Corrie Pitzer
Corrie Pitzer
CEO
Safemap International
Relentless Readiness – A model for safety, but not for the fainthearted
The “New View” of safety has introduced transformative approaches to risk management, emphasizing adaptability and resilience. However, recent trends show the resurgence of outdated practices, such as the Energy Wheel and rebranded variations of Cardinal/Golden Rules, such as Sticky’s and HECA’s. These approaches risk undermining progress by perpetuating a narrow focus on engineering solutions while neglecting the human element and the aspirational drive that has historically propelled human achievement.
This presentation critiques the passive acceptance of mediocrity under the guise of inevitability, challenging the notion that human error must lead to systemic failure. Instead, it advocates for a new definition of safety: Relentless Readiness—a proactive state where culture, practices, and systems are continuously prepared to respond dynamically to emerging risks. It is the flip side of Chronic Unease.
‘Relentless Readiness for Risk (or R3) – as a definition, model and system, integrates the structured discipline of Safety I with the adaptive flexibility of Safety II, creating a hybrid approach that bridges the gap between prevention and resilience. It equips organizations with real-time risk management capabilities while fostering a culture of aspiration and peak performance. R3 redefines safety as an active pursuit of excellence, offering a robust framework for organizations aiming to thrive in uncertain and complex environments.
Corrie has worked in the industry for the last 30 years, initially as the Group Human Resources Manager for Impala Platinum and then as the Group Risk Manager for Gencor in South Africa, from 1986 to 1993.
He founded Safemap in 1994 and worked in Australia where he became one of the leading safety consultants on safety transformation, largely in the mining industry. In 2004, he moved to Canada and from there, consults internationally.
Corrie is a well-known speaker at many safety conferences around the world, including as the regular keynote at NSC Congress, the USA’s largest annual safety conference.
Expertise
Corrie specializes in safety transformation in high-risk organizations and is regarded as one of the leading specialists in his field. Many international corporations utilize his expertise on human performance, risk management and safety leadership, including De Beers, Nike, Southern Company and many more. He recently developed/facilitated an extensive 2-year global project for Anglo American on the Elimination of Fatalities.
Qualifications
He holds the following qualifications: Bachelor and Honours of Arts (Industrial Psychology), Honours in Business Administration (Cum Laude), Master in Business Administration, Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education and is a registered Psychometrist. He is also qualified as an Underground Miner.