Every day, new menace flows from technology, from the unseeable the TikTok spy to the hurtlingly obvious but hard-to-duck - the pavement e-scooter.
Yet risk management is lagging. The overwhelming body of precautionary public notification occurs in situations where risk is low and avoidance is well nigh automatic.
"Mind the gap," says the train voice to embarking and disembarking passengers. They're in more danger from headbutting one another, as those getting off never leave enough space for those getting on. Yet the voice is not worried about bullrush concussion, but about the very slight chance of jamming oneself in the few inches between train and platform.
"You are approaching the end of this escalator. Please get ready to step off safely," is another infantilising injunction.
This story is from the April 15-21 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.
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This story is from the April 15-21 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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