ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the nature of problems as well as a number of problem-solving techniques that experience shows are helpful to follow to solve problems in a systematic and structured way, all of which is based on effective decision making. Decision making model is based on the Plan Act Do Review model that is well known to the safety profession, particularly as it is the basis of health and safety management systems. Brainstorming is a well-known technique that is often used in group settings to record people's spontaneous ideas to solve a problem. Carrying out a SWOT analysis for each possible solution you have identified helps to compare and contrast them with a view to determine the right one to go with. Those completing safety courses in higher education will learn such techniques albeit applied to their learning rather than the subject matter, and other people just describe problem solving as something they do naturally.