Until recently, Donna McGeorge‘s book “Red Brick Thinking” passed me by, but her perspective aligns closely with the occupational health and safety (OHS) concepts of “safety clutter” and the Swiss cheese model.
Already a member? Log in here
Category: workplace
Inside the Psychosocial Safety Challenge: A Conversation with Ian Neil SC
“[Psychosocial hazards] is not coming, it’s arrived, and prosecutions will happen unless [employers] take serious steps to address the issue.”
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Ian Neil SC on some occupational health and safety (OHS) matters related to psychosocial health.
Already a member? Log in here
Keeping Workers Safe in a “Future Made in Australia” Economy
The Australian Government is committed to increasing the manufacturing sector through its Future Made in Australia strategy and legislation. To participate in the program and receive funds or tax incentives, companies must meet the Community Benefit Principles, including providing safe and healthy workplaces.
Already a member? Log in here
Why Are NSW Mines Failing to Report Psychosocial Incidents on Time?
In December 2025, New South Wales’ Resources Regulator issued a Safety Bulletin to the mining industry about the late reporting of psychosocial incidents. That Regulator has required notification of this type of incident since February 2025. The mystery remains, though, about why these notifications were delayed.
Already a member? Log in here
Who is responsible?
Another nightclub fire due to pyrotechnics resulted in many deaths and injuries. Investigations have started, and there is a scramble about who was responsible for not reducing the risks of this type of incident.
The Australian Financial Review reported (via the New York Times and paywalled) on the lack of regulatory enforcement by local authorities.
Already a member? Log in here
Resilience training as a “veneer of care”
Last month, the Sunday Times published an article with a concerning headline: “Resilience training for Gen Z is booming — and that’s no bad thing” (paywalled). Resilience training for psychological safety at work has not been discredited, but there is plenty of evidence showing it is insufficient and inappropriate as a primary strategy for preventing psychological harm. This evidence is being reflected in Australia’s Codes and guidance for managing psychological safety.
Already a member? Log in here
Respect as a Social Obligation, Not Just a Workplace Duty
Most of you will have been able to determine some of my values from the thousands of articles I have written here, but sometimes it is worth stopping, reviewing and clarifying. I met a friend in Zurich of a different political leaning from mine last week who, in a simple way, confirmed some of my thoughts.
He said that we need to respect each other. This is not difficult, but it can create enormous conflict and anxiety, especially as we continue to learn how traditional categorisations and approaches are no longer valid and may never have been.
Already a member? Log in here