Recently, an Australian executive at Cleanaway received a 30% reduction in his short-term bonus as a result of several workplace fatalities. This type of action is not uncommon. Although some of the media note this as a significant occupational health and safety (OHS) consequence, why not lose all of the bonus? Is this just taking away money that the executive had not yet received? Is this a deterrence?
Continue reading “Should executives receive any bonuses if a workplace death has occurred?”
Audio summary on reasonably practicable
In the next short audio episode, I discuss the myth of “reasonably practicable” within occupational health and safety (OHS) and the moral implications it carries. Safety is not just about adhering to laws but about upholding values and a moral code in the workplace. Legislation should be viewed as a tool, not a destination, and we must go beyond mere compliance to effectively protect workers from harm.
This thought-provoking discussion is based on an article from SafetyAtWorkBlog, published on August 21, 2025.
Heat, Harm and the Cost of Denial
As Victoria shivers in the middle of its Winter and a cop-killer runs loose in the mountains in the middle of the state, it may seem odd to think about the occupational health and safety (OHS) context of working in excessive heat. However, give us a couple of months, and it will be a hot topic again in the Southern Hemisphere. (First and last weather pun, I promise)
A recent article in The New York Times (paywalled) examined excessive heat in Spain, providing useful details on the changes being implemented—some old, some new.
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Audio summary of OHS and workers’ compensation article
In the latest 5-minute audio episode, I discuss the intersections of occupational health and safety (OHS) and workers’ compensation, inspired by a recent seminar on “Using Biopsychosocial Risk Profiling to Inform Claim Triage” by ISCRR.
This episode explores the importance of integrating OHS findings into claim triage processes, the need for a more comprehensive understanding of workplace mental health, and the economic and legal implications of prevention.
Stepping outside one’s discipline can sharpen perspectives and drive meaningful change in workplace safety and health.
This is a summary of a longer and more detailed SafetyAtWorkBlog article from August 20, 2025.
Fix the Cake, Not Just the Icing
The Australian Psychological Services has provided some excellent advice on what to look out for when arranging speakers for October, which is both Mental Health Month and National Safe Work Month.
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Audio summary of employer accountability article
In this 5-minute episode, I question the common narratives that shift the focus to affordability and government intervention, emphasising the fundamental obligation of employers to protect their workers. I explore the role of media in shaping public perception and highlight the importance of bringing occupational health and safety professionals to the forefront of discussions. By shifting the narrative, we can move towards sustainable, effective solutions that improve worker safety.
This is a summary of a longer and more detailed SafetyAtWorkBlog article from July 2025.
The Seductiveness of Action Without Change
The challenge in addressing psychosocial hazards at work comes not from the dangers posed but from the executives’ willingness to change. Recently, David Burroughs reflected on his years of advising executives on this hazard. Burroughs’ experience of corporate responses to workplace bullying is indicative of the challenge of organisational change.
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