RISK NORMALISATION When the unacceptable becomes acceptable What

RISK NORMALISATION When the unacceptable becomes acceptable!

What is Risk Normalisation ? A ‘VERY’ common human practice. An acceptance of risky behaviours over time. Question: What common examples of risk normalisation can you think of?

Why Should I Care ? Normalised Risk sneaks up on you, your colleagues & your whanau and can result in harm. Question: When have you, your colleagues or family had a close call/accident because of risk normalisation?

For a new activity following instructions is the norm however this changes when we continue to repeat the same activity. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

The Normalisation Cycle Activators/Antecedents Ø The initiating reason for the behaviour to occur (Initial Deviation). Behaviour Ø The outcome of the Activator/Antecedence. Consequences Ø The Outcome of the Behaviour And repeat

How Does it Evolve ? When we regularly accept a lower standard of practice. Influenced when we are under pressure to: § meet deadlines § meet budget § deliver on a promise Starts when “temporarily” relaxing the standards or procedures successfully gets the job done. Question: What workplace examples of risk normalisation can you think of and HOW did they evolve?

How do we Mitigate the risk ? 1) Be honest with yourself and others. 2) Identify key risk normalisation factors. 3) Identify a ‘Devils advocate’ to challenge any possible deviations. RISK ASSESS all 4) Formally intended deviations. 5) Modify the Process/Standards if appropriate.

Key risk Normalisation conditions ? Poor management understanding of how the work gets done. Poor incentive structure/framework. Culture of ad-hoc process/standard deviations. Poor management of Initial Deviation Risks including: § Fatigue § Repetition & familiarity § Complacency § Psychological/Physical stress § Poor communications § Competency § Supervision

Key Risks & Risk Normalisation ? Ø More likely to make the initial unsafe deviation. Ø More likely to return to a previous unsafe deviation. Ø Less likely to challenge deviations. Ø More likely to allow deviations to alleviate stressful situations.

How to Minimise Risk Normalisation Step 1: Identify the behaviour that has led to risk normalisation. Step 2: Identify & understand the behavioural Activators/ Antecedents. Step 3: Understand the perceived consequences (from the workers perspective.

How to Mitigate Risk Normalisation Onboarding / Induction – include process for deviating from processes/standards Risk Analysis – Key stakeholder involvement. Effective Observation –identifying normalised risks. Team Brief/communications – discuss possible normalised risks. Quality of training - Risk Normalisation identification and deviation skills. Reward appropriately –understand work practices and deviations prior to rewarding work outcomes.

Thank you Q &A