In this episode, Gareth Lock explores the critical role of checklists in enhancing safety and reducing errors in high-risk environments like diving, surgery, and aviation. Drawing insights from Atul Gawande's The Checklist Manifesto, Gareth highlights how properly designed checklists can prevent lapses, improve communication, and establish a culture of accountability. Despite resistance from those who view checklists as unnecessary or a sign of weakness, evidence shows their ability to save lives by addressing "unknown unknowns" and mitigating human error. Gareth shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of embracing checklists to ensure safety, reliability, and performance in diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/surgeons-and-checklists

Links: Downloads and Transcripts of Atul Gawande’s lectures: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00729d9/episodes/player

The problem with not using checklists: http://aerossurance.com/helicopters/habits-kill/

The Checklist manifesto: https://cognitasresearch.wordpress.com/2015/01/17/only-20-of-surgeons-would-like-to-use-a-checklist-in-their-operations/0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E

NHS checklist: http://www.nrls.npsa.nhs.uk/resources/?entryid45=59860

DAN study: http://www.alertdiver.com/checklists

Checklist design: http://ti.arc.nasa.gov/profile/adegani/procedure-design/

Chain of events of things going wrong (1): http://silentdiversion.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/human-error-dont-blame-rebreather.html?spref=fb&m=1

(2): https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/06/05/navy-officer-35-dies-in-off-duty-diving-mishap/

Tags:  English, Checklists, Gareth Lock, Human Factors