Page 24 - SyI Quarterly - Q3 and Q4 Edition 2023

Know your Institute
Know your Institute

Industrial Safety and

Protective Security: A

Cheese and Onion Flavour

By Frank Cannon CSyP FSyI

1. Introduction

Can an organisation’s safety and security practitioners work together to
help deliver the business plan objectives or organisational goals? Is there
a conflicting mindset between the two tradecrafts and why does safety
always appear more important than security? Is there a different mindset
or can the two converge to create an efficient strategy to provide a safe
and secure working environment?

This article will explore the recent evolution of both the industrial safety and protective security
professions, whilst assessing the merits associated with the safety based Swiss Cheese Model
and the Onion Skin Defence-in-Depth concept. It will conclude by suggesting that an infused
flavour may enhance the likelihood of business success.

2. The Evolution of Industrial Safety

The recent history of industrial safety evolution has seen significant advancements and changes in
practices, regulations, and technologies. Here is a summary of some key developments:

2.1. Shift from Reactive to Proactive Approach. In recent years, there has been a shift in focus
from reactive safety measures to proactive safety management. Organisations have recognised the
importance of identifying and mitigating hazards before accidents occur, leading to the adoption of
risk-based approaches, safety management systems, and proactive safety cultures.

2.2. Emphasis on Human Factors. There has been an increased recognition of the critical role of
human factors in industrial safety. Understanding human behaviour, decision-making, and the impact of
organisational factors on safety has become a prominent aspect of safety management. Human factors
engineering, behaviour-based safety programmes, and training initiatives aim to reduce human errors
and improve safety performance.

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