Seeing trouble: Our ability to recognize dangers seems to evolve

Consider new parents. When they bring their infant home, they also suddenly become aware of those many things they must do to keep their child safe.

When the child starts to crawl — a whole new vision of danger becomes clear.

That’s the way it was with smartphones. They seemed to be the answer to getting help fast or finding information when desperately needed. And they are that. But who thought walking while texting would be such a problem? Yet it is.

That’s because everyone’s ability to recognize hazards seems to evolve depending, in part, on new circumstances and, often sadly, on lessons learned.

Overconfidence is a problem with hazard recognition, according to AmericanIntegrated.com.

People who have done their jobs for years without a safety incident, tend to think it will always be that way. Problem is, they get older and their fitness changes. Tools change. Procedures change.

It’s like saying, at age 20, “I have slipped on the ice and it’s no big deal.” If you think the same way at 60+, you are in for a big surprise.

At every level, overconfidence tends to blind workers to evolving hazards.

Safe work requires procedures, and procedures evolve. Young workers are in just as much danger (or more) as veterans, if they think nothing will happen to them because it never has.

Sadly, experience usually changes that attitude, but the lesson can be costly.

In one case, reviewed by safetyquarry.com, an experienced team of maintenance workers was retrieving cable from a building that was to be demolished. They properly cordoned off the building, but failed to assess the structural integrity of the building. When the team passed over a walkway, a section collapsed and an employee fell 30 feet, breaking his leg. Luck, and a pile of dust, saved him from more severe injuries.

None of the team members will probably make that mistake again, but the lesson was far too dear.

The fact is every job is different. You can recognize hazards by:
– Reviewing safety procedures.
– Assessing the unique challenges of the current task.
– Pre-planning work.
– Getting complete instructions on the job before you do it.
– Staying focused. Avoid mental distractions of issues at home. Don’t let the camaraderie of the crew distract you from the work at hand.
– Cleaning up and keeping the workplace tidy. That will at least help to prevent trips, falls, and visual obstructions.