Stefan Kühl’s metaphor, the Safety Theater

Inspired by Stefan Kühl’s metaphor, the Safety Theater is a stage where people in an organization play their parts.

From left to right:
(1) A worker in full PPE flashes a big smile for the audit,
(2) A corporate safety manager holds up a script labeled “Zero Harm”,
(3) Backstage, a couple of managers whisper warnings about the financial bottom line,
(4) Meanwhile, someone diligently sweeps some hazards under the rug in order for the organization to perform well on the Looking Good Index.

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