The Haz Mat Guys

The Haz Mat Guys


THMG431 – The Psychological Hurdles of HM Techs – Part 4

February 09, 2024

Well here we are. The rabbit hole that took Bob on quite the chase. 10 Psychological fallacies that we may encounter and deal with. In this episode we go for AUTHORITY BIAS and AVAILABILITY HEURISTIC.


Also, March 6, 2024 at 1930 Est is the first long form episode of the After Action Report Podcast featuring Phil McArdle which will be streaming on Facebook and YouTube. Comments will be on!

 

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode:

Industrial Emergency Council (IEC)

Providing great training for great folks. Check them out here.

 

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Episode Summary

In this engaging episode, our hosts dive deep into the intricacies of hazmat training and the psychological barriers that professionals may encounter. Featuring lively discussions, expert guest insights, and practical advice, this part of the series sheds light on authority bias and the availability heuristic, two crucial cognitive biases that can significantly impact decision-making and critical thinking in high-risk environments.


Segment Breakdown and Timestamps

  • Introduction and Hazmat Training Insights (00:00:18 - 00:01:26)
  • The hosts kick off the episode with a casual greeting, quickly transitioning into a robust discussion on enhancing hazmat training programs. They emphasize creating engaging, hands-on experiences that aim for both professional and personal growth.
  • Upcoming Events and Announcements (00:01:41 - 00:03:40)
  • The conversation shifts to upcoming training sessions, live shows, and a detailed overview of the conferences and events the hosts will be attending or participating in across various states.
  • Guest Introduction: Rick Emery (00:01:52 - 00:02:28)
  • The hosts introduce their guest, Rick Emery, setting the stage for a detailed after-action report discussion on a recent training event and what attendees can look forward to in future sessions.
  • Diving into Cognitive Biases (00:04:17 - 00:24:49)
  • The bulk of the episode is dedicated to dissecting two significant cognitive biases: authority bias and the availability heuristic. The hosts, along with their guest, delve into examples, implications, and strategies to mitigate these biases in hazmat operations and training.


Key Moments and Discussions

  • Customizing Training for Maximum Engagement (00:00:31)
  • Highlighting the importance of customizing training to meet team potential and delivering an immersive learning experience.
  • Impact of Authority Bias on Decision Making (00:04:33 - 00:08:15)
  • A thorough analysis of how authority bias can hinder critical thinking and the value of promoting skepticism and independent research.
  • The Availability Heuristic in Hazmat Contexts (00:16:55 - 00:24:49)
  • Discussion on how easily recalled examples can skew perception of risks and decisions, with practical tips for counteracting this bias.


Resource Links and References

  • Hazmat training services: hazmateyes.com/hireus


Guest Information

  • Rick Emery, a renowned hazmat training expert and guest for this episode, shared invaluable insights from his extensive experience.


Concluding Summary and Call to Action

The episode wraps up with a recap of the critical discussions on overcoming psychological hurdles in hazmat training and operations. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their decision-making processes and to continuously seek improvement and education in their professional journeys.


Call to Action: Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and share your thoughts and experiences with us on our social media channels. Stay informed, stay safe, and keep pushing the boundaries of your hazmat training and operations.


hazardous materials training, psychological hurdles in emergency response, professional growth in hazmat, authority bias in decision making, availability heuristic in hazmat operations, critical thinking in emergency situations, overcoming biases in training, engaging hazmat training programs, decision making in hazardous materials incidents, hazmat training customization, real-world examples in hazmat training, skepticism and questioning in emergency response, source diversification in training, statistical data analysis in hazmat, structured decision making tools in emergency management