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
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
Training to Perform Their Jobs In a previous article, we explored the concept of staff involvement, emphasising that it extends beyond merely allowing Safety Representatives to voice concerns to management. True staff involvement means seamlessly integrating safety practices into daily work routines. This requires fostering a culture where the organisation provides a robust safety framework … Read more