Safety and Security

Pablo Mathis

/ˈseɪfti ænd sɪˈkjʊərɪti/

Timeframe: 01/01/1945 – 03/06/1989

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) · Arms Control & Disarmament

Key Insights

• Accidents vs. Intent: In professional contexts, Safety refers to protection against unintentional hazards or accidents (e.g., wearing a helmet), while Security refers to protection against intentional threats or malice (e.g., guards against theft).
• Systemic Overlap: In critical infrastructure, the two are inseparable; a security breach (a hack) can lead to a safety failure (an explosion).
• Human Factor: Both rely on "culture"—a strong safety/security culture ensures that protocols are followed even when no one is watching.

Documents: 📄 Full Publication (PDF)