Whenever a new machine is installed at work and put into operation, I’m always surprised at how quickly people seem to think they know everything about it: how it works, how to turn it on and off, and how to troubleshoot problems.
You never need a manual, let alone operating instructions. Because it’s perfectly clear how the machine works. There are no risks, and (it seems) minimal training is required.
I don’t believe a word of it.
When I buy a device as a private individual, I hate reading the manual too, and I always try to figure it out without it first. But often I have no choice but to give in. Because it doesn’t work, I don’t understand it, or something goes wrong.
It might also be because men invented them. Sometimes I’m genuinely amazed by the design of a device—it’s so clunky! And then I think: it must be because I’m a woman. It’s bound to be!
Anyway, back to the workplace. After all, wouldn’t all of this apply just as much to a machine purchased for professional use?
Yes, those machines have their glitches too. It’s often unclear how to operate the device, so people try all sorts of tricks to get it working. And if that doesn’t work? Then they first call someone who might have another idea. Only then do they look for the manual.
There are undoubtedly highly intelligent machine builders who can design machines intuitively. And there are certainly smart employees who immediately understand how such a machine works. But generally speaking, these are the exceptions.
Most of us just need good training and guidance.
Intuition
Another area where people like to rely on intuition is software. I’m referring specifically to HSE software here, but this applies to virtually all types of software.
A computer system should be designed to be easy to use and to help you achieve your goals. Unfortunately, this ideal situation is rare.
You often find yourself trying to figure out the software system, rather than the system figuring you out. You help the system do what you need help with, and along the way, it becomes less and less clear what exactly it was you were trying to achieve in the first place.
And that’s a shame
After all, data helps us understand what’s happening, and that, in turn, leads to making plans to improve. Provided we capture the right information.
But perhaps we should start at the end: what exactly are we trying to understand? And based on the answer to that question, we can work backward to determine what information we need.
This way, we avoid spending all our time entering data into a system that ultimately doesn’t do anything with it.
A system should help, not get in the way
When HSE software provides clarity, offers insights, and saves time, it creates space for what really matters: working safely and healthily. That’s why I believe in solutions that provide support without adding to the regulatory burden.
