‘Reasonably practicable’ in the context of an Australian workplace fatality prosecution

What’s reasonably practicable? Some extracts from a legal appeal concerning a workplace fatality prosecution, with a focus on the interpretation of ‘reasonably practicable’. The prosecution related to a tow truck tilt tray which had been modified so that the headboard no longer tilted with the tray, but remained in place. Some toolboxes were then placed… Continue reading ‘Reasonably practicable’ in the context of an Australian workplace fatality prosecution

Safe AF #8: The harm in zero harm

Is Zero Harm a laudable approach or a misdirection–a utopian fantasy–associated with higher fatality rates? Safe AF episode #8 dives into a paper which compares safety injury and fatality performance between zero and non-zero construction company adopters in the UK. From: Sherratt, F., & Dainty, A. R. (2017). UK construction safety: a zero paradox?. Policy and… Continue reading Safe AF #8: The harm in zero harm

Compendium: SIFs, Major Hazards, Fatal & Traumatic hazards, risks

This is an expansion to my prior compendium on Critical Controls, Barriers and Energy thinking. Suggest you read that in conjunction to this, link here: Barriers, Critical Controls, Verifications, Energy Models  If you’re after indicators check this mini-compendium out: Safety & Risk Performance indicators (lead, lag, drive, process safety + more) This compendium focuses on articles… Continue reading Compendium: SIFs, Major Hazards, Fatal & Traumatic hazards, risks

Death at Dreamworld: Ten pathways to disaster and failure to learn

This paper from Sarah Gregson and Michael Quinlan applies his ten pathways framework to the Dreamworld accident in 2016, killing four people. I’ve skipped a lot. [** Yes, hindsight and outcome biases are present with this type of analysis, as with my own auditing work. Doesn’t mean there isn’t value in exploring learning opportunities, but… Continue reading Death at Dreamworld: Ten pathways to disaster and failure to learn

Economic progress brings with it ‘fresh human sacrifices’ in workplace accidents: 1911 article

Another article from 1911. This explores the societal burden of industrial accidents. The writer sounds pretty disgusted by the state of play in the US compared to Europe. This dude was like a poet – remarking about the progress of mighty industrial engines bringing with it “fresh human sacrifices”. Some extracts: ·        “Whether he work upon… Continue reading Economic progress brings with it ‘fresh human sacrifices’ in workplace accidents: 1911 article