Creating a passion for safety vs. management oversight and inspection

Abstract

I was disappointed with the OSHA report of the South Canyon Fire. My feelings are not the result of any need to defend my agency (USDA Forest Service). In another time and place, I thought the OSHA report following the death of Bill Martin (a smokejumper who died in a training jump) was right on target. In that instance I was disappointed with my agency's response. But that is not the case with this OSHA report. The bottom line is that the report will not help prevent future loss of life. The report is a quick fix aimed at what Argyris (1990) calls "single-loop learning" and is counterproductive to creating a passion for safety.

Citation

Saveland, Jim. 1995. Creating a passion for safety vs. management oversight and inspection. Wildfire. 4(3): 38-41.