Homer was a Greek poet who is credited as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems that are foundational works of ancient Greek literature. Homer is considered one of the most revered and influential authors in history. But it is one of his very brief statements that most safety professionals can relate to…
Once harm has been done, even a fool understands it.
Homer (800 BC)
Far too many workplaces fail to RECOGNIZE risks; they want and respond to the consequences the risk(s) brings about. I call this RECOGNIZED vs. REALIZED risk. World-Class safety management systems will have activities that seek to RECOGNIZE risks in the workplace. This is what sets them apart from the run-of-the-mill “safety program” approach to managing workplace safety and health, which in most respond to the consequences once the risk has been REALIZED. One approach is PREVENTIVE; the other is just chasing your tail and hoping it does not get cut off.
