In this episode, we delve into "normalization of deviance"—how divers, like workers in many fields, can gradually drift from safe practices due to pressures to be more efficient or productive. Often starting with small rule-bending or shortcuts, this drift can increase over time, as divers operate closer to safety limits without realizing the risk. Drawing on examples from high-reliability organizations, we'll discuss strategies for recognizing and counteracting this drift, from clear baseline definitions to fostering environments where divers feel comfortable speaking up about concerns. Finally, we explore the value of critical debriefs to ensure safe practices remain a priority.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-a-deviant-is-normal

Links: Steve Lewis’ blog: https://decodoppler.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/normalization-of-deviance/

Andy Davis’ blog: http://scubatechphilippines.com/scuba_blog/guy-garman-world-depth-record-fatal-dive/#The_Issue_of_Normalization_of_Deviance

Amalberti’s papers: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092575350000045X

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2464877/

Cook’s paper: http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/14/2/130.short

Blog about complacency: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-the-silent-killer-but-it-s-not-that-simple

Efficiency thoroughness trade off: http://erikhollnagel.com/ideas/etto-principle/index.html

Tags:  English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Non-Technical Skills, Normalisation of Deviance, Normalization of Deviance