Expecting the unexpected is all part of the manager's job

Peter is the director of a further education college, and his students are learning how to use dangerous machinery. Andrew is the multifaceted sports teacher.

These two characters have very different ways of managing risk. Peter seeks to anticipate as much as possible: preparation, compliance, monitoring of anomalies, reporting and vigilance at all times. Andrew is a supporter of the ‘school of life’ and seeks, instead, to manage with the unexpected when it happens.

Although these two characters initially come into conflict, they eventually discover that a balance can be found between their complementary approaches.

In his Thoughts on Safety Culture, Philippe Balzer tells us a story that is the perfect illustration of the difference between rule-based safety and initiative-based safety.