Unsafe working practices often stem from a desire to get things done quickly. As we all know if we think about it, this is often faulty thinking. Setting a proper mindset is a better approach to being productive. This may mean considering safety at a basic stage of concept design or deciding to become a surreptitious leader to influence your work team and set a safety culture. Start now; don’t just let it simmer in your mind. Happy Reading.
How Engineering Firms Balance Safety Measures and Cost
Engineers have a duty to minimize harm. However, this is not absolute. One could limit car speeds to 5 kph to protect pedestrians, but the cost to society would be disproportionate to the risk reduction. This implies a need for a well reasoned argument as to what is practicable.
IMechE News, November 2024
How to Lead Without Being a Manager
"We think we know what people want, but they might expect something else." Most people with whom we work, including contractors, clients and bosses, are not below us on a corporate chart. Here are 5 tips on how to steer even if no one hands you the wheel.
IMechE News, February 2025
New Paper Batteries Biodegrade in Six Weeks, Offer Safer Energy Storage
Paper straws suck, or don't suck very well, or at least they cause you not to suck. Would paper batteries be any better? They are apparently "cutting edge," which doesn't sound safe because at least paper straws are too damp to ever give you a paper cut.
Interesting Engineering, January 2025
How to Finally Break Your Procrastination Habit, Explained by a Psychologist
Apparently procrastinators tend to be hard on themselves. Don't be. Even pigeons procrastinate! What they procrastinate doing though, I don't know. Distracting thoughts aside, seemingly the antidote to procrastination is to get in touch with your future self.
Science Focus, January 2025