Sidney Dekker

Professor Sidney Dekker, expert on safety in complex systems, and Dr Nejc Sedlar, psychology researcher on normalization of deviance, join James Bullen, senior producer who recounts Challenger and other disasters. They unpack how small accepted shortcuts become normal, where this shows up in high-risk fields, and what organizational habits and pressures allow dangerous drift toward catastrophe.

Join Safety FM with Jay Allen for a captivating discussion with Sidney Dekker, renowned Professor and Director of the Safety Science Innovation Lab. Explore human factors, safety practices, and the evolution of safety perspectives. Dive into the transformation of safety guides into organizational performance principles and embracing diverse viewpoints for safety innovation. Discover the importance of operational learning, system interventions, and promoting scientific inquiry in safety practices.

In this engaging conversation, Professor Sidney Dekker, a safety scientist and author, shares his insights on organizational safety and the concept of a 'restorative just culture.' He delves into the detrimental effects of blame in the workplace and advocates for a shift towards understanding systemic errors. Sidney emphasizes the importance of making leaders servant stewards who prioritize frontline workers’ needs and outlines practical steps for fostering a culture of learning and compassion. His vision includes addressing post-COVID occupational violence with innovative, empathetic approaches.