This breakout is a follow-on discussion of the plenary session on Principles. It is intended to spur discussion on the integration and execution of Risk-Based Thinking (using my book as a resource) at a high level. This applies to not only to line managers but also H&OP practitioners. The take away from this session includes a set of activities that participants can start doing right away when they return to their place of work.
My intent is to summarize the role managers play in controlling human error risks, learning to enhance system reliability and resilience, and building adaptive capacity in their high-hazard operations.
I will propose the six building blocks of managing H&OP listed below, promoting a discussion of what can be done in each:
- Adapt: integrating risk-based thinking and chronic uneasiness into the culture
- Control: maintaining positive control of critical steps and risk-important actions
- Systems Learning: systematically and relentlessly detecting and correcting latent conditions that inhibit the effectiveness of defenses and create landmines and error traps in the workplace.
- Training and Expertise: review of the need for technical knowledge and skill, and a systematic approach to training
- Observation and Feedback: review of managers’ role in promoting systems learning by firsthand monitoring of real-time work practices and conditions
- Integration and Execution: promoting the value of risk-based thinking/chronic uneasiness and explicitly managing the operational human performance risk.
The session concludes with a summary of key takeaways for each building block.