Commentary from Oliver Wirth on “Complexity and Safety” by Rosa Antonia Carrillo

Abstract

The article titled Complexity and Safety (doi: 10.1016/j.jsr.2011.06.003) addresses an extremely important safety topic. Too often, well-intentioned safety experts miss or even disregard what is so obvious to many others—sometimes workers make risky decisions or engage in risky behavior. Thus a greater understanding of safety-related decisions and behavior should be viewed as a fundamental and inescapable priority for safety researchers and professionals. Nevertheless, I am not convinced that complexity theory is the answer. Perhaps a more scholarly analysis of the theory and its conceptual underpinnings will help to bolster its relevance. Perhaps a more thorough evaluation of relevant empirical research will help distinguish the theory's evidence base from the superficial musings of an armchair psychologist. If complexity theory helps to identify even a few useful tools to include in our safety toolbox, then perhaps the theory will have some value. But I am not hopeful. Language: en