What is an Antonym for Complex?

Is it reasonable for The Safely Working Project to say we can develop a simple system? Several online dictionaries define “system” using the terms “complex” and “detailed.”  But further digging revealed a definition on BusinessDictionary.com applicable to Safely Working™:

1. An organized, purposeful structure that consists of interrelated and interdependent elements (components, entities, factors, members, parts etc.). These elements continually influence one another (directly or indirectly) to maintain their activity and the existence of the system, in order to achieve the goal of the system.

That works for us and reflects our intentions for the Safely Working System.  However, our commitment is to avoid complexity but, it is a slippery slope.  As we did recently with complexity, we performed a quick search on the Internet for “simplicity breeds…”  The results included happiness, satisfaction, clarity, success, performance and efficiency.  What a surprise.  We want to live there!

Anyway, we are designing the Safely Working System to be simple.  If it is perceived as complex or too detailed to be set-up and used by non-technical employees we’ve failed.  We are not programmed for failure!

The Safely Working System involves priorities, activities, skills, communication, supervision, and knowledge designed to promote a culture of employees working 100% safe 100% of the time.  This culture is referred to as a Safely Working Environment.  The goal of supporting a “Safety Culture” is not new and has been achieved by many organizations over the years.

As with any type of success, sustaining the culture is a challenge, if only from personnel and management changes.  Using Safe 6 as the focal point of a Safely Working™ Environment assures continuity of the safety culture.  Safe 6 encompasses all aspects of getting the job done.  It does not work in isolation to the task.  It is integral to the task.  Safe 6 provides a frame of reference for procedures, practices, plans and programs.

To be effective, Safely Working must be a value held by employees and supervisors.  Safely Working encourages employees to use Sensible Care, not depend upon common sense.  It is the employer’s responsibility to assure the Sensible aspect of Safely Working guidance and information through training and mentoring.  The Care aspect is the employee’s responsibility to use the guidance provided by the employer correctly and safely.

The Safely Working System can be implemented easily by organizations that don’t have an EHS department or safety professional.  By using the simple guidance developed by The Safely Working Project any size organization can build a Safely Working Environment.  Getting started requires little more than a commitment to Safe 6 and orienting employees to it.

An organization with an EHS department or safety professional can benefit significantly from incorporating The Safely Working System into their workplace.  It complements top down safety programs and simplifies training development and presentation.  Integrating the System can be accomplished by starting with a single process and rolling it out according to plan.

In either case, it is an effective tool for organizations to provide a workplace where each employee can work 100% safe 100% of the time.

(Originally published 9/21/15)