The Dirty Dozen: The Hidden Dangers of Norms

In this article, we dive into NORMS and examine how unwritten rules and behaviours can negatively affect the safety culture if they deviate from the protocols.

Human Factors

This article series sheds light on the 12 most common causes of human error, known as the Dirty Dozen (article 3 of 12).

Norms refer to the informal and often unwritten rules, behaviours, and habits that develop within organisations or teams over time. Norms can be healthy in the sense that they promote efficiency and cohesion. But they can also pose great dangers if “the way we do things around here” deviates from established safety protocols or regulations.

Every workplace has norms. But when the norms conflict with formal training or company SOP’s, they undermine the safety an operational integrity of the organisation.

Breaking the Bad Habits

Complacency. Errors. Risk of accidents.

These are all potential consequences of norms – or bad habits.

But organisations can do something to actively mitigate the negative effects of norms in the workplace:

Raise awareness and educate the employees about the impact of norms on safety and performance through regular training and workshops.
Foster a just culture that encourages reporting of unsafe norms and safety issues without fear of punishment.
Establish formal procedures and standards that are easy to follow and replace unsafe and informal practices and behaviours.
Conduct regular audits and monitor the daily operation to identify and address norms that conflict with best practices and established safety protocols.
Create an open environment where employees feel comfortable and confident asking questions, providing feedback, and speaking up.
Make sure that managers and supervisors lead the ‘good example’ and consistently follow and promote a positive and safe conduct which sets the standard for the entire organisation.

Organisations should make an effort to address norms and align them with best practices. Regular training, open communication, and inspirational leadership are essential factors when fostering a culture that prioritises safety over norms.