Complexity increasing faster than general knowledge may be true, however, it is much easier for me to do assess safety with a search online for "death rate of copper vs coal miners" than it was in less complex times.
General knowledge has made people aware of complexities that warrant some investigation or questioning, before participating.
it is easier for you to assess safety with a search online than it was decades ago, it may be true, but complexity increases faster than general knowledge (much less specific knowledge), thus outweighing that
imagine having to become an absolute expert in cars and mechanics before buying a car, so you know of every possible corner that can be cut manufacturing a car and can check on it
or the same for construction when dealing with contractors you hired: now you need to know everything about construction to not get screwed
General knowledge has made people aware of complexities that warrant some investigation or questioning, before participating.