Traditional incident investigations often focus on what happened, ignoring what could have happened. By integrating potential severity into the classification process, safety teams can identify systemic weaknesses earlier, strengthen safety controls, and prevent serious harm. Models like SIF, PSIF, and LSIF, combined with tools such as the Energy Wheel, provide a structured way to capture risks that outcome-only reporting misses. … Read More
Author Archives: Cary Usrey
Controls Save Lives: Why Capacity is the Cornerstone of Safety
In Human and Organizational Performance (HOP), we’re taught that how we respond matters, error is normal, and learning is vital. But one idea that deserves more attention—yet isn’t formally listed as a HOP principle—is this: Controls save lives. Controls represent … Read More
Understanding Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) – Part 6: Why Response Matters
HOP Part 6 highlights the principle of “Response Matters.” When leaders shift focus from blame to understanding, organizations uncover systemic issues, encourage honest reporting, and drive proactive improvements in safety and performance. … Read More
How to Build an Effective Training Plan for Environmental Health and Safety
Building an effective EHS training plan requires more than compliance—it requires strategy. This blog explores six core elements, from tailoring training to different audiences to leveraging risk data, streamlining recordkeeping, and creating continuous feedback loops. Together, these elements help organizations move beyond OSHA requirements and toward a culture of safety ownership. … Read More
Understanding Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) – Part 5: Organizational Learning is Essential
Organizational learning in HOP goes beyond training—it’s about listening to workers, capturing real-world insights, and adapting systems to improve safety culture. By focusing on leading indicators and “work as performed,” organizations can prevent incidents, build resilience, and create a proactive safety environment. … Read More
Understanding Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) Part 4: Context Drives Behavior
Part 4 of the HOP series explores how context—not character—drives workplace behavior. From environmental design and organizational culture to job demands and individual factors, understanding these contextual elements helps reduce error and boost performance. … Read More
