“Risk Makes Sense” Book Review

Review of the Robert Long book Risk Makes Sense

by George Robotham

See more details about the book HERE

In my view this book is a substantial addition to the body of knowledge about Risk and OHS. Written from a psychological perspective it puts into print many of the things I have figured out for myself through many years of OHS practice. It reinforces and goes further on many things my mentor Geoff McDonald has taught me over the years. Geoff comes from a mechanical engineering and psychological perspective.

Early in the book Long explores the various myths that surround Risk and OHS, these myths influence our beliefs about how personal damage occurrences (Accidents) occur and our perceptions of those involved. He questions the fervent belief some have about Zero Harm approaches, I am with Robert on this.

There is mention of the stupidity of over complex and long S.W.P., examples are given of where people crave risk. It is suggested removing all risk by complicated safety approaches may not always be a good thing. There is discussion on language and culture as it applies to risk.

The deficiencies of the L.T.I.F.R. are mentioned. The Can-Do mentality as a contributor to risk in Australia gets a touch up. The K.U.T.A.(Kick Up The Arse) approach gets a special mention.

The section on learning covers some of the ground I covered in my Adult & Workplace Education tertiary education but goes further. Given the difficulties of overly long induction sessions and death by Power-Point I found the induction scorecard interesting.

I found the section on Cognitive Dissonance a bit heavy going but still valuable.

Having researched leadership widely myself I found valuable material I had not come across before in the leadership section.

I would have no hesitation recommending this book to OHS / Risk Management professionals.

George Robotham, Certificate IV Workplace Training & Assessment, Diploma in Workplace Training & Assessment Systems, Diploma in Frontline Management, Bachelor of Education (Adult & Workplace Education), (Queensland University of Technology), Graduate Certificate in Management of Organisational Change, (Charles Sturt University), Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hazard Management), (Ballarat University), Currently examining study in Leadership through Harvard Business School, Accredited Workplace Health & Safety Officer (Queensland),Justice of the Peace (Queensland), Australian Defence Medal, Brisbane, Australia, fgrobotham@gmail.com, www.ohschange.com.au

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