The Dangers of Hyper-Safety: A Critical Examination
By Dr. Rob Long
Published on November 23, 2024, this article delves into the troubling phenomenon of hyper-safety, particularly highlighted by recent events in New Zealand. Hyper-safety, characterized by an excessive focus on risk aversion, often leads to the suppression of critical thinking, intelligence, and the ability to learn from experiences.
Understanding Hyper-Safety
Research from various experts, including Amaberti and Taleb, indicates that hyper-safety is not only unattainable but can also be dangerous. This misguided approach makes individuals and organizations more susceptible to risks, essentially undermining true safety efforts. In fact, hyper-safety can be viewed as anti-safety.
The Misguided Safety Crusaders
One of the most alarming aspects of hyper-safety is the emergence of what can be termed as “safety crusaders.” These individuals often equate their identity with safety, leading to a dangerous mindset that prioritizes rigid adherence to safety protocols over practical wisdom. When safety professionals start proclaiming “safety is my life,” it is crucial to remind them of the importance of a balanced perspective.
The Absurdity of Overregulation
A recent incident involving seatbelt regulations for Santa Claus serves as a poignant example of hyper-safety taken to the extreme. This absurdity raises the question: how many Santas have actually fallen off floats while moving at a mere 3 kilometers per hour? The answer is none. Such unnecessary regulations often stem from overly cautious safety audits that lack real risk intelligence.
The Toxicity of a Zero-Injury Culture
Hyper-safety leads to a toxic culture within the safety industry, particularly when the mantra of “zero injuries” is embraced. When organizations define safety solely by injury rates, they become trapped in a cycle of ineffective practices, often referred to as a moronic industry that fails to think critically. It is essential for safety professionals to understand that repeating terms like “professional” does not equate to actual competence or wisdom in safety practices.
Political Power and Hyper-Safety
Events such as the recent Christmas parade incident illustrate that the agenda behind hyper-safety often revolves around the political power of a select few rather than genuine concern for safety. This misplaced emphasis on hyper-safety undermines true public safety efforts and can lead to widespread confusion and frustration.
In summary, while safety is undoubtedly a priority, it is crucial to approach it with a balanced perspective that encourages intelligence, critical thinking, and practical solutions. Hyper-safety, in contrast, represents a significant threat to the very essence of safety itself.
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