Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

Gareth Lock at The Human Diver
Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

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.

  1. SH189: ‘Pilot error’. Don't 'fix' the Pilot. ‘Diver error’. 'Fix' the diver.

    12H AGO

    SH189: ‘Pilot error’. Don't 'fix' the Pilot. ‘Diver error’. 'Fix' the diver.

    In this episode, we explore how systems, not just individuals, shape safety outcomes in aviation, diving, and daily life. We discuss historical lessons, such as redesigning cockpit controls in WWII B-17 bombers to prevent pilot errors, and modern examples like changes to ATM processes to reduce card loss. Diving safety is also examined, highlighting the recurring nature of incidents and the limitations of focusing solely on human error without addressing systemic issues. Drawing on insights from safety science and Professor James Reason's work, we emphasize the importance of creating conditions that support human performance rather than blaming individuals for predictable mistakes. Tune in to learn how understanding and improving systems can lead to safer, more effective outcomes. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/fix-the-diver   Links: ‘Bad Apples’ blog: https://gue.com/blog/do-bad-apples-actually-exist/ Study from Denoble et al: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23955484_Common_causes_of_open-circuit_recreational_diving_fatalities BSAC annual diving incident report: https://www.bsac.com/safety/diving-incidents/annual-diving-incident-report/ Forcing functions to reduce catastrophic failures: https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/human-factors-engineering Types of error: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-errors-words-have-meaning Perception of risk paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271767726_Perception_of_Risk   Tags:  English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Non-Technical Skills

    13 min
  2. SH182: Joining Dots is Easy, Especially If You Know the Outcome

    JUN 18

    SH182: Joining Dots is Easy, Especially If You Know the Outcome

    In this episode, we discuss the complexities of learning from mistakes and adverse events in diving and beyond. Using real-world examples, including a technical diving error and a high-profile medical case, we explore how systemic pressures, biases like hindsight and confirmation bias, and the gap between "work as imagined" and "work as done" influence decisions. We highlight the importance of Just Culture in fostering open discussions and meaningful learning, emphasizing that improving safety means addressing systemic issues, not just individual actions. Join us to rethink how we approach errors and build resilience in high-pressure environments. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome   Links: Last week’s blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake HFiD Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810 Some cognitive biases: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/from_blaming_to_learning RaDonda Vaught verdict: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/03/25/1088902487/former-nurse-found-guilty-in-accidental-injection-death-of-75-year-old-patient Learning from RaDonda Vaught case: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reckless-homicide-vanderbilt-just-culture-analysis-david-marx/ The learning line (page 7, section 6): http://sunnyday.mit.edu/16.863/rasmussen-safetyscience.pdf Learning organisation: https://gue.com/blog/improvement-requires-learning-learning-happens-at-the-organizational-level-too/   Tags:  English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Hindsight Bias, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

    11 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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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