Culture of Change. The Role of Neurobiology and Physiological Characteristics of Personnel in Ensuring Safe Thinking and Behavior

Neurobiology and Safety Culture: Hidden Behavioral Factors

The development of a safety culture in production traditionally relies on management systems, regulations, and technological solutions. However, Evgeny Parygin, Head of the Institute of Safety Culture Representatives at SNIIP Rosatom, suggests looking at the problem from a different angle — through the prism of neurobiology and the biochemistry of the human body. In conditions of constant change and stress, it is physiological reactions that determine the ability of personnel to think critically and act safely.

The speaker analyzes how stressful situations trigger a cascade of biochemical reactions that affect employee behavior. The release of neurotransmitters and hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, occurs unconsciously and instantly, blocking rational thinking. Understanding these mechanisms allows managers not just to demand compliance with rules, but to create an environment where safe behavior becomes a natural consequence of the team's favorable psychophysiological state.

The Impact of Stress on Cognitive Functions and Immunity

The presentation details the mechanism of distress impact on the worker's body. Severe stress not only reduces concentration but also has a destructive effect on the immune system, reducing its effectiveness over the long term. This explains the connection between chronic burnout and serious illnesses.

The speaker provides impressive data: under the influence of stress, memory can deteriorate by up to 40%, intelligence by up to 50%, and motor reaction speed slows down by 30-40%. Critical thinking shuts down completely in such moments. This means that even a highly qualified specialist, after a conflict or severe emotional shock, temporarily loses the ability to make adequate decisions, which is critically important in hazardous production.

The Biochemistry of Emotions: From Cortisol to Dopamine

Evgeny Parygin demonstrates by example how various hormones and neurotransmitters shape our state. Cortisol is responsible for anxiety, adrenaline stimulates activity, and dopamine is associated with the pleasure of novelty and achievements. Serotonin, contrary to popular belief, does not so much stimulate pleasure as it neutralizes negative emotions.

Understanding this balance provides the key to state management. If an employee experiences negative emotions, it is important to compensate for them with situations that stimulate the production of pleasure hormones. Creating favorable working conditions is not just a social initiative, but a scientifically sound method of reducing risks and increasing personnel loyalty, which is confirmed by the statistics of implementing safety culture tools.

Practical Methods for Overcoming Acute Stress

The speaker offers specific physiological techniques for quickly stopping a stress reaction. One of the most effective methods is holding your breath for the maximum time. This technique "tricks" the brain: the need for oxygen becomes a priority, and the anxiety center turns off, stopping the release of cortisol. Subsequent physical activity, such as walking up the stairs, helps to "burn" the already released stress hormone in the muscles.

The Genetics of Leadership and the Selection of Managers

In the Q&A session, Evgeny Parygin touches on the topic of leadership from a genetic perspective. The ability to be a leader is largely determined by innate temperament and the characteristics of the neuroendocrine system. Not everyone, regardless of training, is capable of becoming an effective leader. It is important to identify "bright" leaders prone to balanced decisions and develop their potential using special tools.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How do biochemical processes in the brain affect the ability to follow safety rules?
• Why does severe stress make a highly qualified specialist temporarily incompetent?
• How to create a favorable environment that reduces cortisol levels in employees?
• What physiological techniques help quickly stop a panic attack or acute stress in the workplace?
• Can any employee be taught to be a safety leader, or is it an innate quality?