"Quiet on set!": Why mistakes happen in high risk environments (and simple things you can do to avoid them)

Why mistakes happen in high-risk environments, and why discipline is so vital when working on a stunt, or when waiting around for hours a film set.  Let's understand the behavioural and social dynamics that lead to the issues, and also what individuals can do to improve their focus and achieve better when waiting around or the hours get long. Deep dive time, so get ready to focus...

High-risk environments, such as those found on a film set during stunt work, require a high degree of discipline and attention to detail. The consequences of even a small mistake in such an environment can be catastrophic, leading to injury or even death. Unfortunately, mistakes can and do happen, and they often stem from a combination of human error, boredom, lack of discipline, and attention or focus failures.

​In the case of stunt work on a film set, discipline and attention to detail are essential for ensuring the safety of performers and crew members. One small mistake in a stunt can result in serious injury or even death. In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are specific challenges associated with stunt work that can increase the risk of mistakes, such as the need to perform complicated maneuvers in a highly choreographed and precise manner.

To minimize the risk of mistakes in stunt work, individuals must maintain a high degree of discipline and focus. This includes adhering to established safety protocols, performing regular safety checks, and staying alert and focused during rehearsals and performances. It also involves maintaining physical and mental health through proper nutrition, hydration, and rest.

Let's explore some common causes that are upstream of mistakes and accidents and often seen in accident investigation as being the ultimate cause or trigger of an unforeseen event:

1. ​Human error is a common factor in accidents and mistakes in high-risk environments. Even highly trained professionals can make mistakes under certain conditions, such as when they are fatigued or stressed. In addition, the complexity of many tasks in these environments can make it difficult to remember all the necessary steps or to stay focused on the task at hand. One small mistake can quickly lead to a chain reaction of errors, which can have devastating consequences.
   
   
2. Boredom is another factor that can lead to mistakes in high-risk environments. In many cases, the work involved in such environments can be monotonous or repetitive, leading to a lack of engagement and attention. When individuals become bored, they may start to lose focus or engage in distracting behaviours, which can increase the risk of mistakes.
   
   
3. Lack of discipline is also a common issue in high-risk environments. Discipline involves adhering to established procedures and protocols, even when they may seem unnecessary or time-consuming. In high-risk environments, however, those procedures are often in place for a reason, such as to minimize risk or ensure safety. Failing to follow established procedures can increase the risk of mistakes and accidents.
   
   
4. ​Attention and focus failures are another major contributor to mistakes in high-risk environments. When individuals are required to maintain focus for extended periods of time or to perform complex tasks, they may become fatigued or overwhelmed, leading to lapses in attention or focus. These lapses can result in critical errors or mistakes, even in highly trained professionals.

So, why is it that when we know something is important to us and others, we can loose focus on it? That makes no sense. Is it a lack of care or is there an external dynamic that's taken our focus away?

There are several possible reasons why individual focus can decrease and distractions can increase in larger groups:

1. Social facilitation: When people are surrounded by others, they may feel motivated to perform better and impress their peers. However, this can also increase their arousal level, which can make it harder to concentrate on the task at hand.
   
   
2. Social loafing: When people are in a larger group, they may feel less accountable for their individual performance and may therefore exert less effort. This can lead to a decrease in motivation and focus.
   
   
3. Group polarization: When people are in a group, they tend to conform to the norms and attitudes of the group, which can lead to more extreme opinions or behaviors. This can result in distractions such as side chats or off-topic discussions.
   
   
4. Cognitive overload: When people are in a larger group, they may be exposed to more information, opinions, and distractions, which can overload their cognitive capacity and reduce their ability to focus on the task at hand.

As for why people may engage in behaviors such as side chats or making jokes that they wouldn't do if they were alone, it could be due to social norms and the desire to fit in with the group. In a larger group, people may feel less self-conscious and more comfortable expressing themselves in ways that they might not in a one-on-one situation. Additionally, the presence of others can increase the level of arousal and excitement, which can lead to more spontaneous and impulsive behavior.

What about 'The Spotlight Effect'?
This is a very important contributor to accidents and incidents, where too much unconscious self-focus can contribute to attention failures in high-risk environments. In situations where an individual's immediate task does not require their full attention, they may become self-focused and forget to give others their attention. This can happen when individuals become too focused on their own thoughts or concerns for example, and then unconsciously or accidentally fail to pay attention to the needs of those around them.

This phenomenon is known as the "spotlight effect," and it occurs when individuals believe that others are paying more attention to them than they actually are. This can lead to a self-focused mindset, where individuals prioritize their own needs and concerns over those of others. In high-risk environments, this can be particularly dangerous, as it can lead to a lack of awareness of the actions and needs of others, which can increase the risk of mistakes and accidents.
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To avoid the spotlight effect and maintain a focus on the needs of others in high-risk environments, individuals can practice active listening and communication. This involves actively engaging with others, listening to their concerns, and asking questions to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, maintaining a sense of situational awareness can help individuals stay attuned to the needs of others and avoid becoming too self-focused.


So, is there a cascade or domino effect here?
Group dynamics also come into play as there can be a cascade effect when one person's behavior affects the behavior of others in a group.

For example, if one person in a group becomes distracted and starts engaging in off-topic conversations, this can create a domino effect where other members of the group also become distracted and start to lose focus. This can result in a chain reaction where the group's overall productivity and focus decreases.

This phenomenon is known as social contagion or social influence, and it can occur in various ways. For instance, if one person begins to disengage from the task at hand, others in the group may perceive that behavior as a signal that it is acceptable to do the same. Similarly, if one person starts to engage in a distracting behavior like using their phone, others may feel compelled to do the same.

Research has shown that social contagion can be a powerful force in groups, and it can have both positive and negative effects. For example, if one person in a group is highly motivated and focused, this can inspire others in the group to adopt similar behaviors and attitudes, leading to an overall increase in productivity and performance. Conversely, if one person is disengaged and distracted, this can spread to others in the group, leading to a decrease in overall performance.


Ways to better manage ourselves, to improve our ability to maintain focus and self-discipline:
There are several methods that individuals with a short attention span or issues maintaining focus can use to maintain their attention and self-discipline:

1. Stay hydrated and well-fed
   Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration can help increase energy levels and improve focus and attention.
2. Train your brain
   There is an increasing problem with short attention spans due to people's consumption of social media and the addiction to constant dopamine hits, a little like a chain-smoker who can't endure a long flight ... we train our brains to lack long-focus. There are many techniques you can use to improve your focus and unchain the unconscious habits  
3. Avoid distractions 
   Avoid potential distractions such as social media or unrelated conversations while on the film set. This can help maintain focus and reduce the risk of accidents or mistakes in high-risk environments like stunt performance.
4. Practice mindfulness 
   Mindfulness meditation or other mindfulness practices can help increase attention span and focus, as well as reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Take breaks and move around 
   Taking short breaks and moving around can help refresh the mind and body, and make it easier to maintain focus for longer periods of time.
6. Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks
   Instead of focusing on the entirety of a task or waiting for a long period of time on a film set, break the task down into smaller, more manageable parts. This can make it easier to stay focused and maintain attention for longer periods of time.
7. Set specific goals
   Set specific goals for each task or period of time on the film set. This can help provide a sense of purpose and direction, and make it easier to stay motivated and focused.
8. Use time management techniques 
   Use techniques like the Pomodoro method, which involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, to maintain focus and motivation.
   
   

By implementing these methods, individuals can improve their attention span, maintain focus, and increase their self-discipline, which can be particularly important in high-risk environments like film sets.

To summarise, mistakes in high-risk environments like stunt work on a film set can have devastating consequences. These mistakes can be caused by a combination of human error, boredom, lack of discipline, and attention or focus failures. To minimize the risk of mistakes, individuals must maintain a high degree of discipline and attention to detail, and follow established safety protocols. They must also stay alert, focused, and engaged during long periods of monotonous work