On Wednesday 25^th February, CATCH held the latest meeting of the CATCH Human Factors Network at The Ashbourne Hotel, Killingholme.

Expertly chaired by Chris Marron, Competence Framework Lead, Dr Reddy’s, the meeting saw over 20 delegates join both in-person and online to hear from guest speaker Johnny Mitchell, Occupational Psychologist, Caspian Psychology Ltd.

Following introductions within the room, Johnny began by explaining his background, and how it had now landed him to be working with a number of companies, namely Mosaic, Tkit and Kestrel on the application of behavioural science to safety and quality.

Johnny began by providing delegates with a breakdown of behavioural science, and how it’s use and application is more strategic than nudges which are more tactical. Johnny went on to explain how by mapping out procedures within companies allows for a better determination of which stage of the procedure is more susceptible to behaviour modification through evidence-based interventions, nudges and system interventions.

Johnny then went on to provide a breakdown of Decision Information, Decision Structure and Decision Assistance, and how using them as consideration for nudges can lead to increased effectiveness. Johnny then progressed on to an explanation surrounding the ethics of nudges, social norms, the power of defaults and how reducing friction and restructuring of the environment can lead to increased safety and noticeably improved desired behaviours.

Following a short coffee break, Johnny then encourage delegates to partake in an interactive quiz, designed to both test knowledge surrounding the topics previously covered, and encourage delegates to share their experiences and network in a relaxed environment. Following the interactive exercise, the delegates were able to utilise the Kestrel Behavioural Science for Safety and Quality Test System, working collaboratively to determine behaviours, restrictions and solutions that are witnessed within their own workplaces.

The session provided an insight not only to the shared behaviours that occur across a multitude of industries but enabled essential brainstorming between colleagues all working within Human Factors and Safety within their respective companies.

Johnny closed the session with a summary of behavioural science within quality and safety, as well as a round-up of the ways in which nudges and the systems he has developed can be used.

The next meeting of the CATCH Human Factors Network will be held on the Wednesday 15^th July, and will be a joint event with the CATCH Major Hazards Network. The network will be held at CATCH and exhibition space is available for purchase.

For more information about the CATCH Human Factors Network, as well as our other membership networks, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.