have you ever wondered why, after a scare at work, alertness spikes but eventually fades, even if the danger lingers? Picture a factory worker: a minor accident jolts them into high alert. They check every machine, follow every rule to the letter. But weeks later, that tension slips away. Why? It’s not carelessness—it’s biology.
Neuroscience tells us the brain has its own patterns. When an accident happens, the amygdala sounds the alarm, the heart races, and the senses sharpen. But it can’t stay in overdrive forever. Hedonic adaptation calms us down, even when risks remain. If a loose cable never sparks trouble, the brain stops seeing it as a threat. Add in the optimism bias—“it won’t happen to me”—and the exhaustion of constant vigilance, and you’ve got a risky mix at work.
That’s where neurocoaching steps in, blending neuroscience and coaching to rewire how we handle safety. Rules and talks alone aren’t enough; we need to work with the mind. Neurocoaching helps workers spot their own complacency, trains their attention with tools like mindfulness, and uses emotions—like family well-being—to anchor prevention.
Workplace safety isn’t just about helmets and signs, Luis. It’s about understanding the brain and giving it tools to protect us. When someone says “nothing ever happens,” it’s not negligence—it’s biology. With neurocoaching, we can reprogram it to save lives.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Catch you soon.
Luis Gaviria
References:
Bechara, A., Damasio, H., & Damasio, A. R. (2000). Emotion, decision making and the orbitofrontal cortex. Cerebral Cortex, 10(3), 295-307.
Kringelbach, M. L., & Berridge, K. C. (2009). Towards a functional neuroanatomy of pleasure and happiness. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(11), 479-487.
Posner, M. I., & Rothbart, M. K. (2007). Research on attention networks as a model for the integration of psychological science. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 1-23.
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