SH15: Normalisation of Deviance

In this podcast episode, we delve into the concept of "Normalization of Deviance" in the context of diving. While it may seem like rule-breaking, it's actually about the social acceptance of deviating from established standards and practices. The episode explores how this phenomenon occurs in diving, where 'safety' is a social construct based on the absence of adverse events rather than legal rules. It delves into examples of drift at various levels, from industry-wide issues to individual behaviors like reducing gas minimums or exceeding depth limits. To address this, the episode emphasizes the need for performance-based standards, psychological safety, leadership development, and a Just Culture to prevent and correct the normalization of deviance.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking

Links:

Blog about rule breaking and rule following

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/they-broke-the-rules

Cognitive biases and heuristics

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/i-am-biased-you-are-biased-we-are-all-biased

Drift

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jud_9k6fTHw

Minimums become targets

https://humanisticsystems.com/2019/10/24/shorrocks-law-of-limits/

UK HSE CCR report 2011