RISK Decisions and Communications

I’ve been continuing my read of RISK: The Science and Politics of Fear by Dan Gardner, a Canadian journalist based out of Ottawa. It’s a fascinating read and has really helped me to understand our intuitive and conscious thought processes around hazards and risks.  Dan focuses on the broader stage of societal risks but his message is directly applicable in the world of the workplace as well. If you have the inclination, you can purchase his book online at this link in Canada or here in the US.

In addition to reading his book, I’ve discovered some other web-based resources in support of his message.  I thought I’d share them with you.  Firstly, if you’re interested in Dan’s work you can find his website here and he also has a blog at the Ottawa Citizen. There are also a few YouTube videos where Dan is delivering presentations on his book.

Dan Gardner, author of Risk: the Science and Politics of Fear, describes the evolution of the human mind and our risk-based thinking processes (7 minutes)

If you’re in the safety field – workplace safety, public safety, etc. – you really need to learn more from Dan.  He helps us to understand the psychology of the human mind and how we make decisions about risk.

Another great resource on Risk is from the CSSE.

Back quite a few years ago, I had the great pleasure to work with Kirby James.  Kirby is one of those rare individuals who is both brilliant and engaging.  In the early 90′s, Kirby spent much time investigating our communications related to Risk and how our perceptions influenced our judgment.  Kirby went on to study the work of Peter Sandman and started to share his learnings with safety colleagues through public speaking engagements at a variety of conferences.  When the CSSE was in the process of developing the Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC) designation, Kirby was asked to author one of the CSSE’s key professional development courses – Applied Risk Communication.  This two day training session is one of the most important educational experiences I have had in my entire career as a safety professional.  Kirby stretched my understanding of how to effectively communicate about risk and left me with vital tools that I continue to use today.

I can’t say this too strongly, if you’re a safety professional in Canada today, you need to ensure that the CSSE’s Applied Risk Communication course is on the top of your list for professional development.

I think it was Howard the Duck who said, “When the world is out to get you, paranoia is just good thinking”.  We don’t need to be obsessed with risks in our professional practice of safety, but we do need to be able to understand the psychology of risk and effectively communicate with our customers.  It’s vitally important that we worry about the right things and apply the right resources to deal with real issues in our workplaces.  Do check out both of these terrific resources – you owe it to yourself and your people!

Cause safety to happen today in your workplace…Andrew…a Canadian Safety Guy