In this episode, Anna, Stuart, and guest Helen Rawlinson tackle a question that hits close to home for many safety professionals:

“Dear Aunty Treacle, I feel like a filing cabinet. I’m full of paperwork and have no room for the human interactions I believe are critical for keeping people from harm and understanding what’s really happening in my workplace. So quite simply, is all this paperwork actually keeping people safe?”

Helen brings honesty and humour to a lively conversation about bureaucracy, systems and red tape, exploring whether endless forms and checklists actually make work safer, or simply make us feel safe.

Together, they unpack how to cut through the noise, challenge outdated practices, and focus on what truly matters: meaningful conversations and human connection. 

Key Topics Covered:

• The “filing cabinet” feeling – bureaucracy overload and burnout
• The 80/20 fallacy – most systems go far beyond what’s legally needed
• The illusion of accountability – paperwork vs. purpose
• How to start challenging and simplifying safely
• Shifting from expert to conduit – facilitating rather than controlling
• Practical ways to bring curiosity and critical thinking into your work
• When to stop doing things that don’t add value
• Replacing compliance comfort with real conversations

Resources & References:

• Paper Safe by Greg Smith – a must-read for safety professionals
• Work as Imagined vs. Work as Done – Steve Shorrock
• Deloitte research on compliance vs. impact
• Normal Work Reviews – learning by doing, not auditing
• Hierarchy of Control – remembering PPE sits at the bottom

We’d Love Your Feedback!

Feeling buried in bureaucracy or fighting the same battle? Tell us your story at [email protected] or tag us on socials.

Next Episode Teaser: They Won’t Adopt My Idea - how to influence change when the resistance is coming from the top.