Weak Signals & Mind Traps WEAK SIGNALS are signs or indications from our surroundings that things may not be all right, and that some of the barriers intended to prevent an incident, are starting to fail or are missing. Some examples are: 1.Corrosion where we didn’t expect it... 2.An unusual smell when we visit a production unit/ worksite ... 3.A pump vibrating in an unusual way... 4.A new employee looking puzzled by a vital piece of equipment... 5.A meter is giving an unexpected reading... 6.Paperwork supporting critical tasks not being completed… 7.Procedures being incorrect or out of date… 8.Decisions not to comply with standards or normal practices… 9.Supervisors repeatedly not taking concerns of junior staff seriously. MIND TRAPS This is the natural tendency for our thinking to be unduly influenced by existing mental models (what someone else wants, -expects, or -thinks is going to happen). This influence happens despite our own beliefs- or evidence that suggests something else. By our emotion or by a reluctance to apply mental effort, results in us jumping to easy conclusions without giving a decision proper attention. These Mind Traps can affect our thinking from the perception and interpretation of information from our senses, through to judgement and decision making. Some examples of Mind Traps are: 1.The tendency to under-estimate a risk that has become familiar, and is associated with tasks that we undertake regularly without incident (risk normalisation). Example: using a staircase with holding the handrail 2.The tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms our beliefs. A willingness to ignore, or find alternative explanations that allow us to rationalise away information that does not fit with our mental model of the situation (confirmation bias). 3.The tendency to be over-optimistic, overestimating the likelihood of success, also known as wishful thinking (optimism bias). This is very often an unrealistic belief. 4.The tendency to want to continue on a course of action once committed to it, even when circumstances change and risks increase (plan continuation). Example: Continue to drive at speed during cloud-burst/ thick mist 5.The tendency to want to agree with the consensus view of a group of peers. Example when requested to voice an opinion in a big meeting 6.The tendency to perceive risks based on the way the problem is stated (‘framed’). E.g. the statement “there is a 90%chance of success” will be seen more positively, and with less risk associated than the statement “There is a 10% chance of failure”) Chronic Unease to safety is our alertness to Weak Signals and awareness of own Mind Traps
Posted on: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 08:59:57 +0000