WorkSafe recently created an innovation function, now headed up by Daniel Humemrdal. If you are wondering how you get a job title like ‘Head of Innovation, in Daniel’s case it was by working in aviation before deciding to become an organisational psychologist. Spending years working as a consultant in high-risk industries in both France and Australia also helped. Finally, being involved in the development and implementation of the Safety II and Safety Differently concepts was also a factor.
Daniel’s presentation at #COHSF2020 challenged Health and Safety professionals to ensure that health and safety practices meet the needs of end-users and make a difference.
Sadly, many of the traditional HSE activities don’t have a clear value addition to an organisation even though they are driven by the best of intentions. The list here was long and included things like audits, risk assessments and safe act observations.
Instead, Daniel believes that we need to focus on finding solutions through processes that involve ‘capturing the wisdom of the crowd’. He discussed how at WorksafeNZ they are using the Double Diamond innovation process to find inspiration in what people are facing at work, define the problems, ideate, and trial the most promising ideas. To get permission to trial new ideas it is critical to start small, be ready to pull the plug if something isn’t working, and then iterate and scale from there.
The ‘How Might We’, approach already seems to be paying off and it’s a matter of ‘watch this space’ when it comes to big business adopting the methodology. Hopefully, with guidance from the innovation team, it will be sooner rather than later.
The COHSF committee would like to formally thank Daniel for taking the time to come and speak to us about Worksafe and innovation and would welcome him back anytime.
QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS ON LIFE AND INNOVATION
1. What has been the highlight of your working career?
Working in my new role for WorksafeNZ.
2. What has been the hardest decision that you have had to make during your working career?
In Australia, I was talking with various groups about site safety and some important critical risk issues were raised. I had to work out how to respectfully raise the issues while maintaining the trust and confidentiality of the workers.
3. What was the hardest lesson that you have had to learn?
Don’t ask people for their ideas, unless you have set up a mechanism to develop and trial those ideas.
4. If you could go back to your first year in your professional role, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Take one idea, roll with it as far as you can and see what happens.
5. What advice would you give to people starting out in their health and safety career?
Fall in love with meeting the needs of people, not finding a solution.
6. What is the key message from your presentation?
Challenge the status quo.
7. What is the one thing you would like the audience to do when they leave the conference?
Go home and reflect on how HSE practitioners can add value, and be considered valuable.
GET IN CONTACT
Website: www.safetydifferently.com and www.owhiro.com
Email: Daniel.Hummerdal@worksafe.govt.nz