Final answer:
Safety is a "dynamic non-event" because it entails continuous and proactive efforts to prevent accidents in potentially hazardous environments, and it often goes unnoticed due to its preventative nature, despite the significant work involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
Safety has been described as a "dynamic non-event" because it encompasses ongoing efforts to ensure that potential hazards do not result in accidents or incidents. This concept implies that in environments with potential risks, a great deal of work is required to maintain a state where nothing adverse happens. Reflecting on the concept that many human factors are related to workplace safety, it's important to understand that safety protocols and procedures need to be in place to prevent work-related injuries and ensure the protection of the public. Moreover, this entails adopting a precautionary principle where safety measures are taken even when cause and effect relationships are not fully understood scientifically, such as with the introduction of new chemicals.
For instance, scientists working with dangerous pathogens or toxic chemicals must adhere to strict guidelines to prevent harm to themselves or others. Similarly, engineers aim to design systems and structures that protect against natural catastrophes and mitigate risks associated with potential devastating events. Therefore, when humans are in a potentially hazardous environment, ensuring safety is a proactive, ongoing process that often goes unnoticed when it is effective – thereby being labeled a non-event, despite the significant work involved.