89 episodes
Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving Gareth Lock at The Human Diver
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- Education
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5.0 • 10 Ratings
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Human factors is a critical topic within the world of SCUBA diving, scientific diving, military diving, and commercial diving. This podcast is a mixture of interviews and 'shorts' which are audio versions of the weekly blog from The Human Diver.
Each month we will look to have at least one interview and one case study discussion where we look at an event in detail and how human factors and non-technical skills contributed (or prevented) it from happening in the manner it did.
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SH89: To Dive or Not to Dive? The Power of Decision Making
In this episode, we explore the critical decision-making process in diving, emphasizing the importance of safety and thorough planning. We discuss how divers must evaluate various factors, such as weather, equipment, and team dynamics, to ensure safe dives. Key steps include assessing justification and feasibility, finding the right solution, identifying alternatives, and choosing the best option. By conducting a "pros and cons" assessment, involving the entire team, and preparing contingency plans, divers can make informed decisions and maintain safety. Effective communication and psychological safety within the team are essential for addressing concerns and ensuring successful dives.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/to-dive-or-not-to-dive-the-power-of-decision-making
Links: Costs incurred: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/sunk-costs
Practise your crew resource management: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2
Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Decision Making, Leadership -
SH88: Cognitive dissonance or why we don't always follow our beliefs
In this episode, we dive into the concept of cognitive dissonance, where our thoughts and actions conflict, causing discomfort and the need to resolve this inconsistency. We explore everyday examples, such as pretending to enjoy a course you disliked or justifying an expensive but unsatisfactory purchase. Cognitive dissonance often forces us to either change our actions or alter our beliefs to ease the mental tension. We also discuss how our brains perform mental gymnastics to rationalize our choices, sometimes even reinforcing false beliefs. Through intriguing examples and studies, we highlight the impact of cognitive dissonance on our emotions and decision-making, providing insights into why we sometimes cling to certain beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cognitive-dissonance-or-why-we-don-t-always-follow-our-beliefs
Links: Human Factors in Diving 2 day face to face course: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2
Website: Thehumandiver.com
Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Diving, Psychology, Jenny Lord, Stress -
SH87: The road to excellence: Systems and structure form the foundation of a culture of improvement
In this episode, we dive into the importance of organizational culture and effective systems in achieving success, using examples from elite teams like the Navy SEALs and NASA. We explore how these principles apply to diving, emphasizing the need for aligned goals, skill development, clear communication, and constructive feedback. By creating a supportive and structured environment, teams can foster continuous improvement and inspiration. We discuss the significance of planning and debriefing, drawing from Einstein’s principle of spending the majority of time understanding the problem. This approach transforms diving from an individual activity into a cohesive, goal-oriented team effort, enhancing safety and mutual growth.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-road-to-excellence-systems-and-structure-form-the-foundation-of-a-culture-of-improvement
Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Communication, Debrief, Decision Making, Leadership, Safety Culture, Teamwork -
SH86: Selective Attention Exists! 5 Tips to Increase Situational Awareness in Diving
In this podcast episode, we dive into the critical topic of situational awareness and its profound impact on safety, especially in contexts like firefighting and diving. Today, Gareth emphasizes that despite our modern multitasking abilities, attention remains limited. We explore how situational awareness has been compromised in everyday life, from distracted pedestrians to drivers checking phones at stop signs. Gareth stresses the necessity of focused attention, akin to a spotlight, for effective decision-making and hazard prevention. They outline practical exercises to enhance situational awareness, such as multitasking simulations and scenario-based training. Ultimately, the message is clear: by making situational awareness a habit, we can significantly improve safety outcomes in high-stakes environments.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/selective-attention-exists-5-tips-to-increase-situational-awareness-in-diving
Links:
The gorilla experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtKt8YF7dgQ
Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Leadership, Situation Awareness, Teamwork -
SH85: Ergonomics- not just about comfy chairs
In this episode, we explore the concept of ergonomics through the lens of diving equipment and safety. Ergonomics, which studies how humans interact with systems like physical gear, plays a crucial role in diving. From regulators to dive computers, well-designed equipment enhances ease of use and safety. Feedback mechanisms, like knowing if a regulator is properly connected or interpreting dive computer displays, are vital for diver awareness and safety underwater. Checklists are another critical tool, helping divers remember crucial steps before dives, whether recreational or technical. Choosing the right equipment and checklist system tailored to individual needs and diving environments can significantly enhance safety and enjoyment. Join us as we delve into these essential elements of diving preparation and safety.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/ergonomics-not-just-about-comfy-chairs
Links:
Blogs about checklist design and use: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use
Mike’s blog about using a checklist on a busy dive boat: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/checks-on-a-dive-boat
Tags: English, Checklists, Jenny Lord -
SH84: Why is it so hard to admit to our mistakes?
In this episode, I reflect on a recent diving mistake that challenged my beliefs about sharing errors. While minor slip-ups are common and quickly corrected, this particular incident was a deliberate violation. Despite years of advocating for open discussion in human factors, I found myself hesitant to share this mistake publicly due to fear of judgment and repercussions. The dive industry, unfortunately, often lacks psychological safety, hindering honest dialogue and collective learning. The consequences of admitting mistakes can be severe, ranging from professional setbacks to personal shame. Yet, discussing these errors is crucial for understanding underlying conditions and improving safety practices. As leaders in the diving community, it's imperative to role model vulnerability and humility, contrary to the misconception that admitting mistakes shows weakness. Overcoming ego, shame, and embarrassment is essential to fostering a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than grounds for punishment. By reframing mistakes as learning experiences, we can create a more supportive and safer diving environment for everyone.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-admit-to-our-mistakes
Links: Blogs about Psychological Safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFforD-part-10-psychological-safety
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient-pt2
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/facing-one-s-own-shadow-discrimination-in-diving-limits-learning-impacts-safety-and-perpetuates-stereotypes
A blog about a mistake I made: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake
The DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing
What is a Just Culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture
How to build Psychological Safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4
Tags: English, Human Error, Incident Reporting, Jenny Lord, Learning, Psychological Safety
Customer Reviews
Most important podcast for the diving industry
Gareth has truly created the most important dive safety content for the industry. His concepts are designed to create critical thinking skills and apply them to everyday diving situations. It’s appropriate for all divers from the first open water dive certification to the most advanced professional in the field. Thank you Gareth for continuing to provide this information for the safety of the masses. Cheers.
Long Form Conversations
Truly stoked to see that Gareth has “finally” gotten into the podcast game as a host.
As a guest on our podcast, he spoke as if he had been preparing for this role all his life, which of course he has.
The long form conversations that podcasts allow are one more way for divers, etc., to learn from experts like Gareth and his guests which can then be applied to their own experiences.
Looking forward to the in depth listening that your podcast will surely offer.
Daniel Porter
Producer
The Dive Table
Life changing - literally
Gareth is bringing the human back to diving and ushering in a much needed culture shift in the community. What I have learned in Human Factors has fundamentally changed not only how I do my dives, but how I learn and get better. I can even apply these lessons and techniques in my non-diving career.