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
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
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