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 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
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