THE SOFT MODEL FOR PROBLEM EXPLORATION With the SOFT model, the participants can examine an OHS problem from a system perspective. In brief, the model indicates that if you place the OHS problem in the middle of the model, it Exploring the problem will be formed and affected by the four system elements.
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S (Space): O (Organisation): F (Finance): T (Technology):
the physical space and its layout and design organisational structure financial matters technological systems and facilities
These four elements are interdependent. If you change one element, this will affect the other elements and may also require changes to them. 15 min.
Steps 1.
Complexity
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Place a SOFT template (preferably in A0 format) on a table or wall. You can also use a whiteboard directly. Have post-its and felt-tip pens ready. Ask the participants to write the problem in the middle of the model. Start with one ‘corner’, for example Space, and ask the participants whether there is anything in this corner that contributes to or causes the problem. Ask the participants to place post-its in the corner in question. When the participants have placed all their post-its, it is time to hear the individual participants explain their post-its. If there are many post-its, the participants may group them. Then proceed to the next corner. Do not skip a corner because it might not appear relevant. You can always be surprised!
Once the participants have been through all four corners, the roots and causes of the problem will have been systematical-
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11 • Tools 3 : Exploring problems
