The brief answer is, yes. It doesn’t matter what you consider, whether it be about work, hobbies, activity, family, safety or living/being, there is no such thing as a non-philosophy. It is impossible NOT to have a philosophical position on something. For example, even atheism is a belief system about not believing.

Our beliefs, values, orientation and behaviour will be reflected in our actions and in what we do and speak.

When you operate or use a checklist, this is not a neutral/objective process. Every policy, process and action embeds an underlying philosophy, infused in the design of the task.

It risk and safety, it is rare that a philosophy is openly declared or articulated. Indeed, many simply do not know what ideology is being invoked or what ethic is being practiced in what they do.

It is little wonder when associations like the AIHS have a code of ethics that declares that Safety is objective and impartial (https://safetyrisk.net/the-myth-of-objectivity-in-investigations/) that Safety believes such myth. I doubt even the AIHS knows that such a position is anchored to Positivism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positivism). The trouble is, the outcomes, morality and ethic that emerge from such belief leads to brutalism and harm, in the name of good. No wonder the AIHS Chapter on Ethics make no mention of the abuse of power.

The idea that one can step back and away from a situation and take an objective position is absurd. The idea that a human can divorce themselves from their bias, culture, background and beliefs is nonsense.

The point is, have you taken the time to reflect on your beliefs or have they been tested by life/being and living. For example, one can have an abstract view on human suffering and harm but things change very quickly when suffering and loss are experienced. One can have some ideal for zero harm, but reality will soon shake such a delusion out of you at the next accident or when someone is harmed.

Belief in Zero (https://www.humandymensions.com/product/zero-the-great-safety-delusion/) requires a philosophical position that must deny fallibility and human mortality (https://www.humandymensions.com/product/fallibility-risk-living-uncertainty/). The philosophy (ideology) underneath zero requires a philosophy of perfectionism and we know from the DSMV V that perfectionism is a mental health disorder (https://safetyrisk.net/perfectionism-in-safety-and-the-denial-of-humanity/). Similarly, the projection of perfection onto others and its associated righteousness, creates alienation, isolation and superiority. It’s a lonely place to be.

The Regulation, Standards and Legislation also embed a philosophy. Concepts such as Due Diligence and ALARP embed a philosophy. This is why the actions of Risk and Safety are tested in the Courts, where the philosophy of the Legal profession is also observed. The philosophy of Law is called Jurisprudence.

When it comes to risk and safety you have a choice, do you want to work hard on understanding your own beliefs and values? Do you want to know why you come into conflict with organisations and others who hold contrary beliefs? Does it really matter to you where you draw the line? What moral meaning do you give to what you do and at what point are you prepared to sacrifice your moral safety? Whistle-blowers are faced with this dilemma. There can be no separation between philosophy and ethics (https://www.humandymensions.com/product/the-ethics-of-risk/).

If you want to think a bit about your philosophical position, the following table might help.

Our free workshops on Philosophy and Risk commence 5 May and every following Tuesday at 9am Canberra time. That is, four 60-minute sessions on 5, 12, 18 and 26 May. This is an introductory workshop series and beginners are welcome. There are a few places left in the group.

Registrations for the workshop close 7 April when pre-workshops emails commence and introductions are undertaken, including some pre-reading. You can register here: admin@spor.com.au