Overconfidence .. Don't Be A Victim
The Story
Trying to fix my curtain quickly before leaving to play football with my friends and pressured by the fact I delayed this easy job for few days; I held the sharp cutter and started working without wearing any protective equipment. The result was a bloody incident with two flush cuts in two fingers. After two weeks of treatment, luckily my both fingers became well and functioning.
As a QHSE professional, I started analyzing the incident before finishing the first medical procedure and it didn't take me time to address the root cause of it: "Overconfidence".
What is Overconfidence?
The level of self-trust that encourages a person to decide bypassing standard procedures/practices based on his/her high level of expertise and frequency of doing this kind of tasks.
What Triggers it?
- Urgency: the need get the job done.
- Skill Level: the more experience we have, the more confident we get.
- Ego: I have done it hundred times. I can do it blindfolded!
- Laziness: It is just a simple task, it is gonna be OK!
How to avoid it?
There is no magical recipe, it is all about commitment to follow best practices every time and in every task.
The Cost of it
It depends on the severity of the task or decision made. It could be as simple as losing your work on spreadsheet or damaging permanently your or someone's life. In my case and despite the pain, I waited for two weeks to fix my curtain!
The irony is that I always ensure mentioning overconfidence as a intangible risk in each and every safety training I present. This incident reminded me that I became a victims of what I am warning others from.
Stay confident and safe.
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Occupational Health and Safety Management | Crisis Management | Business Continuity | Accident Investigation | HSE Training & Development | Behavioural Based Safety Leadership | Environment & Sustainability
4 年Great article Khalil, well done ?? ....I want to see more now ??
Biomedical Scientist - Open for new opportunities
4 年As they say Overcofidence precedes carelessness, and it really helps to shed the light on how big a deal safety measures really are, no matter how skilled the person is, its to be followed. Thank you for the insightful read!
Qulity Systems Consultant at Lake house
4 年Hi Khalil, excellent RCFA on a appearing “simple” at home task. Your reflection on the circumstances and presenting a time line with actions is a habit everyone should develop albeit everyone, like yourself, is in a hurry and simply disregards critical steps. Looking forward to your next experience, hopefully with a positive result!
CMIOSH | AIFireE | CRSP | CFM?| CMQ/OE | IDip NEBOSH -Safety, Health, Quality, Fire & Environmental Practitioner,FM Specialist, Lead Auditor, Mentor & Trainer
4 年Well done ???? Khalil! This is motivating and reflecting in so many ways. This article is just on point. I actually almost unconsciously gave in for an oversight...#overconfidence#
Head of QHSE at Qatar Museum Authority
4 年Good safety article Khalil and an eye opener. I will reccomend you to write up in our QM intranet. Keep inspiring.