In Episode 7 on safety semiotics, we see some interesting and contrasting approaches to how safety is presented. We see a continued fixation with the coloured risk matrix as if it was handed down with the 10 Commandments by Moses. This one is a classic.

It is so strange this belief that the risk matrix is some kind of scientific tool that measures safety or indeed, measures everything. It ‘measures’ nothing.

The risk matrix is a subjective semiotic device that has no anchoring to science or measurement at all. All risk assessment is subjective, pick a number, pick a colour then find a rationale as how you got there. Yet, here is the risk matrix being promoted as if somehow applicable to all of life? How refreshing to know that real life doesn’t work this way.

You can see episode 7 here: