In the modern workplace, safety is a paramount concern that significantly impacts employees’ well-being and an organisation’s overall productivity. However, approaches to safety vary widely. On one hand, safety can be positioned as a force for good, emphasising its inherent value and benefits. On the other hand, safety can manifest as ritualistic adherence to protocols … Read more
Let’s be honest—safety isn’t typically seen as a highly desirable profession. Too often, we’re perceived as party-spoilers—people who dictate how work should be done without fully understanding the intricacies of the job. This perception undermines our credibility and influence in the workplace. Yet, as safety practitioners, we know the value of our role. Our work … Read more
Workplace culture has a powerful influence on safety, yet it’s often misunderstood. The term “culture” is frequently used without a clear definition, and its impact on workplace behaviour—particularly safety—is rarely explored in depth. As a result, many safety professionals struggle to grasp how cultural dynamics shape daily decision-making. So, they do nothing. When it comes … Read more
The traditional Hierarchy of Controls (HoC) can be misleading for safety practitioners. Many find it challenging to implement higher-order controls, such as engineering solutions, and instead default to administrative measures. This often happens for several reasons: higher-level controls may not be obvious, the person managing risk mitigation may lack engineering expertise, or there is simply … Read more