Breaking the Silence: Part 2: Understanding Assumptions and Their Impact

Part 2 of A 7-part series on How Questioning Assumptions Enhances Workplace Safety. Start with Part 1 here.

The Nature of Assumptions in the Workplace

Assumptions are a natural part of navigating the world, and the workplace is no exception. But what are assumptions, and why do they become ingrained in our daily routines? Simply put, assumptions are beliefs or ideas we accept as true without verifying them. They act as mental shortcuts, allowing us to perform tasks and interact with our environment without constantly questioning every detail.

In the workplace, assumptions are especially common because they provide comfort and efficiency. When we perform the same tasks repeatedly, our brains will learn to operate on autopilot. This habitual thinking reduces cognitive load, letting us conserve mental energy for other tasks. These shortcuts can seem like a blessing in a high-pressure work environment, where there's often more to do than time allows. However, this convenience comes at a cost—assumptions can lead to complacency, where we stop critically evaluating our actions and the environment.

This complacency becomes even more dangerous in high-stakes fields like ours, where safety is non-negotiable. It took a near-fatal incident to recognize just how dangerous assumptions can be. The assumption that a routine safety check had been completed led to a situation where I was left vulnerable and nearly lost my life. It was a stark reminder that, in the workplace, assumptions can carry significant weight and consequences.

Examples of Common Assumptions

Let's break down some specific assumptions that often sneak into workplace settings. These are the kinds of beliefs that, while seemingly harmless, can set the stage for serious incidents if left unchecked:

• "This Task Is Routine": When a task becomes part of our daily grind, it's easy to assume that nothing can go wrong. We start treating it like background noise, which can lead to missed safety checks or overlooked hazards. For example, assuming that a piece of equipment is always safe to use without regular inspections can set the stage for accidents. Just because something is routine doesn't mean it's without risk.
• "Everyone Knows the Safety Procedures": It might seem logical to assume that everyone is on the same page regarding safety protocols, especially if you've been enforcing them for a while. However, people forget, misunderstand, or take shortcuts. Assuming universal understanding can lead to lapses in safety adherence, increasing the risk of incidents. It's critical to regularly reinforce procedures and verify that everyone is following them correctly.
• "We've Always Done It This Way": Tradition can be both a strength and a weakness. While established methods provide consistency, assuming that past success guarantees future safety can blind us to changes in the work environment or new hazards that weren't previously present. This mindset prevents us from adapting to new challenges and can lead to dangerous oversights.
• "Someone Else Will Catch the Mistake": This is a classic case of the diffusion of responsibility. Assuming that a colleague will notice and correct a potential error can lead to collective negligence, where multiple people assume someone else is handling it. This can be particularly dangerous in team settings, where clear communication and accountability are crucial for safety.

The Hidden Risks of Assumptions

Assumptions might seem like small, harmless beliefs, but they carry hidden risks that can have serious consequences in the workplace. When we rely on assumptions, we stop thinking critically about the tasks we're performing and the environment we're in. This lack of critical thinking can lead to complacency, which dulls our vigilance and increases the likelihood of errors and incidents.

Mitigating these risks is essential to foster a workplace culture of questioning and critical thinking. By regularly challenging our assumptions and encouraging others to do the same, we can stay sharp, identify potential hazards before they escalate, and ensure that safety remains a dynamic, living practice rather than a static set of rules.

In the next part of this series, we'll dive deeper into the dangers of complacency and how unchecked assumptions can lead to incidents that put lives at risk. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the critical role that challenging assumptions can play in building a safer workplace.

If you’re looking to enhance your workplace safety culture, don’t hesitate to contact us for a personalized consultation.