Best WorkSAFE Podcasts (2025)

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SAWB - WorkSafe Psych 4:40

Play Pause

6d ago4:40

4:40

14,000 tuned in to WorkSafe Victoria’s webinar on new psychological health regulations—taking effect December 1, 2025, with no transition period. This episode unpacks the urgency, the compliance code, and the cultural resistance to real change. From retail violence to “adequate resourcing,” we explore what’s mandatory, what’s missing, and why react…

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Ep. 165: Careers in Safety and Risk | Making an Impact and Saving Lives 32:06

19d ago32:06

32:06

Considering a career in safety? Brandon Jones, MEM Director of Safety and Risk Services, shares insights from his 35-year career helping businesses create safer workplaces. Discover why communication skills matter as much as technical knowledge, how technology is changing the field, and why this profession offers meaningful opportunities to impact …

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SAWB - NSW Comp 7:20

3d ago7:20

7:20

This episode unpacks a heated parliamentary exchange over workers’ compensation premiums in New South Wales, revealing a deeper crisis in workplace mental health. While political leaders debate costs and reforms, the conversation sidesteps the root causes: rising psychological injury claims, structural workplace stressors, and ineffective well-bein…

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SAWB - Psych Code (Maddocks) 4:50

4d ago4:50

4:50

This episode explores a major shift in workplace health and safety: Victoria’s new psychological safety regulations, effective December 1st. With no transition period and no room for delay, employers now face a clear legal duty to prevent psychological harm—not just manage it. The discussion breaks down the regulator’s Compliance Code, the hierarch…

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SAWB - Sex Work 5:24

5d ago5:24

5:24

This episode explores the overlooked and often misunderstood world of occupational health and safety in Australia’s sex work industry.Drawing on 18 years of reporting and analysis from SafetyAtWorkBlog, the discussion highlights how stigma, legal ambiguity, and political inertia have left sex workers exposed to physical and psychosocial risks. From…

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SAWB - Verbs 5:42

7d ago5:42

5:42

This episode explores how language—particularly verbs—shapes perceptions of leadership and commitment in political and workplace safety contexts. From the AUKUS submarine announcement to COVID-era vaccine pledges, it examines the use of “soft” verbs that dilute responsibility and obscure intent. Drawing parallels with occupational health and safety…

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SAWB - Government as Client 6:31

11d ago6:31

6:31

This podcast examines who truly shapes safety on infrastructure worksites — and why the client often holds the decisive power. The episode explains how client decisions on budgets, timelines and procurement set the incentives that drive safety culture, why current procurement and political pressures frequently prioritise cost over worker protection…

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SAWB - Emotional Energy 5:32

12d ago5:32

5:32

This episode explores the evolving concept of workplace safety, inspired by Matthew Hallowell’s book "Energy-Based Safety". The discussion expands on traditional safety frameworks, highlighting the importance of considering not only physical hazards but also the impact of emotional energy and psychological harm in the workplace. Topics include the …

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SAWB - SHINe 6:05

14d ago6:05

6:05

In this episode, I reflect on RMIT University’s inaugural SHINe Symposium—an overbooked, research-driven event that brought international safety experts to Melbourne during Safe Work Month. From Dr Matthew Hallowell’s insights into the Construction Safety Research Alliance (CSRA) to Professor Michelle Turner’s call for systemic change in mental hea…

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Dr Alexander Paselk 43:09

15d ago43:09

43:09

Dr. Alexander Paselk is a German national whose life and work stretch across continents and, really, across different worlds of thought. He lives in North America now, though much of his work takes him to the Middle East. That mix, the contrast, the constant switching of environments, it’s shaped the way he leads and how he sees people. Over time, …

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SAWB - Clients' Social Duties 5:03

18d ago5:03

5:03

In this episode, I explore a critical question: If clients—especially government bodies—hold so much influence over workplace safety, why aren’t we using it to protect workers? I discuss how clients set project budgets, timelines, and standards, yet often fail to enforce basic safety protections. I challenge the common excuses about cost and disrup…

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SAWB - Psych webinar 4:33

20d ago4:33

4:33

Join me, Kevin Jones, I share a candid audio summary reflecting on a recent webinar about psychological safety in the workplace. In this episode, I critique the dominance of HR concepts and pop psychology in safety discussions, highlighting the lack of focus on legal obligations and genuine psychosocial hazards. I explore the need for better integr…

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Susan Fleming ACT Hindsight 19:57

22d ago19:57

19:57

Today’s guest is Susan Fleming, Managing Director of ACT Australia, a company that’s changing how we learn about safety and leadership through powerful storytelling and live performance. From programs like Hindsight to The Slip, Susan’s work turns real experiences into lessons that help teams lead, reflect, and make safer decisions. Book here: http…

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Dr Drew Rae 38:05

22d ago38:05

38:05

Dr Drew Rae is an Associate Professor in the Safety Science Innovation Lab at Griffith University, where he teaches courses on research methods and safety engineering, and manages the lab’s research program. Drew’s own research uses a mix of ethnography, field experiments and theory-building to investigate organisational safety practices. He is par…

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SAWB - OHS and Politics 12:08

25d ago12:08

12:08

Kevin Jones explores the political tensions and evolving landscape of workplace health and safety in Australia, tracing the journey from the heated OHS harmonisation debates of 2010—when NSW Premier Kristina Keneally clashed with the federal government—through to today’s renewed focus on psychosocial hazards, union rights, and regulatory reform. Th…

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SAWB - Culture 7:33

26d ago7:33

7:33

By Kevin Jones

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SAWB - Victorian Psychological Code 7:16

27d ago7:16

7:16

By Kevin Jones

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SAWB - Brodie Panlock 9:56

28d ago9:56

9:56

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,…

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Dr Sean Brady 33:55

29d ago33:55

33:55

I consider myself extremely blessed to have had a chat to one of my safety heroes, Dr Sean Brady. Dr Sean Brady is a forensic engineer who investigates engineering failures from a technical and organisational perspective. In 2020, he completed the Brady Review, an investigation into the causes of fatalities in the Queensland mining industry. The re…

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Ep. 164: Complex Workers Compensation Claims | High Risk, High Dollar 34:17

1M ago34:17

34:17

When workplace injuries become complex, high-dollar work comp claims, the financial impact extends far beyond immediate medical costs. MEM's claims experts Shannon Fox and Lyndi Barthel share strategies for recognizing warning signs, managing costs, and successfully navigating the most challenging claims.…

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SAWB - Mental Health at Work 7:51

1M ago7:51

7:51

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 improv…

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SAWB - Work-related Suicides 8:02

1M ago8:02

8:02

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 institutio…

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SAWB - Psychosocial Laws 5:46

1M ago5:46

5:46

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…

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Nathalie Martinek 37:00

1M ago37:00

37:00

Nathalie Martinek, PhD, helps people build relational leadership capacity and cultivate effective relationships in professional life, while also supporting those who’ve been scapegoated, sidelined, or harmed in environments that protect image over people. As a coach, she works with professionals to shift unhelpful relational patterns and navigate s…

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SAWB - Compliance 5:32

1M ago5:32

5:32

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 …

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SAWB - WFH 5:23

1M ago5:23

5:23

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 …

1
SAWB - Quad Bikes 5:00

1M ago5:00

5:00

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 SafetyAtWork…

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SAWB - COVID and Construction 7:22

1M ago7:22

7:22

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 …

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Marc Miles and the Illusion of PD 21:24

1M ago21:24

21:24

In this episode Marc and I discuss some of the challenges around trainer PD in the VET sector. Marc Miles is a career presenter and trainer. He has written a book on Advanced Facilitation Skills, and for over a decade, has taught public speaking skills, and content from the Training and Education Training Package for Australian Vocational Education…

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SAWB - Vic Symposium 6:02

2M ago6:02

6:02

Kevin Jones shares reflections from the 2025 AIHS Victorian Branch symposium—where standout sessions tackled safety clutter, AI innovations, and hard-learned lessons from construction incidents. From Site Pilot’s public transparency to SHINe’s push for clarity, this episode blends critique, insight, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Marvel Stadium. N…

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SAWB - Regulation Books 6:26

2M ago6:26

6:26

Join Kevin Jones as he delves into the second edition of Arie Freiberg's book, "Regulation in Australia." This episode explores the reasons behind regulation, market failures, and the role of government in restoring fairness and equity. Kevin also discusses "The Big Myth" by Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway, which examines how business interests have …

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Ep. 163: Working Near Roads | Safety Essentials to Reduce Roadside Risk 33:59

2M ago33:59

33:59

Work zone deaths are on the rise, affecting construction crews and everyday drivers. MoDOT's Jon Nelson shares critical safety practices, including training, risk assessment, communication systems, and accountability measures that can prevent work zone incidents and save lives.By MEM

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Amanda Amaral 30:18

2M ago30:18

30:18

Amanda Amaral is a safety professional turned entrepreneur, with over a decade of experience in high-risk industries including Oil & Gas, Maritime, and Transport & Logistics. Throughout her career, she worked hands-on at the frontline, from offshore seismic vessels to logistics hubs, helping organisations reduce risk, improve training, and engage t…

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SAWB - Farm Safety 4:40

2M ago4:40

4:40

In this episode, Kevin Jones explores a new tool that’s quietly transforming how we understand safety in Australian agriculture—the Rural Media Farm Injury Dashboard. Drawing from a SafetyAtWorkBlog article, Kevin examines how media-sourced data is helping surface injury and fatality patterns across farms nationwide, while also revealing the cultur…

1
SAWB - Bonuses 6:20

2M ago6:20

6:20

In this episode, Kevin Jones unpacks the troubling case of Cleanaway Waste Management’s CEO bonus reduction following three worker deaths. Drawing from a forthcoming SafetyAtWorkBlog article, he challenges the notion that trimming executive pay is a meaningful consequence—and asks whether safety is being treated as a KPI or a moral imperative.With …

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SAWB - SWA Review 5:44

2M ago5:44

5:44

In this episode, Kevin Jones critiques Safe Work Australia’s latest discussion paper on “best practice” in work health and safety legislation. With the final review report not due until mid-2026, Kevin questions whether anchoring reform to existing laws risks reinforcing the very limitations that need challenging.Drawing from his SafetyAtWorkBlog a…

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SAWB - Childcare, Sexual Abuse and OHS 5:14

2M ago5:14

5:14

Kevin Jones discusses the OHS context of a recent Australian childcare industry scandal. This episode highlights the exposure of non-compliance with safety requirements and allegations of sexual abuse. The Victorian government has announced an inquiry, and other jurisdictions are following suit. Kevin discusses the need for national changes, the im…

1
Sarah Barnbrook 57:24

2M ago57:24

57:24

Sarah Barnbrook is an award-winning advocate, international speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about preventing harm in the digital world. She is the Founder of Away From Keyboard (AFK) Inc., a charity that delivers workshops, personalised support, and peer group sessions to help families and communities build safer online experienc…

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SAWB - Safety Morals 7:12

2M ago7:12

7:12

In this episode, host Kevin Jones delves into the myth of "reasonably practicable" within occupational health and safety (OHS) and the moral implications it carries. Kevin argues that safety is not just about adhering to laws but about upholding values and a moral code in the workplace. He emphasizes that legislation should be seen as a tool, not a…

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SAWB - Triaging Claims 5:30

2M ago5:30

5:30

Join host Kevin Jones as he delves into the intersections of occupational health and safety (OHS) and workers' compensation, inspired by a 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 broader understandi…

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SAWB - Employer Accountability 5:07

2M ago5:07

5:07

Join Kevin Jones as he delves into the critical issue of employer accountability in workplace health and safety. In this episode, Kevin challenges the common narratives that shift the focus to affordability and government intervention, emphasizing the fundamental obligation of employers to protect their workers. He explores the role of media in sha…

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SAWB - Suicidality 6:14

2M ago6:14

6:14

Join Kevin Jones as he delves into the often-overlooked human impact of workplace incidents and the institutional blind spots that perpetuate harm. This episode, based on a SafetyAtWorkBlog article, explores the forgotten focus on human consequences, the troubling truth about suicidality in the workplace, and the need for safer systems of work. Kev…

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Ep. 162: Practical Home Safety Tips | Bringing Work Habits Home 25:47

2M ago25:47

25:47

Safety habits don't clock out when you do. The same hazards that cause workplace injuries occur just as frequently at home. MEM Safety and Risk Services Regional Manager Sheila Schmidt shares how to apply workplace safety principles at home, build a family safety culture, and create consistent awareness that protects you everywhere.…

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Sally North - Western Australia's Worksafe Commissioner 57:13

2M ago57:13

57:13

Truly honoured to have Sally North grace our podcast, and our home. Unprecedented. Sally North is the WorkSafe Commissioner in Western Australia, having acted in the role for about a year before being formally appointed in July 2024. In this role she is the work health and safety regulator for the resources and general industries sectors. Commencin…

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Michelle Stephenson 44:46

3M ago44:46

44:46

Michelle is an endorsed Organisational Psychologist and works for FIFO Focus and PerMentis. She has experience in mental health assessment and treatment, psychosocial risk management, trauma-informed care auditing and training, recruitment and selection and psychometric assessment, in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. In recent years,…

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Ep. 161: Second Opinions in Work Comp | How They Work and When to Seek One 30:11

3M ago30:11

30:11

When treatment isn't progressing or complications arise in workers' compensation claims, second medical opinions can provide crucial clarity. MEM Claims Operations Manager Shannon Fox shares the warning signs that signal when a second opinion is needed, how state laws affect the process, and how employers can navigate these situations effectively t…

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Sandra Lam 41:53

3M ago41:53

41:53

Sandra Lam is an endorsed Organisational Psychologist and the Managing Director of FIFO Focus and Permentis. With over two decades of experience across public and private sectors in Australia and internationally, Sandra is recognised for her expertise in psychosocial risk, organisational wellbeing, and shaping positive workplace cultures. Through F…

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Nektarios Karanikas 55:28

3M ago55:28

55:28

Dr Nektarios Karanikas is Associate Professor in the Health, Safety and Environment discipline of the School of Public Health & Social Work (Faculty of Health) in the Queensland University of Technology (AU). Before his current appointment, he was Associate Professor of Safety and Human Factors at the Aviation Academy of the Amsterdam University of…

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Ep. 160: How Payroll Impacts Your Workers Compensation Coverage | Avoiding Common Mistakes 24:06

3M ago24:06

24:06

Most business owners know that payroll affects their work comp premium. Did you know it also determines who's covered if an injury happens? From naming the wrong business entity to classifying subcontractors, payroll mistakes can create coverage gaps and surprises at audit time. MEM Underwriting Specialist Tammy Canton shares how to protect your bu…

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Andreas Landwehr 49:14

3M ago49:14

49:14

Andreas Landwehr is a German journalist who worked for 30 years as Beijing Bureau Chief and also as Head of the Asia-Pacific region for dpa, the German Press Agency (Deutsche Presse-Agentur), until 2023. Since 2005, he has been covering G7 and G20 summits, focusing on trade and development issues, climate policy, and Asia. The former US corresponde…