Are We Chasing Shiny Objects in Safety: Why We Need to Focus on the Basics

In the world of critical risk management, it’s not uncommon to encounter a cycle of seeking the next big thing in safety innovation. Through my extensive work in reviewing fatality reports and assessing safety practices, I’ve observed a troubling trend: fundamental safety measures often remain overlooked in favor of newer, more glamorous solutions.

Despite the availability of advanced safety programs and concepts such as High Reliability Organizations (HRO), Safety II, and organizational theory, the core elements of safety management—such as effective supervision, task risk management, planning, and basic safety controls—are frequently neglected. This misalignment is evident in recent reports and recommendations, such as the Brady Report into mining fatalities from December 2019. This report highlighted numerous structural failures in basic safety practices and recommended the implementation of HRO principles.

However, as we move through 2024, there is a noticeable gap in the practical application of these advanced concepts. For example, many mining sites across Queensland still lack a clear understanding of HRO, despite the considerable resources invested in promoting these frameworks.

This raises an important question: Are we, as a safety community, getting distracted by the allure of sophisticated safety systems at the expense of addressing fundamental issues? Are we investing our energy in the latest trends without first ensuring that the foundational elements of safety are firmly in place?

Reflecting on this, it becomes clear that a focus on the basics—such as robust safety management systems and foundational controls—might offer a more effective path forward. By reinforcing these core principles, we could build a stronger, more resilient safety culture before integrating advanced theories and tools.

Ultimately, the challenge is to strike a balance between embracing innovative safety strategies and solidifying the essential elements that support them. By addressing these fundamentals first, we can better leverage advanced safety concepts and avoid the pitfalls of chasing the next shiny object.

Are we truly focusing on the basics? If not, it’s time to reassess our priorities and ensure that our safety efforts are grounded in a strong foundation.