The current issue of Scientific American has a feature article titled, “Was Einstein Wrong? A Quantum Threat to Special Relativity“. Being a bit of a science geek and lover of controversy, I had to read it. The article discussed how quantum mechanics’ concept of entanglement is shaking up the world of physics and has opened up questions to Einstein’s special theory of relativity.
I’m not going to get into whether or not special relativity is wrong, but it does highlight the importance of thinking outside the box. Too often, we accept a situation for what it is because that’s the way it’s always been and we close ourselves to other viewpoints. Challenging or even building upon old ideas and ways of thinking opens the door to new possibilities.
In ergonomics, successful, long term solutions arise when we utilize creativity and unearth unique ways to design the workplace to fit the worker (not the other way around), or find different means of delivering training courses to improve upon learning and retention. Sticking to old methods or refusing to accept alternative views prevents an organization from moving forward and improving safety. The results are costly.
Here’s your challenge for today: Think of a current issue within your organization that appears on first glance to be impossible to change. What is it that’s holding your safety team back from discovering the answer? Could it be you’re stuck because you haven’t opened up your mind to other possibilities? Work together, brainstorm and throw all ideas on the table. Challenge the norm to put your organization on the forefront of health and safety initiatives.