The Dead Horse Theory in HSE via BBS Approach

The Dakota Indians have a saying that has been passed down through the generations: “When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.”. However, in many organizations, this advice is ignored. Instead, they try to solve the problem with useless ideas like buying better tools, changing the rider, forming committees, or calling the dead horse “differently able.” Some lower standards, hire experts to ride it, or even promote the dead horse to a leadership position. This happens because people often don’t want to admit failure or let go of something that’s not working. For example, some companies keep spending money on outdated technology instead of switching to better options, wasting time and resources in the process.

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In health, safety, and environment (HSE) programs and initiatives, the Dead Horse Theory can be applied to emphasize the importance of the below on which you may not agree but we Would always try, these are just my sole perceptions and haven’t been copied from other sources and would like your input to intervene, update and challenge the retrofit ideas, which we have been dragging along:

Updating Safety Protocols: Avoid sticking with outdated methods that don't address current risks. This is purely based on data not being reviewed and poor HSE leadership.

Behavioural-Based Safety (BBS): Recognize when behaviour-modification strategies need adjustment instead of blaming employees for relentless safety issues in-house as well as Off-the-job incidents.

Continuous Improvement and Continual Improvement: Regularly evaluate processes to ensure they remain effective and relevant, as well as one step at a time to have a Continual in step forwarding of processes as well as personnel competency.

Please have your insight and let me know, how the said could be improved, updated and challenged, once again…Period