Complacency: The erosion of safety

摘要

There is a hidden trap waiting to ambush even the most competent construction worker, superintendent, or engineer. It is called complacency. Complacency is the feeling of self-satisfaction, contentment, and (occasionally) smugness. It becomes your reward for success. No matter how vigilant you are, however, you will eventually let your guard down. How could this happen? Complacency occurs when people feel satisfied with their actions; this normally affects more experienced team members rather than the novices. A new employee, or someone learning a new role, is often too worried about making a mistake. Fear of failure prevents them from being satisfied or content with his or her practices. Complacency is a natural function of the brain. Our brains are designed to automate repetitive behaviors. In other words, complacency is not necessarily the result of apathy, carelessness, or a flaw in your personality: it's simply the way the brain functions. Most of our day-to-day behavior is automated - it happens without conscious or deliberate thought. You may not be aware of it, but your brain constantly scans your environment for signs of danger. You normally notice and respond to what is unique, unusual, or threatening. Repeated exposure to situations, however, even if they are potentially dangerous, dulls our awareness and defense mechanisms. People who are repeatedly exposed to dangerous situations become less concerned about them, and less cautious. We tend to become complacent about our safety when nothing negative occurs. This absence of consequences gradually causes us to become lax about our personal safety. One of the most vexing deceptions is that you are at greatest risk when you least expect it.