Safety First

The article discusses the concept of "safety first" within tech companies, particularly in software development. The author, Lorin Hochstein, argues that while the slogan suggests prioritizing safety, the reality is that production pressures often undermine this ideal. Hochstein proposes that a truly safety-first company would allow engineers to extend project deadlines automatically, without questioning or consequences, to ensure safer work practices. However, he acknowledges that management might resist this idea, fearing it would lead to constant delays and hinder productivity. The author concludes that safety is never truly prioritized in organizations; it is always balanced against other competing factors, leading to difficult trade-offs. This ongoing tension means that engineers often face pressure to meet deadlines, which can compromise safety. Hochstein emphasizes the importance of recognizing this dynamic, especially when evaluating decisions made during production changes.

- The concept of "safety first" is often undermined by production pressures in tech companies.

- A truly safety-first approach would allow engineers to extend deadlines without consequences.

- Management concerns about productivity may prevent the implementation of safety-first policies.

- Safety is always a trade-off against other organizational factors, not an absolute priority.

- Engineers often face conflicting pressures that can compromise safety in their work.