Compliance is Essential…But is it sufficient?

David Sarac – Managing DirectorConvex Dynamic Pty Ltd – Australia

The Real World is Complex

• The more you write, the less people will read• Risks & Hazards evolve continually• Experience helps, but isn’t enough• Each new situation needs a fresh perspective• Approach: Get people involved in the process

Two types of Agency

• Neuro-Muscular response• Immune system response

Lag & Lead Measures

• Lag Measures After the event has happenedØ Negative, emotive, subjective, coercive, expensive

• Lead Measures Pre-Conditions for excellenceØ Positive, collaborative, awareness, comprehensive

• Normal OHS / HSEC / SHE systems & standards attempt alignment, but can become confusing• Lead Measures are about health and well being

and are more than just about physical matters

Deaths

Paper cuts

Lag

Near Misses

UNDESIRABLE DESIRABLE

Lead

Reaction to Bad Conditions for Good

COMPLEXITY PROFILE

One Size Does Not Fit All. Various Groups Are Best Having Varying Measures

Ashby’s Law of Requisite Variety

Minimum Requirements For All Groups / Situations Covered By Standards

Standards Are Static: Group Circumstances Are Dynamic

Group 1 Specific Lead Measures Group 2 Specific Lead Measures Group 3 Specific Lead Measures

STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE FOCUS MAINLY ON THESE…

Paper cuts

Lag

Unconsidered

UNDESIRABLE DESIRABLE

?

?

Environment?Community?

REJECT JOBWHEN DETRIMENTALTO HEALTH

TOOLBOX TALKS

CELEBRATESUCCESS

IMPERFECTION IS OK

CELEBRATE FAILURE

ABSENTEE AWARD

DAILY CHECK IN

ARE YOU OK?

PRAYER/MEDITATION ROOM

BBQ FRIDAYS

GAME NIGHTS

IMPROVING ADAPTIVE FITNESS of GROUPS & TEAMS THROUGH SELF-DETERMINATION

• Each team decides what goes into each box• It doesn’t matter if all the boxes aren’t filled• Engagement is more important than content! • Get the group to tinker with it as they learn• Establish forums for the discussions to happen

Warning! Resist the temptation to get “Experts” to decide what the Lead measures should be (Tell, Police & Enforce)

Lead

Pre-Conditions(Weather Warnings)

Reaction to Bad Focus on Good

LeadLag

Outcome

Even Mentioning Environment & Community Impacts Health & Safety

The Same Is True For Heart & Soul

This Complementary Approach Improves Compliance Behaviour

Sample Tangible Benefits

• Staff turnover less than 2% a year over 5 years

• Insurance cost: $700K / year to $50K / year

(Sector Expectation – 3% annual cost growth)

• Reduction of ‘Planning Factors’ of up to 1/3 in

operations & maintenance, engineering and

construction… a direct reduction in job costing

Compliance is Essential…But is it sufficient?

“WE CAN STRUGGLE TO HAVE COMPLIANCE WITHOUT COMMITMENT,

BUT WITH COMMITMENT COMPLIANCE IS AUTOMATICALLY ACHIEVED.

THE BIOLOGICAL EQUIVALENT IS CREATING A PROJECT IMMUNE SYSTEM”

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

PETER MIDGLEY DR. JOSEPH E. NORMAN

THANK YOU

info@convexdynamic.comEngineering ExecutiveOrganisational Transformations

Applied Complexity ScienceEvolutionary Design Principles