SafetyAtWorkBlog

SafetyAtWorkBlog

By Kevin JonesBusiness
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SafetyAtWorkBlog episodes

  • SAWB - Culture
    In this episode, Kevin Jones—OHS adviser and writer of the SafetyAtWorkBlog—dives deep into the messy, misunderstood world of workplace culture. Drawing on nearly two decades of writing and research, Kevin explores how safety culture is inseparable from organisational culture, and why psychosocial hazards have pushed culture into the spotlight.
    He challenges the superficial treatment of culture in many workplaces and unpacks the influence of Charles Handy’s organisational models, ISO 45003, and the long shadow of neoliberalism.
    From toxic leadership to fractured systems, this monologue asks the hard questions: What kind of culture are we really creating? What risks do we ignore? And how do we rebuild trust, dignity, and safety at work?
    8 min
  • SAWB - Victorian Psychological Code
    Join Kevin Jones, OHS adviser and writer of the SafetyAtWorkBlog, as he dips into Victoria’s new psychological safety regulations and what they mean for workplaces.
    In this episode, Kevin explains why these long-awaited changes matter, how they align Victoria with national standards, and why HR’s role is crucial in making workplaces safer and healthier. Discover practical controls for psychosocial hazards like bullying, aggression, trauma, and more—plus, learn why prevention is the real challenge.
    Whether you’re an employer, HR professional, or just interested in workplace safety, this summary gives you the essentials and a call to action for better mental health at work.
    8 min
  • SAWB - Brodie Panlock
    This episode explores the tragic story of Brodie Panlock and its profound impact on workplace safety in Australia. As we mark Safe Work Month 2025, Kevin reflects on Brodie’s experience of relentless bullying at Café Vamp in Melbourne, which led to her untimely death in 2006.
    The podcast examines the legal and cultural changes sparked by this case, including the introduction of Brodie’s Law and the growing recognition of psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Through the historical context, Kevin highlights the ongoing need for respect, awareness, and action to prevent workplace bullying.
    If you’re interested in occupational health and safety, mental health at work, or want to be part of the conversation on creating safer, more respectful workplaces, this episode is essential listening
    10 min
  • SAWB - Mental Health at Work
    Join Kevin Jones, as he explores the urgent issue of psychosocial hazards in Australian workplaces during Safe Work Month 2025. In this audio summary, Kevin reflects on recent high-profile cases—including WorkSafe Victoria’s prosecution of a government agency after a workplace suicide—and advocates for proactive, evidence-based strategies to improve workplace mental health. Through real-world examples and practical advice, he highlights the importance of prevention, honest communication, and organisational change.
    If you care about creating safer, healthier, and more supportive workplaces, this episode is a must-listen.
    8 min
  • SAWB - Work-related Suicides
    In this audio summary, I explore the often-overlooked issue of work-related suicide, drawing on a September 30, 2025 blog article and research by John Bottomley and colleagues.
    The episode challenges dominant narratives that medicalise distress and ignore structural workplace harm, highlighting how neoliberalism, toxic work cultures, and institutional denial contribute to suicidality.
    With new psychosocial duties emerging in Australian law and growing evidence from finance sector workers, I reckon there needs to be deeper accountability and reform.
    9 min
  • SAWB - Psychosocial Laws
    This episode dives into the changing landscape of workplace safety in Australia, focusing on the introduction of psychosocial risk regulations—covering stress, burnout, bullying, and isolation. I briefly explore the intersection of OHS, HR, and workplace culture, offering practical insights into compliance, the impact of new laws, and what it means for employers and workers.
    With real-world examples and a look at Victoria’s recent legislative changes, this podcast is essential listening for anyone interested in occupational health and safety, workplace mental health, and regulatory updates.
    6 min
  • SAWB - Compliance
    In this episode, Kevin Jones explores the contradictions in Australia’s OHS laws, where employers are required to comply but left to define what compliance looks like—often only clarified after an incident. Drawing from a new SafetyAtWorkBlog article, he examines how this ambiguity especially burdens farmers and small businesses, and critiques the misuse of “reasonably practicable” standards. With reflections on ethics, culture, and the social dimensions of safety, this short monologue challenges listeners to rethink what it truly means to keep people safe at work.
    6 min
  • SAWB - WFH
    In this short podcast, Kevin Jones discusses the Victorian government’s proposal to make working from home a legal right—and why it’s more campaign strategy than safety reform. From missed commutes to missed opportunities, Kevin explores the rhetoric, risks, and oversights in the current debate.
    Drawing on his latest SafetyAtWorkBlog article, this episode challenges listeners to rethink workplace culture, consultation, and what real respect for workers looks like.
    6 min
  • SAWB - Quad Bikes
    Join Kevin Jones as he discusses the world of quad bikes on Australian farms, exploring their impact on occupational health and safety, compliance, and the politics of prevention. Discover the evolution of safety laws, the cultural resistance to regulation, and the ongoing efforts to make quad bike use safer. This episode is based on a SafetyAtWorkBlog article from October 2021 and remains highly relevant today. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the balance between safety mandates and practical implementation.
    5 min
  • SAWB - COVID and Construction
    In this episode of the SafetyAtWorkBlog podcast, Kevin Jones delves into the challenges and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the evolving role of occupational health and safety (OHS) during the crisis, highlighting the importance of PPE, the inconsistencies in safety advice, and the innovative yet sometimes flawed solutions implemented on worksites. Kevin shares personal anecdotes from his experience on a Melbourne construction site, emphasizing the need for better preparedness and reflection in the OHS field.
    Tune in to explore the critical takeaways and the ongoing impact of the pandemic on workplace safety.
    8 min

About SafetyAtWorkBlog

From the publisher's feed

SafetyAtWorkBlog is an award-winning blog written in Australia that reports on, and discusses, a range of issues that relate to workplace safety. These articles touch on Human Resources, Industrial…