Cristian Sylvestre

Up until 10 years ago—before neuroscience discoveries became mainstream—people in safety only had a partial picture of what drove behavior. The common (and incomplete) view was that all behavior was conscious or could be made to be, especially if it involved something as important as safety.

The latest discoveries in neuroscience are reshaping our understanding of human decision-making and behavior. But even though the information is more available, a lot of companies still fail to see how human factors can be managed within their companies. A better understanding of what is going on inside people’s heads enables companies to help their workers make safer decisions and influence their behavior to be safer.

There is plenty of science showing that most decisions originate in the subconscious. Habits are often created unconsciously and they are carried out automatically. In fact, the majority of what we do we have done before, so we do it in an automated fashion to some extent.

Are our habits always “safe”? Research shows they feel safe, but hardly ever are. Without knowing how the human brain functions, it is difficult to help people reshape habits or decisions that would help them be safer and get hurt less.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered the last line of defense when all other lines have failed. By adding the human brain to the list of PPE, Cristian will demonstrate how a neuroscience-based leadership approach can influence the way everyone thinks about safety. Learn how physiological changes in our brains and helping people build good habits can help them make safer decisions.