the diving community moves towards this ethos, instances of rushed training and unprepared divers may diminish, promoting a culture of skill mastery and responsible diving practices.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/racing-through-courses-how-fast-is-too-fast
Links:
Changing the way we think about training blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/changing-the-way-we-think-about-training
Tags:
English, Decision Making, Jenny Lord, Leadership
In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of tribalism and discrimination within the diving community, stemming from cultural, historical, and social factors. Discrimination based on race, gender, age, or social background hampers the development of diving students, leading to lowered motivation, unrealistic expectations, and reduced quality of training. We dissect the distinction between normalization of deviance and constructive deviation, emphasizing the importance of creating a just and tolerant society. Unconscious biases among instructors and leaders can perpetuate stereotypes and hinder the inclusivity of diving environments. Overcoming discrimination requires self-awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to equality. By fostering psychological safety and open communication, we can strive towards a more inclusive and accepting diving community.
Tags:
English, Andrzej Górnicki, Just Culture, Leadership, Psychological Safety
In this podcast episode, we delve into the distinction between normalization of deviance and constructive deviation/advancement within the diving community. Normalization of deviance, as coined by Diane Vaughen, describes the gradual acceptance of unsafe practices as the norm, whereas constructive deviation involves a deliberate, open exploration of new methods to enhance safety and efficiency. Through examples such as the evolution of nitrox usage and the risks associated with solo diving, we explore how attitudes toward failure shape these approaches. Standard procedures typically incorporate fail-safes to prevent errors, while constructive deviation involves consciously researching and adopting alternative practices. Join us as we dissect these concepts and their implications for diver safety and training.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/drift-vs-advancement-how-do-we-push-limits-safely
Links:
The Nitrox controversy: https://dtmag.com/25th-anniversary-vintage-articles/breathe-not-breathe-exploring-nitrox-controversy/
Attitudes towards failure: https://www.corporate-rebels.com/blog/right-kind-of-wrong-intelligent-failure
Tags:
English, Decision Making, Jenny Lord, Normalisation of Deviance
In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of sunk cost fallacy in training courses, challenging the traditional mindset of focusing solely on certification or titles. Drawing from personal experiences in teaching outdoor sports like white water kayaking, the discussion emphasizes the value of adopting a mindset centered on skill improvement rather than certification attainment. By sharing anecdotes from kayaking clubs and professional diving, we encourage listeners to reframe their approach to training, viewing it as an opportunity for skill enhancement and personal growth rather than a mere pursuit of certifications. The episode proposes a shift towards embracing the journey itself, advocating for a mindset where learning and skill development are prioritized over hierarchical certifications.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/changing-the-way-we-think-about-training
Links:
First blog about Sunk Cost Fallacy: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/sunk-costs
Further reading: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-choices-guaranteed-small-loss-or-a-probable-large-loss-injury-or-fatality
Tags:
English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord, Training
In this episode, we delve into the Betari Box model, exploring how our attitudes and behaviors are influenced by others and can create a negative spiral, particularly in diving scenarios. Through real-life examples, we illustrate the impact of negative attitudes on dive outcomes, highlighting situations where frustration, stress, and complacency lead to undesirable outcomes. We discuss strategies for breaking out of negative cycles, including internal reflection, external communication using tools like HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), and fostering mutual accountability within teams. By consciously choosing a positive attitude and behavior, divers can positively influence their own experiences and those of others, emphasizing the role of dive leaders and instructors in setting a constructive tone. Join us as we explore ways to navigate interpersonal dynamics and foster a culture of safety and respect in diving environments.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-attitude-impacts-your-behaviour
Tags:
English, Communication, Leadership, Mike Mason, Teamwork
In this episode, we explore strategies for individuals to navigate authority gradients and foster open communication within teams, focusing on the PACE model for graded assertiveness communication. Drawing parallels from medical and diving contexts, we highlight the importance of gentle escalation when addressing concerns with higher-ranking individuals. Through probing, alerting, challenging, and, if necessary, declaring emergencies, team members can effectively communicate issues while maintaining respect and professionalism. We discuss real-life scenarios and acknowledge cultural biases that may hinder effective communication, emphasizing the need for awareness and proactive efforts to mitigate these challenges. While there's no quick fix, fostering psychological safety and utilizing communication tools like PACE can facilitate constructive dialogue and enhance team dynamics. Join the conversation in our Facebook group to share your insights and experiences on this topic.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient-pt2
Links:
Part One: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810
Tags:
English, Authority Gradient, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of authority gradient, illustrated by a personal anecdote highlighting the challenges of challenging authority in diving contexts. Despite efforts to foster psychological safety, the innate hierarchical structure often inhibits individuals from voicing concerns. We explore strategies to mitigate this gradient, emphasizing the importance of building psychological safety through genuine acceptance of mistakes and open communication. Additionally, we discuss practical approaches such as leaders actively engaging in tasks alongside their team and promoting continuous skill development to empower individuals to question norms. While these methods may not be foolproof, they offer avenues to cultivate a culture of mutual respect and accountability within dive teams. For further insights, we recommend exploring the provided series of articles on building psychological safety in teams.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient
Links:
DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing
How to build psychological safety in a team:
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, Authority Gradient, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety
In this episode, we explore the cognitive effects of cold water on divers, balancing our understanding of temperature's impact with last week's discussion on heat. While physiological effects of cold water, like decompression sickness, are well-documented, the cognitive implications are less known but equally important, particularly for divers in cold conditions. Studies reveal that besides feeling colder with repeat dives, divers experience symptoms like de-personalization, reduced concentration, and memory lapses, impacting their ability to execute essential tasks underwater. Despite potential improvements with acclimatization, divers must consider these cognitive effects, especially during task-loaded dives or repetitive immersions. Mitigation strategies include wearing appropriate insulation, limiting dive times, and actively warming up between dives, emphasizing the importance of planning and preparation for cold-water diving excursions.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/brrrr-cold-water-and-the-effects-on-our-brain
Links:
1968 study: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/001872086801000501
2019 study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899319302331?via%3Dihub
Tags:
English, Decision Making, Fatigue, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors, Situation Awareness
In this podcast episode, we explore the often-overlooked impact of weather, particularly heat, on divers' cognitive and physical abilities. Despite the common perception that warm temperatures are ideal for vacations, studies reveal significant cognitive impairment in individuals exposed to heat, especially without air conditioning. From decreased reaction times to impaired decision-making and mental flexibility, the effects of heat on divers, particularly those new to hot climates, pose considerable risks. Additionally, physical conditions like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly, underscoring the importance of staying hydrated and seeking shade. With many divers visiting hot destinations for short holidays, acclimatization becomes crucial for safe diving, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to temperature regulation and self-care to mitigate the cumulative effects of heat on diving performance.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hot-hot-hot-challenges-of-diving-in-the-heat
Links:
Harvard study: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002605
Study by Cheema and Patrick: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1509/jmr.08.0205
Tags:
English, Decision Making, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors
In this podcast episode, we delve into the contentious debates within the diving community, focusing on the half turn back of tank valves as a prime example. Exploring a recent Facebook group discussion with diverse opinions, ranging from staunch supporters to strong opponents, the episode delves into the broader issue of anchoring bias in scuba diving practices. Drawing parallels with anchoring bias in various domains, from shopping decisions to legal judgments, the episode emphasizes the impact of initial teachings on long-term practices. Anchoring bias, deeply rooted in psychology, influences how divers learn and instruct others, creating a tradition that may persist even when no longer necessary. The podcast encourages listeners to question established practices, employing the "consider-the-opposite" technique to overcome anchoring bias and think logically about alternative approaches. The episode extends this mindset to examining incidents and accidents, advocating for understanding the context and reasons behind actions rather than focusing solely on mistakes. Ultimately, the episode urges divers to embrace exploration of new ideas, challenging traditional practices to foster continuous learning and improvement.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/change-is-difficult-consider-the-opposite
Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord
In this podcast episode, we delve into the crucial role of mistakes in the learning process, drawing parallels between human learning and artificial intelligence. Reflecting on the challenges of learning to dive, the narrative emphasizes the importance of trial and error, highlighting that making mistakes is an inherent part of improvement. The episode introduces the concept of debriefs as a powerful tool for learning, not just to identify mistakes but also to recognize what went well. A practical model, DEBrIEF, is discussed, emphasizing the significance of balanced feedback that includes both positive and negative aspects. The podcast encourages a learning mindset when approaching accidents and incidents, shifting the focus from assigning blame to preventing future occurrences. The episode underscores the value of a structured approach to debriefs, providing references to support the discussion. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth and underscores the importance of fostering a learning-oriented mindset in both individual and team contexts.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly
Links:
Robots learning to play football: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZjQwZNw2po
“Ugly”- Two other relevant blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counter-factuals
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened
The positivity effect: a negativity bias in youth fades with age. Laura L Carstensen and Marguerite DeLiema: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6186441/
Tags:
English, Debrief, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord
In this podcast episode, we explore the challenge of bringing about change, emphasizing the importance of recognizing value in stories. Three compelling examples are discussed: a near-fatal diving incident due to an oxygen mix-up, a media company's critical review of a faulty rebreather incident, and a rural Indian village adopting latrines after witnessing the consequences of unhygienic practices. The central theme revolves around the need for reflection to identify similarities and conditions leading to outcomes, rather than focusing solely on differences. The episode poses questions about trust in established practices, the depth of evidence required for change, and the factors hindering it. The diving industry's reliance on compliance and resistance to a Just Culture are highlighted, emphasizing the necessity of investing in continuous learning and applying human factors for lasting improvement. The podcast encourages listeners to move beyond identifying lessons to implementing meaningful changes for genuine learning.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-from-stories-isn-t-easy-here-s-why
Links:
Look at the conditions, not the outcomes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors
Article by Dan Heath on LinkedIn about trying to bring latrines to rural Indian villages: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-can-change-anyones-mindif-help-them-trip-over-truth-dan-heath/
The status quo is good enough blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/status-quo
Compliance provides an illusion of safety blog: https://gue.com/blog/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/
Compliance provides an illusion of safety video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNhmxz2_adc
Were you lucky or were you good blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/were-you-lucky-or-were-you-good-2
Tags:
English, Debrief, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Learning, LFUO
Dive into the world of diving safety with insights from Gareth's blog on counterfactuals in this podcast episode. Jenny tackles common but unhelpful statements following accidents, such as "They should have paid more attention" and "They lacked situation awareness." The episode explores practical strategies for divers, focusing on increasing capacity and directing attention effectively. She emphasizes the importance of making diving processes automatic and shares tips on self-assessment for skill readiness. The episode also covers the nuances of prioritizing attention to elements like mindset, buoyancy, and gas supply, offering a comprehensive guide for safer and more enjoyable diving experiences. The summary highlights the significance of practice, experience, and slowing down to build expertise in underwater environments.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/unleashing-your-sixth-sense
Links:
Gareths blog about counterfactuals: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counterfactuals
Tags:
English, Jenny Lord, Situation Awareness, Situational Awareness
In this podcast episode, Jenny shares a humorous yet insightful experience from assessing an instructor course, highlighting the common issue of miscommunication. The example involves a diver misinterpreting hand signals during a training exercise, leading to an unexpected outcome. She explores the challenge of ensuring clear communication, emphasizing the responsibility of the communicator to provide sufficient information. The episode introduces the concept of closed loop communications as a way to check assumptions and ensure understanding, especially in underwater scenarios where verbal communication is limited. Cultural behavior and the importance of avoiding condescension in communication are also discussed. Jenny acknowledges the inevitability of miscommunication due to our natural inclination to be efficient and make assumptions, concluding with a humorous reference to the challenges of explaining every detail, especially for those with young children. The show notes include a link to a video that further explains the efficiency aspect of communication.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/lost-in-translation
Links:
Video about explaining every step of a process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDA3_5982h8
Tags:
English, Communication, Jenny Lord
In this podcast episode, we explore a diving incident where two divers entered a wreck without laying a line, resulting in a challenging situation inside a room. We reflect on common responses that often follow such incidents, emphasizing the limitations of retrospective counterfactuals, where people tend to say what the divers "should have," "could have," or "would have" done differently. The episode discusses biases and the importance of understanding the local rationality of those involved, urging listeners to consider the perspectives of the divers at the time. Gareth provides insights into various factors affecting decisions, such as training availability, financial constraints, and the emotional significance of past experiences. The episode concludes by highlighting the prevalence of counterfactuals in discussions about incidents and encourages listeners to approach learning from adverse events with an open mind, understanding the complexity and challenges involved in change.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counterfactuals
Links:
The power of hindsight blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome
Hindsight bias blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened
We can’t pay more attention blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cant_pay_MORE_attention
Balasore train crash news report 1: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/odisha-accident-wrong-labelling-of-location-box-wires-led-to-mix-up-crs-report-8699655/
Balasore train crash news report 2: https://thewire.in/law/cbi-arrests-three-railway-employees-for-balasore-train-tragedy
Tags:
English, Cognitive Biases, Counterfactuals, Decision Making, Hindsight Bias, Incident Analysis, Just Culture
In this podcast episode, we explore the profound wisdom encapsulated in various quotes about learning from mistakes. Quotations from figures like Oscar Wilde, Samuel Levenson, and Mary Tyler Moore emphasize the importance of embracing errors as opportunities for growth. The discussion delves into the challenge of learning from near-misses and the cognitive biases, such as the outcome bias, that hinder our ability to reflect on decision-making. Using the context of diving safety, Gareth highlights the significance of focusing on contributory factors rather than just outcomes when analyzing incidents. The episode emphasizes that true learning involves change and recounts a personal experience in a diving safety review, highlighting the crucial difference between lessons identified and lessons learned. The importance of reflection in activities like diving is stressed, and a four-question post-activity debrief model is shared. The episode concludes by distinguishing between types of errors – mistakes, slips, and lapses – and underscores the need for understanding the context surrounding these events for effective learning. The concept of psychological safety and Just Culture is introduced, highlighting the necessity of creating an environment where learning from mistakes is encouraged. The summary encourages listeners to recognize that merely focusing on outcomes without understanding the context may hinder the learning process, emphasizing that true learning involves embracing change.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/you-need-more-than-mistakes-to-learn
Links:
The difficulty in learning from near misses: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/were-you-lucky-or-were-you-good-2
The difference between mistakes, slips, and lapses: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-errors-words-have-meaning
Looking at conditions, not just outcomes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors
Stages of psychological safety blogs: 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
Just Culture video: https://vimeo.com/410128892?share=copy
Tags:
English, Debrief, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Psychological Safety, Teamwork
In this podcast episode, Gareth reflects on the challenges of learning from near-misses, particularly in the context of recent tragic events involving the loss of the Titan submersible. The episode explores the biases that hinder our ability to analyze and learn from incidents, emphasizing the complexities of socio-technical systems and the difficulties in replicating conditions for learning. Drawing parallels with diving, Gareth discusses the dynamic nature of risks, the fallacy of binary safety assessments, and the importance of recognizing uncertainties. The episode delves into cognitive biases, heuristics, and psychological factors influencing decision-making, shedding light on the sunk cost fallacy, prospect theory, and the local rationality principle. It advocates for a culture of learning, critical debriefs, and the application of human factors principles in diving. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to approach incidents with curiosity, suspend judgment, and seek to understand the local rationality of those involved. The tragic loss of the Titan submersible serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to learn and improve safety in complex systems. The episode concludes by honoring the lives lost in the incident.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened
Links:
How Near-Misses Influence Decision Making Under Risk: A Missed Opportunity for Learning: https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/mnsc.1080.0869
If we want to learn, notice the conditions, not the outcomes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors
AccipMap: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S000368701730100X
DMAIB report: https://dmaib.com/reports/2021/beaumaiden-grounding-on-18-october-2021/
Implications for hindsight bias: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Perspectives-on-Human-Error%3A-Hindsight-Biases-and-Woods/d913cdeae4e2782881a52e635e06c208b0796aed
If the adverse event occurs in an uncertain or unusual environment, then we are more likely to judge it more harshly: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0146167292181012
Five principles behind High-Reliability Organisations (HRO): https://www.high-reliability.org/faqs?_gl=1*j0ylqo*_ga*NDkyNjExMzA3LjE2ODc2Nzc2NTI.*_ga_TM3DC1EMKK*MTY4NzY3NzY1MS4xLjEuMTY4NzY3OTI2OC4wLjAuMA..
Prospecive hindsight/Pre-mortems: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-help-correct-the-biases-which-lead-to-poor-decision-making
Red Team Thinking: https://www.redteamthinking.com/
Guy’s blog, Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze
Doc Deep’s final dive: https://gue.com/blog/i-trained-doc-deep/
Single and Double Loop learning: https://hbr.org/1977/09/double-loop-learning-in-organizations
Columbia Accident Investigaion Board: https://govinfo.library.unt.edu/caib/news/report/pdf/vol1/chapters/chapter8.pdf
New ways to learn from the Challenger disaster: https://dx.doi.org/10.1109/aero.2015.7118898
Drop your Tools: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2393722
Availability, Representativeness & Adjustment and Anchoring: https://www2.psych.ubc.ca/~schaller/Psyc590Readings/TverskyKahneman1974.pdf
Trieste record breaking dive: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2020/january/first-deepest-dive
Resources from RF4 presentation: https://bit.ly/rf4-resources
Psychological safety, Tom Geraghty’s site: https://psychsafety.co.uk/
Normal Accidents: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_Accidents
Tags:
English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Incident Investigation
In this podcast episode, Gareth delves into the concept of near-misses in diving, exploring the two categories: those that "could happen" and those that "almost happened." The distinction lies in background risks versus perceived risks influenced by cognitive biases. The episode draws parallels with real-world examples, such as the normalization of risks in the space shuttle Columbia tragedy. Three dive scenarios are presented, examining the outcomes and whether the participants were lucky or skilled. The discussion emphasizes the impact of successful near-misses on risk perception, leading to potential complacency. The episode concludes with insights into mitigating these issues, promoting counterfactual thinking, and stressing the importance of effective debriefs to enhance learning from near-misses. The audience is encouraged to reflect on successful outcomes and consider whether they were lucky or good in order to improve diving practices.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/were-you-lucky-or-were-you-good-2
Links:
Normalisation of Deviance blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking
Debrief model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief
How Near-Misses Influence Decision Making Under Risk: A Missed Opportunity for Learning. Dillon & Tinsley, 2008: https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/mnsc.1080.0869
Tags:
English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Normalisation of Deviance, Risk Management
In this podcast episode, Gareth recounts the experience of an experienced cave diver during what was intended to be a routine sidemount dive. Despite their expertise and previous successful dives, this particular excursion took an unexpected turn, prompting reflection on why certain factors may not be apparent in the moment but become evident in hindsight. The episode explores the physiological and cognitive aspects affecting diver performance, touching on concepts like working memory, task load, and background cognitive loading. Analogies such as juggling and buckets of water are used to illustrate the limitations of cognitive capacity. The impact of being submerged on cognitive performance is discussed, emphasizing the need for awareness and adaptation during underwater activities. The episode concludes with insights into the narcotic effects of gases, particularly nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and examines the specific context that contributed to the diver's challenges. The importance of resilience in the face of errors is highlighted, encouraging listeners to understand the local rationality of those involved in adverse events and emphasizing the value of learning from near misses.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/please-sir-my-brain-is-full
Links:
Carl Spencer’s last dive: https://www.sidetracked.com/the-siren-song-of-the-britannic/
Dalecki et Al, 2012: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-012-2999-6
Oxygen narcosis research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35859332/
Tags:
English, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis
In this podcast episode, Gareth shares insights gained from conversations with survivors of the recent Carlton Queen liveaboard incident off the coast of Egypt. The survivors recounted harrowing experiences during the ship's sinking and discussed conditions that seemed "odd" in hindsight. The episode delves into the challenge of recognizing latent factors contributing to accidents before they occur and emphasizes the importance of understanding what 'normal' looks like in various situations. Drawing on the survivors' perspectives, Gareth explores the powerful effects of hindsight bias, providing practical tips for reducing its impact when analyzing events and learning from them. The episode concludes with a call for active reflection and the use of tools like DEBrIEF to uncover error-producing conditions and improve safety.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/would-you-do-the-same-thing
Links:
Looking for patterns: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome
Error producing conditions: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors
Debrief guide:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief
Tags:
English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Hindsight Bias
In this podcast episode, Gareth reflects on the power of assumptions in everyday life, using examples ranging from a humorous cycling sign to more serious incidents in diving. The discussion explores how assumptions, while essential for navigating the complexity of daily activities, can sometimes lead to oversights and mistakes. Drawing parallels with diving scenarios, the episode emphasizes the critical need to validate certain assumptions, especially those related to safety in the underwater environment. Gareth shares insights into the recent incident involving the Carlton Queen liveaboard, highlighting the individual and systemic failures that contributed to the event. The episode concludes by advocating for a shift from a punitive approach to a restorative one in learning from mistakes and fostering a culture of safety in diving.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/assumptions-a-paradox
Links:
Cognitive bias infographic: https://medium.com/thinking-is-hard/4-conundrums-of-intelligence-2ab78d90740f
Buster Benson’s original blog about cognitive bias: https://betterhumans.pub/cognitive-bias-cheat-sheet-55a472476b18
Debrief model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief
Tags:
English, Cognitive Biases, decision Making, Gareth Lock, Just Culture
In this podcast episode, the focus is on how we interpret and learn from incidents in diving. Using the analogy of a vase breaking, the episode explores how the language we use to describe events can influence our understanding. It presents two diver scenarios, emphasizing the importance of context in shaping behavior and decision-making. The podcast delves into research showing biases in incident reports, where a linear-cause-and-effect narrative leads to individual blame. It stresses the need for context-rich narratives for a more comprehensive understanding of incidents. The episode discusses cultural influences on diving safety protocols and calls for a shift from an individual-blame approach to a systemic understanding of failures. It concludes with an announcement of "Learning from Unintended Outcomes" course and upcoming comprehensive guide on moving from blame to learning in diving incidents using a human factors and system-learning approach.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/watch-what-you-say
Links:
The role of agency in discussing dive incidents: https://gue.com/blog/the-role-of-agency-when-discussing-diving-incidents-an-adverse-event-occurs-an-instructor-makes-a-mistake/
2018 Research aboout linear reports: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-576X/4/4/46
2023 research about experienced vs inexperienced analysis: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144921/full
Work as imagined vs work as done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgIwHrUWVQ&list=PLNXuyLsCTX6hHS3newpcROfJ_JiI27q3C&index=26
Two contrasting views of the South Korea ferry accident: https://vimeo.com/122851457
Moving from an individual blame focused approach to one that looks at the wider system: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227822215_A_Review_of_Literature_Individual_Blame_vs_Organizational_Function_Logics_in_Accident_Analysis
Learning from Unintended Outcomes course: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lfuo
Tags:
English, Communication, Gareth Lock, Incident Investigation, Just Culture
In this podcast episode, the discussion revolves around risk management in diving, sparked by an incident in a remote location. The episode explores fundamental principles applicable to all diving scenarios. It begins by emphasizing the inherent hazards in diving and the potential fatal outcomes associated with various risks. The "bow-tie model" is introduced to illustrate preventive measures, controls, and mitigations. The episode further delves into the Four Ts of risk management—Treat, Transfer, Tolerate, and Terminate—and explains their relevance to diving, considering factors like training, equipment, and environmental conditions. The inherent and irreducible risk in diving is acknowledged, with a focus on the delicate balance between risk and reward, highlighting the trade-offs involved in decision-making. The podcast concludes with a scenario-based exploration of risk management strategies in a remote diving expedition, addressing the complexities and interdependencies of the 4Ts. The episode encourages listeners to consider these principles when assessing risk in their diving experiences and emphasizes the importance of a multi-layered approach to achieve a tolerable level of risk.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-management-in-diving
Links:
The confusing concept of inherent risk: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GFVM8QrNv0zfevkiGBX38SC-MJWYNdco/view?usp=sharing
Human Diver blog about risk or uncertainty: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-or-uncertainty
Dirty Dozen checklist: https://thedirtydozenexpeditions.com/s/Dirty-Dozen-Group-LLC-SPLASH-CHECKLIST-30-AUDITED-BY-HUMAN-FACTORS.pdf
Pschosocial risks: https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/psychosocial.htm
More Human Diver blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=cognitive+biases
Blog about hindsight bias: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome
Tags:
English, Checklists, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Risk Management
This podcast episode explores the critical importance of designing checklists for rebreather and general diving operations, drawing parallels with aviation practices. The episode delves into the 'Challenge and Response' checklist method widely used in aviation, emphasizing its role in enhancing safety, systematic verification, and crew coordination. The discussion addresses reasons for deviations from checks, including distractions, individualism, complacency, and frustration, with insights from aviation incidents. Solutions to these challenges are presented, advocating for optimal checklist initiation, managing interruptions, and thoughtful checklist design based on human factors principles. The episode concludes by underlining the need for checklists as integral tools in diving safety, urging consistent usage within a robust social system to minimize deviations and enhance overall operational safety.
Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use
Links:
Original checklist blog, part one: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist
Ross. Human Factors Issues of the Aircraft Checklist, 2004: https://commons.erau.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1553&context=jaaer
Degani, Asaf; Wiener, Earl L. (1990) Human Factors of Fight-Deck Checklists: The Normal Checklist. Contract No. NCC2-377. A report prepared for Ames Research Center: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19910017830
Degani, A. and Wiener, E. L. (1994). On the Design of Flight-Deck Procedures. (NASA Contractor Report 177642). Moffett Field, CA: NASA-Ames Research Center: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19940029437
Tags:
English, Checklists, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Non-Technical Skills, Situation Awareness
This podcast episode explores the crucial role of checklists in enhancing safety and standardizing procedures in various fields, with a focus on diving. Delving into the complexities of checklist design and execution, the discussion emphasizes the importance of considering human factors, operational conditions, and the social environment. While checklists play a vital role in promoting mutual monitoring and coordination during high workload periods in dive operations, the episode highlights the need for balance in standardization, length, typography, and phraseology. The podcast underscores the significance of addressing cognitive limitations and potential error-producing conditions, advocating for the thoughtful design of checklists based on human factors principles. The episode concludes by stressing that checklists are not a one-size-fits-all solution; they must be integrated into a team with a shared commitment to adherence and accountability for effective risk management in diving operations.
Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist
Links:
World Health Organisations Surgical Safety Checklist: https://www.who.int/teams/integrated-health-services/patient-safety/research/safe-surgery/tool-and-resources
Part 2 original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use
Degani, Asaf; Wiener, Earl L. Human Factors of Fight-Deck Checklists: The Normal Checklist. Contract No. NCC2-377. A report prepared for Ames Research Center. May 1990: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19910017830
Degani, Asaf. On the Typography of Flight-Deck Documentation. Contract No. NCC2-327. A report prepared for NASA. December 1992: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930010781
Burian, Barbara. “Design Guidance for Emergency and Abnormal Checklists in Aviation.” In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 50th Annual Meeting. 2006: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/253033092_Design_Guidance_for_Emergency_and_Abnormal_Checklists_in_Aviation
Tags:
English, Checklists, Decision Making, Gareth Lock
In this podcast episode, Gareth delves into the nuanced concept of safety in diving, challenging the perception of what constitutes a "safe" dive. Examining different dive scenarios, from reef dives to wreck penetrations and cave dives, the episode explores the subjective nature of acceptable risk levels based on individual training, skills, and experience. Drawing on a healthcare safety framework, the discussion categorizes safety approaches into "Ultra Adaptive," "High Reliability," and "Ultra Safe," questioning where the diving industry aligns in terms of risk management. The lack of precise data on diving failures and fatalities is highlighted, challenging the commonly cited failure rate. The episode encourages listeners to reconsider their understanding of a "safe" dive, emphasizing the importance of regular emergency and rescue plan validation, skill practice, and reflective debriefs to foster a true sense of safety in diving. Gareth prompts listeners to contemplate their personally constructed views of safety and the potential challenges when these views differ within a dive team, stressing the need for a psychologically-safe environment for effective risk management discussions.
Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-does-safe-mean
Links:
Framework of contrasting approaches to safety: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25559-0
Tags:
English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Risk, Risk Management, Safety Culture
In this podcast episode, Gareth explores the complexities of risk management in diving, emphasizing the hazards involved, including drowning, hypoxia, hyperoxia, entanglement, and decompression illness. The discussion challenges the traditional concept of risk, highlighting that in diving, uncertainties are managed, not risks, due to the unknown probabilities associated with events. Drawing from a real-life cave diving accident, the episode delves into cognitive biases such as availability bias, representativeness bias, and mirages, revealing how humans struggle to accurately judge risks, especially in low probability/high consequence situations. The importance of framing decisions and considering cultural effects is discussed, shedding light on the divergent perspectives within the diving community. Gareth advocates for education and systematic thinking to address biases, emphasizing the role of checklists and the unique approach of The Human Diver in managing uncertainty rather than quantifiable risk. The episode concludes by highlighting the social construction of safety and the subjective nature of an acceptable level of risk in diving.
Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-or-uncertainty
Links:
Plura cave diving accident: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_into_the_Unknown
Anchoring case study: https://youarenotsosmart.com/2010/07/27/anchoring-effect/
Dirty Dozen splash checklist: https://thedirtydozenexpeditions.com/s/Dirty-Dozen-Group-LLC-SPLASH-CHECKLIST-30-AUDITED-BY-HUMAN-FACTORS.pdf
Reference: Social Structure, Psychology, and the Estimation of Risk. Heimer, 1998: https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev.so.14.080188.002423
Tags:
English, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Gareth Lock
In this podcast episode, Gareth explores the nuanced meanings of terms like success, failure, good, bad, and safe within the context of a two-week workshop for developing Human Diver instructors. The workshop incorporates realistic simulations with live students from diverse backgrounds, posing challenges in team formation. The episode delves into discussions around defining success in simulations, where both positive and negative outcomes contribute to learning. Gareth shares a personal experience from the workshop, highlighting the impact of goal-oriented leadership on team dynamics and the importance of maintaining psychological safety for effective communication. The episode emphasizes the relevance of these insights to the diving community, prompting listeners to reflect on leadership styles, capacity to fail safely, emergency preparedness, and the value of non-technical skills in high-consequence environments. Ultimately, Gareth argues that being safe involves understanding context, implementing defenses, and planning to fail safely in a fallible environment.
Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/success-or-failure-success-and-failure
Links:
DEBrIEF guide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief
Challenger Safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4
The courses we run: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2
Safety is not being compliant with rules: https://gue.com/blog/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/
Tags:
English, Gareth Lock, InterLAB, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Teamwork, Training
In this podcast episode, the host reflects on the crucial role of human factors in diving, particularly in the context of scientific diving, where diverse skills are essential for conducting underwater research. The episode details the experience of implementing human factors training in the first Occupational Scientific Diving Training class at the Tvärminne Zoological Station in Finland. The scientific diving class, held over six weeks, aimed to develop skills in project management, supervision, emergency plans, and diving skills. The incorporation of human factors principles, such as creating a psychologically safe environment, using checklists, and improving communication techniques, significantly enhanced the students' learning experience. The host shares how these practices fostered teamwork, reduced errors, and improved safety and efficiency in the challenging underwater environment. The episode concludes with the students' positive feedback, highlighting the transformative impact of integrating human factors training into scientific diving education.
Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HF-into-scientific-diving
Tags:
English, Beatrice Rivoira, Checklists Communication, Psychological Safety, Scientific Diving, Teamwork
In this podcast episode, Gareth explores the safety practices of aviation and nuclear industries, and their relevance to diving. Rather than focusing on regulations, the discussion centers on five key principles derived from Human and Organisational Performance (H&OP). The principles delve into understanding human error as normal, avoiding blame in favor of learning, recognizing that context drives behavior, emphasizing the importance of leaders' responses, and highlighting the vital role of continuous learning for improvement. Gareth provides a concise overview of each principle, underscoring their interdependence and practical applications in the diving community. The episode concludes by emphasizing the need to shift from a blame-oriented culture to one centered on learning, promoting safety and improved performance in the dynamic world of diving. Additional resources are offered for a deeper exploration of these principles.
Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/five-key-principles-how-to-improve-individually-and-organisationally
Links:
Work as imagined will not meet the operating environment: https://gue.com/blog/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/
James Reason’s categorised errors: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-errors-words-have-meaning
You can blame or you can learn, you can’t do both: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/surely-if-we-blame-and-punish-things-will-be-safer
Context, the decision-making process, and ‘local rationality’: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-diving-incident-stories-are-good-and-bad
Social media sites and the fear of sharing stories: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/we-ve-got-an-attitude-problem
Psycholoigcal safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1
Dummies blog about Just Culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-3-just-culture
Adopting HF and Non-Technical Skills training into curricula: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/knowledge-is-not-enough-we-must-apply
Moving from a blame-focused approach to one which is focused on learning and understanding local rationality: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/accountability-or-another-word-for-blame
Learning from unintended outcomes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lfuo
The need to tell context-rich stories: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors
Patrick Lencioni’s ‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team’: https://medium.com/@leenasn/book-summary-the-five-dysfunctions-of-a-team-f3299a1f1a3c
Post from the CEO of PADI: https://pros-blog.padi.com/straight-talk-from-padi-ceo-your-1-priority-and-responsibility-when-training-or-supervising-divers/%C2%A0
Moving from blame to learning: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/from_blaming_to_learning
Tags:
English, Gareth Lock, HOP, Human Error, Human Performance, Just Culture, Leadership
In this podcast episode, Jenny delves into the concept of trust, drawing a historical connection to the origin of the term "confidence man" in the late 1940s. The story of William Thompson, a small-time thief, serves as an analogy to highlight the importance of integrity in building trust, especially in teamwork. The discussion emphasizes that while skills and integrity are foundational components of trust, benevolence, or the belief that someone is acting in our best interests, plays a crucial role. Jenny explores Shane Snow's three building blocks of trust – ability, integrity, and benevolence – and emphasizes that benevolence forms the foundation, making it the most critical factor. The episode concludes by relating these trust principles to the diving community, highlighting the natural tendency for divers to trust one another based on shared identity and the significance of considering all three trust components in diving partnerships. Relevant academic references on organizational trust and teamwork are provided for further exploration.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/do-you-trust-me-can-i-trust-you
Links:
Simon Sinek’s presentation about trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJdXjtSnZTI
Shane Snow’s three building blocks: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shanesnow/2020/04/27/this-common-approach-to-earning-trust-completely-backfires-on-leaders/
An Integrative Model of Organisational Trust: https://www.jstor.org/stable/258792?seq=7#metadata_info_tab_contents
Trust in Teams: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0018726718818721
Patrick Lencioni's Five Dysfunctions of a Team. Foundation is Trust. https://medium.com/@leenasn/book-summary-the-five-dysfunctions-of-a-team-f3299a1f1a3c
Tags:
English, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Teamwork, Trust
In this podcast episode, Gareth shares his insights from a presentation given to young CEOs and presidents during a diving trip, focusing on applying lessons from diving to non-diving environments. The discussion encompasses topics like organizational drift, competing goals, creating a shared mental model using non-technical skills, and fostering an environment supporting psychological safety and a Just Culture. The key takeaway emphasizes the importance of learning and practicing debriefs for future dives, with a focus on the DEBrIEF framework. The framework is detailed as a valuable tool for analyzing both positive and negative dive experiences, promoting a psychologically safe environment for effective debriefing. Each element of the DEBrIEF framework is explained, from defining the scope and creating psychological safety to reviewing the timeline and fostering internal and external learning. The episode concludes by highlighting the framework's role in continuous development for high-performing dive teams and the importance of a positive and supportive learning environment. The standalone DEBrIEF guide is also made available for further reference.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing
Links:
DEBrIEF guide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief
Tags:
English, Debrief,Gareth Lock, Leadership, Teamwork
In this podcast episode, the focus is on a scenario involving three teams of divers tasked with finding a wreck in challenging underwater conditions. The problem requires a mix of decision-making and situation awareness, emphasizing the importance of understanding the current situation, recognizing patterns, and projecting ideas into the future. The teams face challenges such as maintaining a constant bearing and dealing with variable currents. The experienced divers demonstrate the concept of intentional deviation, choosing a longer route to increase the chances of finding the wreck. The episode highlights the application of human factors and non-technical skills in diving, showcasing how intentional decisions, though seemingly flawed economically, can be smarter in the given context. The interdependence between technical skills, environmental factors, luck, and non-technical skills is explored, emphasizing the critical link between situation awareness and the diving environment. The podcast encourages post-dive debriefs to enhance understanding of problem-solving approaches and underscores the interconnected nature of situation awareness, task, and environment in diving.
In this podcast episode, the focus is on the importance of taking action and addressing issues in various environments, drawing parallels to a scenario in fire safety training. The speaker reflects on the quote, "The standard you walk past is the lowest standard you accept," emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to initiate change by not overlooking problems. The Bystander effect is explored, particularly in the diving industry, where psychological safety and lack of standards can hinder addressing issues. The podcast discusses effective strategies to counter the Bystander effect, including proactive discussions, defined team roles and standards, and the significance of briefs and debriefs in fostering a culture of learning and improvement. The episode encourages individuals to be proactive leaders, persist in initiating change, and engage with the team to maintain momentum. Additionally, we look at how change can start with one person and gain momentum with others joining in.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/whose-job-is-it-to-create-change
Links:
Speech from Lieutenant General David Morrison:https://youtu.be/s_TfZdIhIgg?t=156
The bystander effect video: https://youtu.be/OSsPfbup0ac
Interesting leadership tips: https://www.lollydaskal.com/leadership/story-everybody-somebody-anybody-nobody/
Debrief webinar from Jenny and Mike: https://youtu.be/JTM_Lh7HtmA%C2%A0
Psychological safety blogs: 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, Gareth Lock, Leadership
In this podcast episode, Mike Mason, an instructor for The Human Diver in Australia, shares insights from his recent week-long dive training course focused on MOD 2 CCR. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, he discusses key takeaways applicable to all divers, regardless of their specific diving interests. Mike delves into the significance of team pre-jump checks, highlighting how performing these checks as a group enhances awareness and emergency response. Gas planning and computer settings are explored, with an emphasis on independent problem-solving and the use of worst-case scenarios for safer decision-making. Mike also underscores the unique approach of physically supporting teammates during simulated problems, enhancing safety and situational awareness. The episode concludes with a recommendation for instructor Marc Crane, known for integrating Human Factors into dive training, and the value of non-technical skills in becoming a better diver.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/teamwork-in-diving-what-i-learned-from-a-recent-training-course
Links:
Dummies series, Leadership blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-teamwork
Tags:
English, Communication, Decision Making, Mike Mason, Situation Awareness, Teamwork
In this podcast episode, we explore the challenges of diver training and the limitations of a formulaic approach in preparing divers for real-world uncertainties. The discussion revolves around the difficulties of transferring tacit knowledge from experienced divers and instructors to students within the constraints of short course durations. The evolution of competence through stages—novices, advanced beginners, competent performers, proficient performers, and experts—is explored, emphasizing the importance of contextual understanding and decision-making. The episode scrutinizes the current training culture in diving, highlighting the need for frequent, reflective experiences and contextual situations for effective learning. The role of case studies, near misses, and incident reports in bridging the gap between theory and real-world application is emphasized, with a call for a just culture and psychologically safe environments for meaningful discussions and learning. The episode concludes with insights into the challenges of knowledge transfer and the significance of contextual understanding in improving diving competency.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-diving-incident-stories-are-good-and-bad
Links: Five stages of competancy by Dreyfus https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0270467604264992
Flyvberg’s book on social science https://amzn.to/3ZvuXiG
Essentials program https://www.thehumandiver.com/HFiD-Essentials
If Only documentary https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly
Oatmeal comic about the backfire effect https://theoatmeal.com/comics/believe
The problem with transferring knowledge, Dave Snowdon https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241660493_Complex_Acts_of_Knowing_Paradox_and_Descriptive_Self-Awareness
Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Incident, Reporting, Just Culture, Psychological Safety
In this podcast episode, we delve into the tragic details surrounding a fatal diving accident between friends, investigating a series of factors leading to the unfortunate outcome. The incident took place outside formal dive center procedures, raising questions about the supply of compressed air by unlicensed operators and the lax recertification requirements for divers. Numerous issues emerged, such as buoyancy problems, rapid ascents, and the management of finite gas supplies. The proceedings scrutinize team protocols, gas tracking, and a lack of rescue attempts, shedding light on the complexities of mixed diving methods and decision-making under stress. The podcast highlights the intersection of errors, environmental influences, and diver fatigue, questioning the inevitability of the final outcome and implications for the criminalization of buddy system failures in the diving community.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/human-factors-analysis-of-a-maltese-diving-fatality
Links:
Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board on the grounding of the Beau Maiden: https://dmaib.com/reports/2021/beaumaiden-grounding-on-18-october-2021/
References and source materials:
Summary of the judgement: https://www.divinginfo.mt/?p=1751
Judgement details (in Maltese) https://ecourts.gov.mt/onlineservices/Judgements/Details?JudgementId=0&CaseJudgementId=135422
Facebook page of the Professional Dive Schools Association of Malta: https://www.facebook.com/PDSAMalta
Scuba Tech Philippines- Andy Davies: http://scubatechphilippines.com/scuba_blog/accident-analysis-gauci-2020/
Clapham Rail Crash report: https://www.jesip.org.uk/uploads/media/incident_reports_and_inquiries/Clapham%20Rail%20Crash.pdf
Never Events: https://humanisticsystems.com/2016/02/27/neverzero-thinking/
Case studies from the outdoor activities sector in Australia: https://uploadsproject.org/
Criminalising human error: https://humanfactors101.com/2022/05/08/is-human-error-a-crime/
Being aware of hindsight bias doesn’t mean we won’t fall foul of it: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10631443_Hindsight_is_not_equal_to_foresight_The_effect_of_outcome_knowledge_on_judgment_under_uncertainty
The “Reasonable Man”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reasonable_person
Rodando Vought case: https://humanfactors101.com/2022/05/08/is-human-error-a-crime/
Liability of a buddy: https://www.undercurrent.org/UCnow/dive_magazine/2002/LiabilityBuddy200203.html
BSAC Safe Diving Guide: https://www.bsac.com/safety/bsacs-safe-diving-guide/
BSAC Duty of Care and Welfare page: https://www.bsac.com/advice-and-support/club-support/duty-of-care-and-welfare/duty-of-care-and-welfare--club-checklist/
British Mountaineering Council Risk, Responsibility, Duty of Care and Liability Club Guidelines: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/Download.aspx?id=385
Work as Imagined vs Work as Done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgIwHrUWVQ&list=PLNXuyLsCTX6hHS3newpcROfJ_JiI27q3C&index=24
Professional Diving Schools Association statement: https://www.facebook.com/PDSAMalta
Maltese Diving Regulations: https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/409.13/eng/pdf
Everest tragedy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Destructive-Goal-Pursuit-Everest-Disaster/dp/023000332X
Loss of Situation Awareness blog: https://gue.com/blog/the-cause-of-the-accident-loss-of-situational-awareness/
The shooting down of US Blackhawks in Iraq: https://www.mindtherisk.com/literature/150-friendly-fire-the-accidental-shootdown-of-u-s-black-hawks-over-northern-iraq-by-scott-a-snook
Tags:
- English, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Just Culture, Psychological Safety
In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of human error in diving and how it relates to different types of errors, including slips, lapses, mistakes, and violations. The episode highlights that errors alone aren't the primary issue; they need to occur in a specific context where hazards and control/mitigation measures are present to impact safety. Using a real-life example from the "If Only" documentary, the podcast discusses how various factors, such as time pressure, equipment issues, and social environments, can contribute to catastrophic outcomes when combined with errors. It introduces the "TWIN" or "WITH" model, which categorizes error-precursors into four areas: Work Environment, Task Demands, Individual Capability, and Human Nature. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding these error-precursors to enhance dive safety and prevent adverse events. It also encourages divers and instructors to proactively identify and address these conditions, highlighting the role of context in diving incidents and accidents.
Task Demands
Time pressure (in a hurry)
High workload (large memory)
Simultaneous, multiple actions
Repetitive actions/monotony
Irreversible actions
Interpretation requirements
Unclear goals, roles, or responsibilities
Lack of or unclear standards
Individual Capabilities
Unfamiliarity with task/first time
Lack of knowledge (faulty mental model)
New techniques not used before
Imprecise communication habits
Lack of proficiency/inexperience
Indistinct problem-solving skills
Unsafe attitudes
Illness or fatigue; general poor health
Work Environment
Distractions/interruptions
Changes/departure from routine
Confusing displays or controls
Work-arounds/OOSß instrumentation
Hidden system/equipment response
Unexpected equipment conditions
Lack of alternative indication
Personality conflict
Human Nature
Stress
Habit patterns
Assumptions
Complacency/overconfidence
Mind-set (intentions)
Inaccurate risk perception
Mental shortcuts or biases
Limited short-term memory
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors
Links:
HF for Dummies Part 2- Human Error: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-2-human-error
‘If Only’ Documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly
Normalisation of Deviance blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking
Institute of Nuclear Power Operations reference guide: http://nuclearsafety.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Human-Performance-Reference-Manual.pdf
Tags:
English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting
In this podcast episode, we delve into the four stages of learning, offering insights into the learning journey of a diver, from novice to expert. We begin with the first stage, unconscious incompetence, where beginners are unaware of their lack of knowledge and often rely on step-by-step instructions. The journey continues to the second stage, conscious incompetence, where novices start to realize the vast amount of knowledge and skill they have yet to acquire, often referred to as the "Mount Stupid" phase. Moving on, we explore the third stage, conscious competence, where divers begin to master skills but still need to concentrate. Finally, we reach the fourth stage, unconscious competence, where experts can execute skills almost instinctively and effortlessly. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing these learning stages, highlighting the role of teaching, practice, and learning from others' mistakes in the process. It also touches upon the significance of diving incident stories in the learning journey.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-four-stages-of-learning
Links:
Dunning Kruger, Unskilled and Unaware of it
Learning from others mistakes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-diving-incident-stories-are-good-and-bad)
Tags:
Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Jenny Lord
In this podcast episode, the focus is on the significance of learning from diving incidents, accidents, and near-misses, as these provide valuable lessons for safety improvement. While media attention tends to center on fatalities, the episode argues that a "Just Culture," emphasizing a psychologically-safe environment for open conversation, can promote better learning from incidents and near-misses. It addresses the prevalent tendency to blame individuals for adverse outcomes, highlighting the limitations of this approach, which doesn't consider the context or conditions that lead to these events. The episode introduces two contrasting perspectives: the Individual Blame Logic (IBL), which attributes incidents to individual choices and seeks to assign blame, and the Organisational Function Logic (OFL), which identifies systemic factors that influence outcomes and aims to improve the system. Through a case example, it illustrates how the OFL approach reveals multiple organizational and latent conditions. In conclusion, it underscores the importance of the OFL in creating a safer and more learning-oriented environment compared to the punitive IBL, which tends to conceal learning opportunities.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-to-blame-what-to-learn
Links:
A review of LiteratureIndividucal Blame vs Organisational Functional Logics in Accident Analysis. Catino, 2008:
Tags:
- English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Just Culture
This podcast episode delves into the concept of a "Just Culture" in the context of diving, addressing potential confusion within the diving community. A 'Just Culture' revolves around fostering an environment of trust where individuals are encouraged to share safety-related information without fear of retribution, while also defining the boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. However, this culture can be challenging to implement effectively, as it requires post-event determinations of what's acceptable, often influenced by various biases and societal pressures. The episode explores the need to differentiate a 'Just Culture' from a 'Just Do It' culture, emphasizing the importance of sharing context-rich stories to facilitate learning from near-misses, incidents, and accidents. In the world of adventure sports like diving, where inherent risks persist, understanding cognitive biases and promoting a culture of open storytelling is crucial. The episode also touches upon the hurdles of intentionally creating cultural change within sub-communities and highlights key steps to develop a 'Just Culture' to support learning from mistakes. In essence, this discussion sheds light on the significance of learning from others' experiences to enhance safety in diving.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture
Links:
Messy World of Diving presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgIwHrUWVQ&list=PLNXuyLsCTX6hHS3newpcROfJ_JiI27q3C&index=26
Safety Clutter paper: https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/382962/Rae159320.pdf?sequence=1
A System Safety perspective of Gross Negligence: https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/search/publication/9114283
Normalisation of Devience blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking
Don’t Just Focus on the Errors blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors
Bad apples or bad day blog: https://gue.com/blog/do-bad-apples-actually-exist/
Risk or uncertainty blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-or-uncertainty
How to develop a Just Culture in healthcare study: https://bmjopenquality.bmj.com/content/12/1/e002049
HF for Dummies Just Culture blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-3-just-culture
Is a Just Culture needed blog: https://gue.com/blog/is-a-just-culture-needed-to-support-learning-from-near-misses-and-diving-accidents/
Tags:
- English, Gareth Lock, Just Culture
In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of "common sense" and how it relates to decision-making, especially in uncertain situations like diving. Often, the hindsight bias leads us to believe that situations should have been obvious, but in reality, decision-making is influenced by various factors, including previous experiences and social interactions. We delve into the mechanisms behind decision-making, highlighting the importance of shared narratives and tribal learning in developing practical wisdom rather than relying on a vague notion of common sense. The episode emphasizes the role of debriefing and reflection in improving decision-making and fostering a psychologically safe environment for learning. So, next time someone mentions "common sense," consider the complexity of human decision-making and the context in which choices are made.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/common-sense
Links:
Article about naturalistic decision making:
AquaCORPS magazine:
Blog about hindsight bias:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome
TED talk from Barry Schwartz about Practical Wisdom:
https://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_using_our_practical_wisdom?language=en
Blog about debriefing:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing
Jenny and Mike’s DEBrIEF webinar:
DEBrIEF guide:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief
Tags:
- English Decision-Making Gareth Lock Leadership Situation Awareness Teamwork
In this podcast episode, we delve into the crucial concepts of psychological safety and a Just Culture in the context of diving, teams, and organizations. These two terms, while closely related, have distinct roles in fostering learning, improvement, and safety. The episode begins with a scenario illustrating the interplay of these concepts in a diver's training journey, highlighting the impact of trust, vulnerability, and communication. Psychological safety, as defined by Professor Amy Edmondson, is explored in four stages: Inclusion Safety, Learner Safety, Contributor Safety, and Challenger Safety, each contributing to a learning-focused environment. A Just Culture, aimed at organizational improvement, is introduced as a way to analyze adverse events without resorting to blame. The episode provides insights into the proactive nature of psychological safety and the retrospective approach of a Just Culture in promoting safety and learning in diving and other domains. It emphasizes the need for open communication, understanding human error, and exploring conditions that influence behavior to enhance safety and performance.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/speaking-up-to-prevent-an-adverse-event-looking-back-to-learn
Links:
Blog about near misses:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/were-you-lucky-or-were-you-good-2
European aviation regulations:
https://www.caa.co.uk/media/sf3eiszu/fwm20160629_06_just-culture.pdf
Blog about hindsight bias:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome
Psychological safety toolkits by Tom Geraghty
https://psychsafety.co.uk/tool-kit/
Video about Psychological safety and Just Culture:
Tags:
- English Gareth Lock Just Culture Psychological Safety
In this episode, we explore the journey of Nic Emery, a graduate of the Human Factors in Diving course, as she shares her experiences in cultivating psychological safety within her dive center, The Fifth Point. Nic emphasizes that this endeavor is a continuous process, requiring self-reflection, time, and commitment. She narrates how her team began quietly building a culture of psychological safety since 2021, influenced by the principles of Human Factors in Diving. Nic highlights the importance of open communication, vulnerability, and feedback in fostering psychological safety, both within her team and among divers. She shares a pivotal moment when they decided not to dive due to challenging conditions and how it led to a realization about the authority gradient and the need for psychological safety among customers. Nic's story showcases the gradual integration of these concepts into their dive center's culture and the steps they are taking to make it a part of their customer experience. The episode provides insights into creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to speak up and contribute to safety.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-are-we-pretending-not-to-know
Links:
The Fifth Point diving:
Nic’s blog about why dive pro’s should talk about bad dives
https://fifthpointdiving.com/the-dive-pro-hub/why-dive-pros-should-talk-about-bad-dives/
Display design
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1a84tbFQcJe4RTbzxb20MWUMwJLX45gLZ?usp=sharing
More blogs about psychological safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=psychological+safety
Building a team series
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 Leadership Nic Emery Psychological Safety Teamwork
In this podcast episode, we delve into the realm of Human Factors in diving, breaking down its fundamental concept of designing systems that facilitate correct actions and deter mistakes. Human Factors in diving encompasses various aspects, including improving teaching techniques, minimizing errors in equipment use, and promoting a culture of inquiry and learning within the diving community. We explore its history in aviation and nuclear power industries, highlighting the shift from blaming individuals to understanding system limitations and human performance. The episode introduces the SHELL framework, emphasizing the interdependence of hardware, environment, software, and people in complex systems. It discusses four perspectives of Human Factors: the psychology of humans, human characteristics, factors affecting humans, and socio-technical system interaction. Additionally, we examine survey results that reveal diver perceptions of Human Factors. The episode clears misconceptions, emphasizing that Human Factors is not common sense, politeness, or just the cause of accidents. It explores the role of checklists and the challenges of implementing Human Factors in diving. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of understanding the specifics of Human Factors for effective teaching and safety improvements in diving, and the need for training agencies to integrate Human Factors into their programs for the betterment of diver safety.
Original blog:
Links:
Insight into the background of Human Factors:
https://youtu.be/iHaQjoxQlLs?si=K0CGhCzvu8pwf6wr
The ‘SHELL’ framework used by the aviation community:
https://skybrary.aero/articles/icao-shell-model
The first of Steven Shorrock’s blogs about what Human Factors is:
https://humanisticsystems.com/2017/08/11/four-kinds-of-human-factors-1-the-human-factor/
Gareth’s presentation at Rebreather Forum 4.0
Another series of blogs from Steven Shorrock:
https://humanisticsystems.com/2019/07/10/what-human-factors-isnt-1-common-sense/
How to build a checklist (part 1 and 2)
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use
The training courses that The Human Diver run:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/training
GUE tv- Human Factors for beginners:
https://gue.tv/programs/human-factors-basics-for-divers
Resources from RF 4.0
https://bit.ly/rf4-resources
Tags:
- English Gareth Lock Human Factors
In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of Situation Awareness (SA) in diving. We learn what SA is, why it's crucial for safe diving, and how to recognize when it's compromised. The episode introduces a model by Mica Endsley that breaks SA into three layers: perception, comprehension, and projection. It then discusses why SA matters, emphasizing its significance in avoiding accidents and mishaps. The episode also provides valuable tips on how to improve your SA, such as conducting briefings, gaining experience in diverse conditions, practicing technical skills, and engaging in debriefings for shared learning. Developing habits and routines to maintain SA during dives is highlighted as a key takeaway for enhancing safety and decision-making underwater.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-SA
Links:
You can’t pay MORE attention blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cant_pay_MORE_attention
Tags:
- English Brief Debrief Decision-Making Mike Mason Situation Awareness
In this podcast episode, we delve into the concept of "Normalization of Deviance" in the context of diving. While it may seem like rule-breaking, it's actually about the social acceptance of deviating from established standards and practices. The episode explores how this phenomenon occurs in diving, where 'safety' is a social construct based on the absence of adverse events rather than legal rules. It delves into examples of drift at various levels, from industry-wide issues to individual behaviors like reducing gas minimums or exceeding depth limits. To address this, the episode emphasizes the need for performance-based standards, psychological safety, leadership development, and a Just Culture to prevent and correct the normalization of deviance.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking
Links:
Blog about rule breaking and rule following
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/they-broke-the-rules
Cognitive biases and heuristics
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/i-am-biased-you-are-biased-we-are-all-biased
Drift
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jud_9k6fTHw
Minimums become targets
https://humanisticsystems.com/2019/10/24/shorrocks-law-of-limits/
UK HSE CCR report 2011
https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr871.htm
Psychological safety blogs
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=psychological+safety
Challenger safety blog
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/challenger-safety-control
Tags:
- English Decision-Making Gareth Lock Normalisation of Deviance Risk Risk Management
In the final installment of the series on building psychological safety in instructional and ‘fun diving’ environments, this podcast episode explores "challenger safety." It underscores the importance of creating an environment where team members feel comfortable questioning or challenging unsafe practices, including instructors. This safety aspect encourages open dissent aimed at constructive improvement and urges leaders to welcome disruptive ideas and bad news with a positive response. It also advocates for diverse teams to foster divergent thinking and emphasizes the need for leaders to revisit and explain past decisions, avoiding groupthink and encouraging critical thinking. The episode concludes by highlighting the role of leaders and instructors in setting the cultural tone and ensuring a safe environment where team members can end a dive when necessary.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4
Links:
“If Only” documentary https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly
Why is it so hard to create a team quickly in diving, especially in classes?
Part One: Inclusion Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1
Part Two: Learner Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2
Part Three: Contributor Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3
Tags:
- English Communications Gareth Lock Leadership Teamwork
You might think that students have little to contribute when they are part of a team. However, if you think back to the inclusion safety and the need for a shared purpose of mutual learning, your students can help you improve as an individual and as a team. Look for opportunities whereby they contribute. In the context of fun diving, by allowing team members to contribute, then you can increase the chance of having more fun and using the cognitive diversity in your team to solve problems you face, this includes in an incident or adverse event. Don’t dismiss others, they might have an answer you haven’t thought about.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3
Links:
Why is it so hard to create a team quickly in diving, especially in classes?:
Part One: Inclusion Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1
Part Two: Learner Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2
Part Four: Challenger Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4
Tags:
- English Gareth Lock Leadership Psychological Safety Teamwork
Building on the foundation of inclusion safety, the second part of this podcast series explores "learner safety" in instructional diving settings. Learner safety involves creating an environment where students and team members feel safe to make mistakes as they learn new skills and knowledge. To foster learner safety, adopting a "student mindset" is crucial, emphasizing that learning is a lifelong journey and no one reaches permanent competency. Sharing what you are learning with enthusiasm and optimism can inspire others to do the same, while sharing past mistakes and the lessons learned from them encourages a culture of vulnerability and growth. Celebrating failures within defined limits is vital, recognizing that they are opportunities for learning and improvement. Additionally, asking for feedback at the moment of need and encouraging collaborative problem-solving contribute to learner safety, creating thinking divers who continually improve and push their boundaries in the world of diving.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2
Links:
DEBrIEF template: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief
Why is it so hard to create a team quickly in diving, especially in classes?:
Part One: Inclusion Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1
Part Three: Contributor Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3
Part Four: Challenger Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4
Tags:
- English Gareth Lock Leadership Psychological Safety Teamwork
Creating a team quickly in diving can be challenging due to the litigious nature of the sport, especially in the US, where instructors fear legal repercussions for acknowledging mistakes or deviations from standards. This fear hinders the development of psychological safety within a team. Psychological safety, defined as the shared belief within a team that it's acceptable to take interpersonal risks, plays a crucial role in diving, as every instructional dive is a team effort. To build psychological safety, it's essential to foster trust, humility, and good communication. Psychological safety consists of four stages: inclusion safety, learning safety, contributor safety, and challenger safety. This podcast series explores each stage in detail, beginning with inclusion safety, which involves making everyone feel included, moving to mutual discovery, defining and communicating the team's purpose and values, active listening, following through on commitments, and forbidding personal attacks. These practices promote inclusion and ultimately enhance team cohesion and safety in diving.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1
Links:
Amy Edmonson’s book
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fearless-Organization-Psychological-Workplace-Innovation/dp/1119477247/
About Prospect Theory
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prospect_theory
Timothy Clark’s book
https://www.amazon.co.uk/4-Stages-Psychological-Safety/dp/1523087684/
Why is it so hard to create a team quickly in diving, especially in classes?
Part Two: Learner Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2
Part Three: Contributor Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3
Part Four: Challenger Safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4
Tags:
- English Gareth Lock Leadership Psychological Safety Teamwork
Psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teams, allowing members to speak up about problems without fear of backlash or dismissal. It hinges on trust, humility, and effective communication. Trust involves believing in your team's integrity, benevolence, and ability. Humility means acknowledging that no one knows everything and being open to listening. Good communication requires understanding and avoiding assumptions in conversations. Psychological safety goes both ways, from leaders to followers and among peers. Leaders set the tone by admitting their mistakes, fostering a culture where everyone can learn from errors. Building psychological safety takes practice, but its benefits are invaluable for strong, high-performing teams.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFforD-part-10-psychological-safety
Links:
Communication for Dummies:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-comms
Tags:
- English Dummies Jenny Lord Leadership Psychological Safety Teamwork
In this episode, we explore the impact of tiredness, fatigue, and stress on diving performance and safety. We discuss how these factors can lead to errors and potentially dangerous situations underwater. Fatigue, whether short-term or long-term, affects cognitive functions like problem-solving, memory, and alertness, making it essential for divers to prioritize rest. Stress, which can be either distress (negative) or eustress (positive), also plays a significant role in diving performance. We introduce the "three lemons" concept, where any stressor, or "lemon," that arises before or during a dive should be considered carefully. We emphasize the importance of recognizing signs of stress in ourselves and our dive buddies, and we discuss the challenge of calling off a dive due to small issues, known as the "sunk cost fallacy." Ultimately, we highlight the critical role of being well-rested and managing stress in ensuring safe and enjoyable dives.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-for-dummies-part-9-error-producing-conditions
Tags:
- English Dummies Fatigue Jenny Lord Performance shaping factors Stress
In this podcast episode, we dive into the concept of leadership in the context of diving, emphasizing that leadership applies to everyone in various capacities. A leader is someone who understands the common goal, communicates it clearly, and fosters collaboration among team members to achieve it, even if they don't possess all the required skills themselves. We discuss leadership roles in diving, including dive guides, instructors, and even buddy pairs, stressing the importance of goal clarity, role awareness, and effective communication. We share a real-life example of an instructor who demonstrates strong leadership by addressing equipment safety concerns and creating a culture of psychological safety within the dive center.
We also explore the negative aspects of leadership, such as destructive goal pursuit, where leaders become overly focused on tasks and neglect their team's well-being and learning. Good leadership behaviors are highlighted, including maintaining awareness of the team's purpose, active listening, and fostering psychological safety for open communication. Leadership is portrayed as a dynamic and situational skill that requires conscious practice and a clear understanding of the team's goals. In conclusion, whether you find yourself in a formal leadership role or not, effective leadership in diving involves understanding the why, what, and how of your team's mission and promoting continuous improvement among all team members.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-leadership
Tags:
- English Dummies Jenny Lord Leadership Teamwork
In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of teamwork in diving, shedding light on its importance and practical application. While team sports like football, rugby, and hockey inherently rely on teamwork, diving often overlooks the team dynamic. We discuss the key elements of effective teamwork, including role clarity, where everyone understands their role and the goals of the dive, and clear communication, which involves using consistent signals and fostering an environment where questions and concerns are welcomed. The briefing and debriefing process is highlighted as a crucial tool for aligning the team's mental model and learning from each other's experiences. Trust, the cornerstone of teamwork, is explored, emphasizing its development over time and its profound impact on team dynamics. Real-life examples, including challenges faced by a married couple in a diving course, illustrate the significance of trust and the possibility of splitting up a team when necessary.
Original Blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-teamwork
Links:
Communication for Dummies blog
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-comms
All the Dummies blogs
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=dummies
How to create a team, 4 part series
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 Dummies Jenny Lord Teamwork
In this podcast episode, we explore the critical issue of communication and why it can be so challenging, even in life-or-death situations. We start with a famous radio conversation between a US naval ship and Canadian authorities, highlighting the importance of clear communication. We then delve into the various barriers to effective communication, including language differences, distractions, culture, and the fear of looking foolish or facing punishment. We discuss the challenges of hierarchical structures that hinder open dialogue and emphasize the need for instructors to create a safe environment for questions. Additionally, we examine the problem of missing context and how it can lead to misunderstandings, especially in complex situations. We stress that clear communication is the responsibility of the message sender and recommend using open questions to ensure comprehension. Finally, we highlight the significance of not just what we say but how we say it, with examples illustrating the importance of context and patience in ensuring effective communication. Tune in for valuable insights into improving communication, and remember that clear communication can be a lifesaver, especially in high-stakes environments like underwater activities.
Original blog:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-comms
Links
Fact checking the Lighthouse story!
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/the-obstinate-lighthouse
Tags: - English Communication Communications Dummies Jenny Lord
In today's podcast episode, we delve into the fascinating world of decision-making, something we engage in constantly, whether it's choosing between a big life-changing move or simply opting for a cup of tea. We make thousands of decisions daily, many of which happen unconsciously. However, when it comes to underwater scenarios, the decisions we make can be a matter of life or death. So, how do we ensure we make the right choices in those critical moments? We explore various models of decision-making, such as System 1 (the fast, automatic mode we use in familiar situations) and System 2 (the slower, more deliberate mode used in new or complex situations). We also discuss the difference between expert decision-makers who rely on mental models and beginners who may struggle to interpret the same cues. An insightful real-life diving experience highlights the importance of experience and debriefs in decision-making. Finally, we offer practical advice on improving decision-making skills through practice and the power of debriefing to share mental models. Tune in for more on this crucial topic, and if you want to explore it further, check out the linked blogs for additional insights. Stay tuned for our next episode on communication and the challenges it poses, especially in underwater environments.
Links
Situation Awareness for Dummies blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-4-SA
The Human Diver DEBrIEF model https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief
More blogs about decision making https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=decision-making
Tags
- English Decision-Making Dummies Jenny Lord
In this 10-part podcast series, we'll explore the basics of human factors in diving, breaking down complex ideas in a way that's easy to grasp. Each episode will feature real-life examples to make the concepts clear. We're doing this series because we've heard feedback that some diving information can be too hard to understand. Our first episode explains what human factors are and why they matter in diving. We'll cover topics like how to give a dive briefing, using checklists effectively, making good decisions, and more. These principles help divers do the right things and avoid mistakes. Join us as we make diving safer and more understandable for everyone.
Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-for-dummies-part-1-human-factors
Tags:
English Dummies Gareth Lock Human Factors Non-Technical Skills
Links:
Humanistic Systems: Four Kinds of ‘Human Factors’ - https://humanisticsystems.com/2017/08/11/four-kinds-of-human-factors-1-the-human-factor/
Part 3 of the Dummies series. This one is looking at Just Culture and why we need it in order to learn.
In this episode, we unravel the concept of a Just Culture in the context of Human Factors and its critical role in facilitating learning from mistakes. We start by clarifying the notion of culture, emphasizing its subjective nature rooted in fairness. Contrary to common misconceptions, a Just Culture is not about assigning blame but about understanding what went wrong and why individuals made certain decisions.
We illustrate this with two poignant examples: the MV Conception sinking and a tragic diving incident in the UK. In both cases, a deeper examination of the system and circumstances, rather than immediate blame, led to valuable lessons and, in some instances, legal outcomes that diverged from initial perceptions.
We underscore the importance of asking "How did this happen?" rather than "Who is to blame?" and advocate for a shift in language and culture within the diving community to foster a shared belief in learning from incidents and enhancing safety.
Original blog URL: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-3-just-culture
Links:
National Transportation Safety Board accident report
https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAR2003.pdf
Press reports on the “out of gas” incident
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/hung-jury-discharged-in-stoney-manslaughter-trial/
https://divernet.com/scuba-diving/diving-instructor-cleared-in-safety-stop-death-case/
Information about IPO
https://www.bsac.com/news-and-blog/the-hidden-killer-immersion-pulmonary-oedema-ipo/
Gareth’s blog on InDepth about Just Culture
Tags:
- English Dummies Incident Analysis Incident Investigation Incident Reporting Jenny Lord Just Culture
In this podcast episode, we dive into the concept of situation awareness, something we've all been told to improve at some point in our lives. Instead of trying to pay more attention, we explore the idea of knowing what to pay attention to and how to use that information effectively. We look at the three key components.
First, there's Perception, which involves gathering information through our senses—what we see, hear, and feel. However, our ability to notice everything is limited, so we subconsciously select what's relevant to us. This selection is based on importance, interest, or danger, which grabs our attention. But even then, we can still miss important details due to overload or not realizing their significance at the time. The second part is Comprehension, where we need to understand and interpret the information we've perceived. Sometimes, even if we see clues, we may not fully grasp their meaning. Finally, Projection is about taking these clues, understanding them, and anticipating what might happen next. It's the ability to predict outcomes based on the information we've gathered. Experience and training play a crucial role in enhancing our situation awareness, allowing us to handle more tasks without losing awareness. If you'd like to delve deeper into this topic, check out the provided resources for more insights.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-4-SA
Links:
You can't pay MORE attention: the myth of 'loss of situation awareness' - https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cant_pay_MORE_attention
When The Rescuer Nearly Needs Rescuing! - Task Fixation - https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/rescuer-and-rescued
Tags
- English Dummies Jenny Lord Situation Awareness
Part 2 of the Dummies series, all about Human Error, the slips, lapses, mistakes and violations that are made.
In this episode, we tackle the issue of labeling mishaps as 'human error' and why this term often falls short in helping us prevent future mistakes. Instead of simply attributing accidents to human error, we delve into Professor James Reason's groundbreaking work on error types.
Reason's categories include unintended actions, like slips (resulting from distractions) and lapses (memory failures), which can be reduced through environment adjustments and effective checklists. On the other hand, intended actions are divided into rule-based mistakes (applying incorrect rules) and knowledge-based mistakes (thinking you're doing the right thing, but it's wrong). These errors can be mitigated through thorough dive planning, briefings, and debriefings.
Lastly, we explore violations, where rules are seemingly broken on purpose, often revealing deeper organizational issues. Join us as we dissect the complexities of human error and how understanding its nuances can lead to safer practices in high-risk industries like diving.
Original blog URL: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-2-human-error
Links:
My biggest mistake blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake
Description of types of errors and further reading: https://skybrary.aero/articles/human-error-types
Tags: - English Dummies Gareth Lock Human Error
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