How Assumptions Shape Safety Conversations

Most safety failures originate from assumptions made well before an incident occurs.

“They know what they’re doing.”
“We’ve always done it this way.”
“That won’t happen here.”
“If it were a problem, someone would have said something.”

These often unspoken assumptions influence our conversations, decisions, and safety outcomes, yet they are seldom examined.

The Invisible Driver of Behaviour

In high-risk environments such as construction sites, film sets, factories, offices, and during daily commutes, safety extends beyond rules, procedures, or equipment. It is shaped by communication, comfort in speaking up, and beliefs about others.

Assumptions serve as an unseen filter, influencing:

• What we notice — and what we ignore
• What we question — and what we accept
• Who we listen to — and who we dismiss
• Whether we speak up — or stay silent

Assuming a contractor is highly experienced may prevent me from asking clarifying questions, even if something seems unsafe.
If I believe my manager does not welcome challenges, I may remain silent rather than raise concerns. If I assume production pressure always takes priority, I may accept shortcuts as standard practice.

On the road, we make similar assumptions:

• “That driver will indicate.”
• “They see me.”
• “I have time to beat the light.”

These assumptions are not malicious, but they can be dangerous.

Assumptions vs. Curiosity

A strong safety culture replaces assumptions with curiosity.

Instead of:

“They must have checked that.”

We say:

“How were the safety controls checked?”

Instead of:

“That’s just how it’s done here.”

We ask:

“Why do we do it this way — and is there a safer option?”

Instead of:

“They’ll be fine.”

We check:

“What could go wrong here, and how are we controlling it?”

On the commute, curiosity might look like:

• Slowing down rather than assuming others will
• Giving space instead of assuming the right of way
• Staying alert instead of assuming the road will be clear

Curiosity does not indicate distrust; it reflects a duty of care.

How Assumptions Silence Voices

Many serious incidents occur not because risks go unnoticed, but because individuals assume their input does not matter.

Common assumptions that shut down safety conversations:

• “I’m too junior to speak up.”
• “The supervisor will think I’m being difficult.”
• “They’ve done this a thousand times.”
• “We don’t have time for this discussion.”
• “Safety will slow us down.”

On the road, similar assumptions appear:

• “Everyone else is in a hurry like me.”
• “It’s fine to check my phone just for a second.”
• “I know this route, nothing will happen.”

When these beliefs prevail, risk becomes normalised. Small deviations become standard practice, near misses go unreported, warnings are ignored, and accidents begin to seem inevitable.

The Power of Better Questions

Better safety conversations begin with better questions:

• What are we assuming right now?
• What could we be missing?
• Who hasn’t been heard yet?
• What would we do differently if this went wrong?
• Would we be comfortable explaining this decision in an investigation?

For commuting, useful reflective questions include:

• What am I assuming about other drivers?
• Am I rushing — and why?
• What could go wrong in the next 30 seconds?
• Am I driving in a way I would defend to my family?

These questions shift the focus from speed to thoughtful action, and from assigning blame to encouraging learning.

Building a Culture that Questions Assumptions

Leaders set the tone both at work and in society. When leaders demonstrate humility by saying, “I might be wrong here,” others feel safer speaking up.

When leaders welcome questions as well as results, people understand that safety is valued.
When leaders treat near misses as learning opportunities rather than inconveniences, organisations become more resilient, not just fortunate.

The same principle applies on the road: choosing patience, giving space, and remaining aware sets a positive example for others.

Safety is a Conversation

At its core, safety is not just a document or policy; it is an ongoing dialogue.

It occurs in every toolbox talk, pre-start briefing, moment of hesitation before a risky decision, and every choice made behind the wheel.

The goal is not to eliminate all assumptions, as this is impossible. Instead, we aim to make them visible, test them, and remain open to changing our perspective. If assumptions go unchallenged, risk grows in the dark.

When assumptions are addressed openly, safety becomes a shared responsibility both at work and when commuting.