SH39: Risk Management in Diving: Using Best Practice

In this podcast episode, the discussion revolves around risk management in diving, sparked by an incident in a remote location. The episode explores fundamental principles applicable to all diving scenarios. It begins by emphasizing the inherent hazards in diving and the potential fatal outcomes associated with various risks. The "bow-tie model" is introduced to illustrate preventive measures, controls, and mitigations. The episode further delves into the Four Ts of risk management—Treat, Transfer, Tolerate, and Terminate—and explains their relevance to diving, considering factors like training, equipment, and environmental conditions. The inherent and irreducible risk in diving is acknowledged, with a focus on the delicate balance between risk and reward, highlighting the trade-offs involved in decision-making. The podcast concludes with a scenario-based exploration of risk management strategies in a remote diving expedition, addressing the complexities and interdependencies of the 4Ts. The episode encourages listeners to consider these principles when assessing risk in their diving experiences and emphasizes the importance of a multi-layered approach to achieve a tolerable level of risk.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-management-in-diving

Links:

The confusing concept of inherent risk: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GFVM8QrNv0zfevkiGBX38SC-MJWYNdco/view?usp=sharing

Human Diver blog about risk or uncertainty: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-or-uncertainty

Dirty Dozen checklist: https://thedirtydozenexpeditions.com/s/Dirty-Dozen-Group-LLC-SPLASH-CHECKLIST-30-AUDITED-BY-HUMAN-FACTORS.pdf

Pschosocial risks: https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/psychosocial.htm

More Human Diver blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=cognitive+biases

Blog about hindsight bias: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome

Tags:

 English, Checklists, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Risk Management