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Cognitive Bias in OHS Investigation: The Biasing Power of Source Identity
Characteristics of the person sharing the information, such as affiliation with the decision-maker as an in-group, or cues that suggest credibility, such as experience can be biasing. Uncertainty, insufficient knowledge and limited cognitive resources because of such things as fatigue or time pressure can amplify the likelihood of bias as they lead decision-makers to depend more on easily accessible, yet potentially irrelevant, peripheral elements of a message.
OHS Investigation
The research has not carefully considered how an information source’s identity shapes OHS investigators’ judgments. However, individual influence has been explored as a way to bring about positive change in occupational safety, and applied research from the construction sector has shown how the identity of a source shapes employees' judgments of risk. Stacey M. Conchie and Calvin Burns found that employees rated safety personnel in their work environment the most trustworthy (i.e., UK HSE and safety managers) compared to other personnel (i.e., project managers and work colleagues). Safety personnel were also found to have the greatest influence on employees' behavioral intentions regarding risk.
Demonstrating the Power of the Person
The previous research demonstrates how source identity influences intentions in real work settings. It also shows that the identity of an information source has the potential to specifically bias the judgments of OHS investigators. To directly test this hypothesis, 40 professional investigators voluntarily participated in an online investigative activity. Their participation was completely anonymous and they could withdraw from the activity at any time without negative consequences.
Respondents were highly experienced. Prior to working in their current, high-profile, investigative role, all respondents had held investigative positions in other agencies. The team of investigators involved in this activity had a variety of backgrounds and training. The Public Safety Group were individuals with a law enforcement background (e.g., police, border services), the Industry Group had an industry background (e.g., occupational health and safety personnel from forestry, mining, fishing, etc. or prevention services), the Other Group was comprised of subject matter experts from disciplines such as hygiene, human factors and engineering.
This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.