The Biological Basis of Complacency

March 9, 2021; 2:00 p.m. MST

Complacency is often attributed to an employee’s mental or emotional state, so the advice for tackling complacency often revolves around reminding employees to think about what they’re doing or creating a better safety culture so employees won’t take any shortcuts to begin with. It’s advice that relies heavily on fixing employees’ sense of responsibility and attention to details.

While those things may all be true, those are symptoms— not the root cause. Cutting edge neuroscience research suggests that complacency is actually rooted in which brain structures the brain activates while performing its activities. By basing complacency fighting strategies in the biological reality of how the brain functions, OSH professionals can more effectively prevent complacency from posing a risk to their employees’ safety.

Nominations are open for the ASSP Colorado Chapter Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) Awards.

The awards recognize workplace safety professionals who achieve excellence in safety for their companies and the community and build a culture and vision for safety.

This year, nominations can include additional recognition for those addressing safety of employees and others during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Nominations are open through February 28, 2020 at pat.garland@wsp.com.

The Small + Safe + Well (SSWell) study is a multi-year research project designed to understand what small organizations are doing to support the health, safety,and well-being of their workforce, the impact on health outcomes, and how employees perceive their workplace culture.

To learn more, click here! SSWell_Flyer[22912]