In this Tech Talk, Arup director Tim Chapman challenges the civil engineering industry to think more deeply about its approach to risk. In doing so, he delves into the role of the Swiss cheese model and the importance of organisational culture.
Chapman also explains why engineers must think more proactively about safety, stressing the need to avoid adopting pathological and reactive attitudes.
Learning outcomes
After watching this video, you will:
- Understand the types of risks inherent in construction projects
- Understand how individual risks can add up to catastrophic failures
- Have an idea of the lines of defence against risks
- Know how the Swiss cheese model can help to mitigate risks and inform projects
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Linking our work back to the UN SDGs is a core part of the ICE’s plan and mission. This content ties in with the following SDGs:
- SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

- SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure


