James Pomeroy
Director – Global Health and Safety Leader
Arup
Safety in metaphor. If words create worlds, how does our choice and use of metaphor shape safety in the worlds we create?
Safety is socially constructed through our language. Words are central to how we make meaning in safety, and since the earliest accident models and theories, these worlds have been constructed using metaphors. Organizations define their safety vision using carefully chosen metaphors, when accidents occur. The explanations, causes and theories of failure are described metaphorically, and the ongoing debates on the differing methodologies to improve safety involve a battle for the most persuasive metaphor. But metaphors are not mere linguistic tools, they are fundamental to thought and our choice of metaphor alters the conception and understanding of an issue, and the interventions we make. We make meaning through metaphor.
This presentation will demonstrate how metaphor shapes and frames our understanding of safety and how the different explanations of accidents are conceived and understood metaphorically. It will explain how metaphors work in influencing meaning-making, and through examples, demonstrate how our understanding of different ideas and theories is framed and shaped by the words we use. The discussion will provide new insight and prompt reflection on the role of words in shaping meaning. Attendees will be provided with practical tools, reflections and a framework to consider how metaphors function within their work.
James Pomeroy has been involved in leading safety and risk management programmes internationally for over 30 years. He is currently the director of Global Health, Safety and Quality Management at the international engineering and design consultancy Arup. James has firsthand experience of managing EHS in a variety of high hazard sectors including marine, oil and gas, aerospace and industrial manufacturing.
He has a particular interest in using technology to improve safety outcomes. He has degrees in sustainable business, international environmental law, and safety and risk management, and a PhD candidate at Cranfield University. James is a Fellow of the UK safety and environmental bodies IOSH and IEMA.