Why “We’ve Always Done It This Way” Is the Most Dangerous Phrase in OHS.
Since 2001, I’ve been on the front lines of safety in some of the most demanding environments on earth—from massive Oil & Gas construction projects to the intricate engineering of Hydroelectric power.
Over 25 years, I’ve seen millions of dollars spent on training and compliance paperwork. Yet, the biggest hurdle to safety isn’t a lack of rules; it’s a dependence on the status quo. Too often, we treat safety as a “piece of paper” rather than a planning process. We know what to do, but we lack the empowerment or the authority to actually do it.
I founded Competent Sense to be the antidote to “common sense”. Common sense is subjective; Competent Sense is the integration of our deep training with real-world action. My mission is to help safety leaders move from compliance paperwork to true commitment on the line.
Safety isn’t about being a “Safety Dick” or stroking an ego—it’s about using our competence to make work smart and work safe.