Ignorance is Bliss (?)

Image via WikipediaThere is a model for learning called "conscious competence" - Go ahead and read the article, google the term and you'll see many dissertations of its application. Simple summary: there are four general areas: "I know what I know", "I know what I don't know", "I don't know what I know", and "I don't know what I don't know". This last one (first in the stages of learning) I find is the most dangerous in the corporate world. Many people who "don't know they don't know" operate under the assumption that they do, in fact, know. We see this all the time in procurement where end-users believe they know how to buy the goods & services they 'want', and believe procurement and legal advisors are over-reacting to 'potential risks & consequences'.

I was reminded of this on a recent exchange between individuals on a local freecycle.org page. The premise of freecycle is to keep items out of the landfills by offering it for free to anyone willing to come pick it up. Last week someone posted 2 child car seats, stating he just saw them at the side of the road with a free sign on them. After people raised concerns over the age & safety of the seats, his reply was "Despite concerns over the safety of older model car seats (that, IMO, deal with retail sales), the two seats had been picked up by someone this morning" That started a few more public emails flying about talking to insurance companies, Fire departments, or Emergency staff about what happens when old/expired car seats are used. Basically, it became a debate of "opinions".

What absolutely, no-one mentioned (publicly at least) was the fact, we here in Canada have a law that covers garage sales and giving away of certain items, including car seats:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/prod/used-usages-eng.php

"Under Canadian law, certain products cannot be sold or even given away if they do not meet the safety requirements of the Hazardous Products Act. The Act outlines safety requirements for certain consumer products, many of which are intended for use by children. The Hazardous Products Act and Regulations do not distinguish between new and used products."

The whole group, in how this discussion played out, were expressing (heated) opinions, but didn't know what they didn't know: the law. (The moderator now has the above links to update the local site guidelines).

The risk? "If you sell an item that is hazardous, you could be liable in a civil court of law." or, having to live with someone being hurt due to lack of safety information, or at the very least, an extended debate of opinions and 'flame war'.