What My Life Taught Me About Why People Don’t Follow Procedures

In this episode of the Women in Safety podcast, Alanna Ball shares a personal and thoughtful reflection on how life outside of work can shape the way people show up within it. Drawing on recent experiences of grief, family responsibility, and health challenges, she explores how personal change can affect focus, energy, judgement, and the ability to respond well to risk.

This episode brings a human lens to safety, reminding listeners that people do not arrive at work as blank slates. Alanna unpacks the impact of cognitive overload and emotional fatigue, and why these factors matter when organisations are introducing change, expecting compliance, or asking people to make important safety decisions in already demanding environments.

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Episode Highlights

• How personal change can affect focus, confidence, and safety decision-making

• The impact of grief, family pressure, and health issues on cognitive load at work

• Why cognitive overload and decision fatigue can increase risk and reduce compliance

• The importance of recognising the human realities people carry into the workplace

• How empathy can strengthen change management and improve safety outcomes

• Why simplified systems and clearer communication are essential during times of pressure or change

• The need for organisations to consider emotional capacity, not just process and performance

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This episode is a reminder that safety is deeply connected to the human experience. Alanna highlights that when people are carrying stress, grief, or major life change, their capacity to absorb information, make decisions, and respond to change may be reduced. For safety professionals and leaders, the message is clear: empathy is not separate from safety, it is part of it. By simplifying processes, communicating clearly, and leading with greater understanding, organisations can create safer and more supportive environments for the people doing the work.

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