Strategic lessons in safety have been forthcoming from various origins of human endeavor for ages. The more we do the more we learn (actually).

The most recent addition to this proud tradition is from experiences gained due to exposure to the confrontation between sport scientists and coaches. Its simple, scientists look backwards and coaches look forwards.

But far as safety is concerned, they both address the issue of risk. Remember share brokers telling you that more risk brings more return? I also heard about people becoming destitute after taking that kind of risk. Nowadays pension funds mitigate that approach by allowing risk selection between secure, moderate and aggressive investment strategies.   

It now seems that scientists and coaches (both) finally realize that risk brings return (sometimes). But they do not express that part of it.

The romantic feel wants to come back where the hero wins the battle, flies off into the sunset or conquers the unknown. I understand that because it is human.

Safety is all about risk management, but never zero risk. Zero risk is a place called Rwanda. The ideal is to optimize (and not minimize) risk to the point where you energize your employees.

One mining executive said – “The most productive teams are also the safest”

Always remember; employers don’t make safety, employees do. Be the hero that succeeds, not the one that lost – by using science.