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 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
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