How assumptions shape safety conversations

Safety conversations are shaped as much by what we assume as by what is actually said.

In this follow-on webinar brought to you by the IOSH Public Services Community, we welcome Karin Ovari who will build on the foundations of conversational mastery by revisiting ‘State’ and exploring how assumptions influence judgement, behaviour, and engagement in safety-critical conversations.

You will examine how thoughts and feelings affect what we notice, the stories we tell ourselves, and the conclusions we draw, often in seconds. In high consequence environments, these assumptions can unintentionally shut down dialogue, increase defensiveness, or lead to missed risk signals.

This practical session introduces assumptions as a professional reality, not a problem to eliminate. You will learn how to recognise common assumption patterns, understand their link to state, and make small, intentional shifts that support clearer thinking, stronger engagement, and safer conversations.

This webinar is open to IOSH members and non-members.