Introduction To
Visual Literacy
Understanding the challenges of effectively “Seeing”
Seeing More Effectively Requires A Systematic Approach
Research shows we may only see as little as 10% of what we look at: the remaining 90% is filled in by our brain based on memory and past experiences. This could mean that workers are missing up to 90% of the risks! Every day, we are bombarded with so much information that our senses – our vision in particular – exist in a state of constant overload. Being able to identify, interpret and act upon visual information within your environment – what we call Visual Literacy – is more crucial than ever in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Although conceived from a different context, the application of Visual Literacy has the potential to advance success across multiple layers of business. Driving significant improvement in safety. From the shop floor to the boardroom, across hazard awareness and pre-job analysis to risk decision-making, the strategic value of becoming more visually literate can help organizations achieve the next step-change improvement in safety performance. It’s what you see, what it means and what you do.
Visual Literacy Benefits
Career and Personal Development for EHS and Operations Staff
Invigorate Existing Programs
Innovation in advancing safety processes
Proactive hazard identification and resolution prior to incidents occurring
Learn more about COVE’s Introduction to Visual Literacy program in our program sheet.
Seeing More Effectively Requires A Systematic Approach
Organizations striving for continuous improvement in their safety results should consider integrating Visual Literacy into their health and safety programs.
Getting Started with Visual Literacy
At any given moment you may be seeing as little as 10% of what you think you’re seeing;
the remaining 90% is filled in by our brain. This inbuilt coping mechanism can inevitably lead to errors that are caused by bias, assumption, and miscommunication. And these errors can lead to serious injury or death.
Introduction to Visual Literacy Resources
Blog post
Moving Beyond Traditional Reactive Safety Programs: How To Be More Proactive In Safety
