Safe Danger™

Managing Risks Responsibly

All jobs and endeavors contain elements of risk. By adopting the right approach, however, you can virtually eliminate worst-case scenarios and mange the risks responsibly to ensure a long and healthy career.

Being a professional performer, acrobat, and juggler of dangerous implements has given me an interesting perspective on managing risk.

From an outside perspective, this might seem like “daredevil behavior,” as if I am purposely inviting disaster. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Those who make their livelihoods in the business of “danger” are some of the most safety conscious people I’ve ever met. That’s because they must be.

High performers, specifically those who must embrace certain, very real risks in order to succeed, must be ultra aware of their environments. They must develop complete mastery of their skills. They must also learn how to avoid or minimize the most risky aspects.

What we are looking for is not just a one-time “stunt,” but rather a sustainable career. And longevity requires a different mindset and level of discipline.

• Understand the purpose behind your performance.
• Develop the knowledge and skills required to be successful.
• Identify the risks, consequences, and likelihood of experiencing those negative aspects. Would it be tolerable or devastating?
• Isolate the highest risk elements of a given task or skill, then learn as much as you can about those specific aspects.
• Learn essential skills in a safe environment, removing the most dangerous element from the scenario.
• Learn to fail safely.
• Adopt systems, routines and daily disciplines to reduce the caution factors. Remove the biggest risks completely and reduce the unavoidable risks to a minimum level.
• Never stop learning. Continuous improvement is a conscious choice.
• Rest when necessary.
• Develop a performer’s mindset of focus, precision, and execution.
• Go slow to go fast. Avoid rushing and instead, be certain that you are following a smart plan of action. Get it right the first time.
• Master the tools and the technology that will help you ensure safety.

Longevity requires a high commitment to safety and a dedication to ongoing education. I will not be successful in the future if I simply attempt to coast on my current momentum or past experiences.

The concept of “No Coasting” relates perfectly to one of my favorite pastimes: Off road (or mountain) unicycling. This sport (nicknamed MUNI, for mountain-unicycle) demands incredible focus and determination, as well as sheer physical effort. It is, obviously, not without risks. However, it is a great opportunity to illustrate how one can manage risks responsibly.

Clarify Your Purpose

The first step I suggested was to understand your purpose, or reasons behind your actions. In this case, I MUNI because:

1. It is a great way for me to hyper-train (train beyond my required performance levels) my skill of riding the unicycle.
2. It is an incredible workout, both up and downhill. No coasting!
3. It is actually safer in some respects than mountain biking, principally because you are traveling at a lower maximum speed.
4. It demands extreme focus, so offers a great “escape,” as well as a chance to hone powers of concentration and rapid decision-making.
5. Friendship – This is an activity I enjoy with a lifelong friend.

Identify the Skills Required

Balance (in every direction)

Strength (legs and core muscles)

Endurance (Cardio Vascular Fitness)

Heightened Awareness – Early Detection of Obstacles (roots, rocks, climbs, descents, creeks, and variable terrain)

Rapid Decision Making (handling each obstacle differently, according to the challenge)

Identify and Address the Biggest Risks

Injuries typically result from “unplanned dismounts,” including:

• Head injury
• Strained or broken wrists (from catching yourself)
• Hand injury
• Strained or pulled muscles

It’s essential to maintain your equipment and ensure it is functioning properly. It’s also useful to have a complete First Aid kit handy, as well as a “buddy,” in case of any incident.

Learn to Fail Safely

Obviously, you wouldn’t attempt this sport if you had not first mastered the skill of unicycling on a smooth and level surface. But, beyond that, you need to learn to fail, that is, FALL in the safest manner:

You can anticipate the “unplanned dismount” and land on your feet.

Or, when you have too much momentum, you may end up having to “roll out” of your dismount. Let’s look at that again. You must make decisions quickly and react properly. Notice how I protect my wrists and head by using my forearms to take the impact.

Don’t try this at home!

What does this Mean to You?

In the same way I prepare, practice, and focus on each performance (whether on stage or off road), you can approach the risks inherent to your job in a safe and responsible way.

• First, Own the risks that come with your job. You are completely responsible for your actions and the outcome.
• Clarify the purpose behind your work. What is it you are seeking to do, exactly? Why is this important?
• Learn all you can about the nature of the risks that are a part of your job.  Read accident reports. Learn more than you think you need to know. And continue learning every day. Make that part of your daily discipline.
• Employ specific routines and strategies (as directed by your procedures and protocols) to eliminate the biggest risk factors AND reduce the other factors to their absolute minimum.
• Go slow and get it right. Understand that every situation is unique and must be thoroughly studied and understood.
• Take care of your self. Get adequate rest. Stay healthy and fit.
• Keep your head in the game. Injuries and accidents happen when you are distracted. So you must stay focused when you are taking on risk.

Follow these guidelines, and you are far more likely to stay safe and succeed as you take on even the most exciting challenges!