WhyWork Podcast: Recent Episodes

Sara Pazell

The WhyWork Podcast is an organisational strategy session and legal dissection of workplace events that are laced with humour. Your bloggers, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, explore the contemporary and uncomfortable realities of work and the boundaries that are tested. Alan and Trajce dismantle case law and Sara pushes all to consider how to redesign the world of work so that people thrive. Good stories are told. The WhyWork team throws shade on some of the stories and the people involved as they consider defensible and remarkable work design strategy. When you listen to the WhyWork Podcast, you realise that no skeleton in the workplace closet is too sacred to unearth. It’s like listening to the water cooler gossip but then shit gets real, and it all becomes serious – fast. This is a must-listen for executive and emerging managers, work design strategists, human factors specialists and ergonomists, work health safety and law specialists, organisational scientists, occupational health academics, and anyone humoured by office and workplace antics! Get ready to exclaim, “She said WHAT...?” and “He DIDN’T! OMG!”. Laugh along with us while you learn lots.

Season 10 Episode 06: The Circular Saw Case: A Labour Hire Blind Spot

Warning: This episode references workplace injuries and fatalities - we advise listener discretion.

In this subscriber-exclusive episode, the WhyWork team, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, examine a real labour hire incident involving a serious circular saw injury to explore where responsibility begins—and where it ends. “Nothing to see here,” says Alan, “or, at least, that is what some organisations might hope to explain.”

The discussion considers due diligence obligations across recruitment agencies, host employers and supervisors, including verifying competence, ensuring workers understand instructions, selecting appropriate equipment, providing effective supervision and communicating critical safety information. The hosts also discuss migrant workers, language barriers, visual communication, verification of competency, PPE obligations, and the danger of assuming that everyone shares the same understanding of risk.

Sara drifts into her recollections of scuba diving while massively pregnant, “like a beached whale wriggling in my tight scuba outfit,’ she humours. Trajce giggles at her Eastern European underground mining experience, likening her experience to the ‘Compare the Market’ meerkat mascot, Viktor.

Combining legal analysis with human factors and practical operational experience, this episode demonstrates why effective safety depends not simply on assigning responsibility, but on designing systems that make safe work possible.

Acknowledgement: This episode is part of our Subscriber Case Study Series and was inspired by a real case submitted by Desai Link, Principal Consultant at Dynamic HSE. We thank Desai for contributing this case to encourage practical discussion and shared learning across the safety profession.

S10 E05: The Convergence: Nothing is Out of Bounds

Warning: This episode includes tribute to the life and death of one of the podcast hosts' father. We advise listener discretion if this is a sensitive topic for you.

This episodeexplores why the management of modern work demands integrated thinking. Rather than separating psychosocial hazards, manual handling, critical controls, environmental conditions, and organisational performance into independent programs, the hosts argue for a whole-of-system approach to designing work.

Drawing on legal cases, operational experience, contemporary events, and personal reflections, the discussion examines how workplaces can move beyond siloed thinking to understand the interaction between people, tasks, technology and organisational systems. Along the way, Alan, Trajce, and Sara’s conversation touches on leadership, performance management, work-life boundaries, resilience, and the personal experiences that shape our understanding of meaningful work, including Sara’s tribute to her father and his influence on her systems-design thinking.

This episode is a reminder that every workplace challenge exists within a broader human system—and effective solutions rarely come from a single discipline.

Season 10 Episode 04: Turn Down the Chilli in My Con Carne

'Turn Down the Chilli in My Con Carne' explores the tension between compliance and operational excellence. Alan, Trajce, and Sara discuss why workplaces often become consumed by paperwork, while the realities of work continue to evolve much faster than legislation and codes of practice. This episode extends discussion on safety paperwork, introduced in Season 6 Episode 12 – It’s going SWM’ingly.

The conversation examines the distinction between mandatory legal duties, codes of practice, guidance material, and safe work method statements, and asks an important question: are organisations managing work, or managing documentation? Drawing on legal principles, human factors and operational practice, the team explores "fantasy documents", the objective behind compliance, and why understanding how work is performed remains fundamental to creating safer, more adaptive and innovative workplaces. “That’s why there is expressionistic dance,” says Trace much to Alan and Sara’s amusement, “no fixed foxtrot here!”

Whether you're a safety professional, operational leader or business owner, this episode challenges the assumption that more paperwork automatically delivers better safety.

Season 10 Episode 03: Predicting Risk: Why Psychosocial Safety Needs a New Playbook

WARNING: This episode refers to sexual harassment and occupational psychosocial risks – we advise listener discretion.

Meep-meep. The roadrunner—an analogy for the rapidly changing occupational sociocultural landscape.

What happens when psychosocial risk management, industrial relations, human rights, and WHS law intersect?

In this episode, Alan Girle, Trajce Cvetkovski, and Sara Pazell explore the evolution of psychosocial risk management—from the decommissioning of PAWS to the development of PRAiSE (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) and the PRA (Psychosocial Risk Analyser) feature in ErgoAnalyst, an integrated task-based risk assessment and work re-design decision support software system.

The discussion examines survey bias, the challenges of measuring psychosocial risk, acute versus cumulative exposures, predictive analytics, and the shift from lag indicators to leading indicators. This is a practical discussion about moving beyond compliance to build organisational capability to design better, healthier, productive work.

Along the way, the team reflect on favourite childhood cartoon characters and their ‘on the edge’ antics, recent industry forums, WhyWork workshops, and Trajce's "rockstar" days. Alan compares Trajce’s 80’s music genre pursuits with the current phenomenon of the precariat, casualised worker whose livelihood depends on wages and tips (“That’s ‘tips’ with a ‘P’ for our listeners who may have lost that pronunciation,” reminds Alan, in his cheeky but dry wit style). The team take a few more nostalgic detours featuring past Coyote Ugly podcast chatter, the Road Runner's "Meep Meep!", and the cartoon character, Marvin the Martian.

This episode builds on last week's release: S10 E02: Coyote Ugly: Scandal Upon Scandal

For more on the changes impacting industry approaches to psychosocial risk management, download ViVA health at work's flyer on, "Rethinking Psychosocial Risk."

Season 10 Episode 02: Coyote Ugly - Scandal upon Scandal

WARNING: This episode refers to sexual harassment and cultural prejudice at work – we advise listener discretion.

Trajce laments, “We’ve never mentioned the UK Royals in our podcast – that is fodder for scandal upon scandal, where do we begin? However, we have a good case from the UK involving a Brazilian woman, a bar, and cultural prejudice – it’s juicy.”

Sara is ready to dig into the discussion feeling positive after discovering an omen before the recording session – “It’s an Otter!” she exclaims while showing a glittering otter charm to the boys. The crew reflect on their spirit animals, the Deer (Trajce), the Owl (Owwwlin’ – aka Alan), and The Otter (Sara), before circling back to discussions about Coyotes, Cowboys, and a novel UK experience – bar work, dancing, and claims about theft.

Alan is aghast that the employer in this instance may have shifted truth to frame a Brazilian worker for unsubstantiated theft, relying on cultural typecasting in their defence.

WARNING: This episode refers to sexual harassment and prejudicial treatment at work – we advise listener discretion.

Alan presents an extract from a complicated UK case—he is focussed on a particular passing comment rather than a binding ruling. In this comment, the aggrieved person complained that a alleged perpetrator labelled him, ‘bald.’ The defendant viewed this as discriminatory and a form of sexual harassment.

While reflecting on workplace harassment by teasing others about their appearance, culture, sex, gender affiliation, or accent, the crew, Alan and Trajce, can’t help but make fun of Sara and her American accent. “They’re not confident and BOLD, they are BALD!” exclaims Trajce.

They descend into discussions about man-boobs, sexually suggestive body parts cross cultures—like wrists and earlobes, and hairiness versus baldness “Follically challenged!” chimes Trajce.

Sara talks about the trend in legal cases following contemporary issues, where the pendulum swings based on what is making news and the regulator’s focus. She also discusses the messiness of determining prejudicial treatment in the workplace when legal pundits must dissect both intention of harm by the perpetrator and perception of harm by a defendant.

For more on sexual harassment and prejudicial concerns, listen to:

Season 7, Episode 5 – Tickle versus Giggle for Girls and Safety on the Footy Field

Tickle v Giggle for Girls Pty Ltd (No 2) [2024] FCA 960

Season 9, Episode 3 – “Top o’ the morning to ya!”

Season 10 Special-Release Bonus 6: Kidney Bean Reflection Series: The Conclusion

O–100 km/h in 3.5 Seconds. But Did You Die?

WARNING: This episode includes discussion about the confronting topic of live organ donation.

Trajce, CJ, and Sara use this episode to conclude the special 6-part reflection series on kidney donation. Alan continued to sun himself in Tassie.

Part 5 of the reflection series ended on a cliffhanger before describing the acute hospital experience. There are a few things that nobody tells you about the realities of live kidney donation and this episode delves into those hidden treasures....

"Where is the organ donation speciality centre in Australia?" asks Sara.

Trajce describes the contrasts between the donee (kidney recipient) and the donor hospital ward experience, "Oh, so CJ was in the executive lounge, and you were in the back of the bus on the aluminium seats." Sara recounts some of the confusion and complications associated with her acute post-surgical hospital ward experience. She connects these reflections with her training in and understanding of complex, dynamic systems management. CJ contextualises these ideas by highlighting the conflict between what someone expects in healthcare versus the realities of their experiences.

"But did you know that all your bits go blue? Smurf or Smurfette when bloodflow returns," laughs Sara, "These are more realities that you simply discover as a donor or donee, and did not receive education on or know to expect!" Trajce jokes, "the is the real lived experience. You experienced it and you really lived it, with chills that were multiplying...".

Yet, aligned with the theme of this part of the series, Sara asks "But did you die?” because here she is, and CJ, able to live a life and tell the story of the miracle of kidney donation. They give thanks to the many people in the inner circle who helped them during this time. CJ appreciated, "I think I had a Gold Pass, I think I've done all right through all this," while Trajce reflects, "Yeah, he was on speed dial for priority care."

Season 10 Special-Release Bonus 5: Kidney Bean Reflection Series

O–100 km/h in 3.5 Seconds. But Did You Die?

WARNING: This episode includes discussion about the confronting topic of live organ donation.

This episode discusses the gamification of kidney donation—when the 'shut down phase' intersects with another person's incessant curiosity. More than a Facebook or TikTok challenge, CJ reflects on this incredible journey and his daily gratitude rituals after receiving Sara’s live kidney donation.

Trajce remarks that he is witness to two productive people acting now as business as usual. ‘But did you die?” asks Sara, a carryover from last week’s episode.

CJ describes his textbook recovery yet the need to finely tune the health factors that influence the body’s sustained acceptance of a donated organ. Sara philosophises on the idea of positive medical care outcomes coexisting with system gaps. Her sentence begins, “We’ve talked about the gaps in the system …” and ends with a cliff hanger. Wait for next week’s final bonus series episode to complete this discussion on kidney donation.

Season 10 Special-Release Bonus 4: Kidney Bean Reflection Series

O–100 km/h in 3.5 Seconds. But Did You Die?

Kidney x 3. Friendship x Infinity. Perspective x 1000

WARNING: This episode includes discussion about the confronting topic of live organ donation.

Sara donated a kidney. CJ received it. Trajce joked about it. Alan sunned himself in Tassie.

Months after a life-changing transplant, the WhyWork® team reunites to reflect on friendship, fear, mortality, recovery, and what happens when someone literally gives a part of themselves to help another person live. Sara shares the reality of becoming "Kidney x1," CJ explains what it's like carrying three kidneys around, and Trajce provides his usual blend of legal commentary and provocation.

From confronting death and challenging assumptions about risk, to navigating recovery, return-to-work, and life with three kidneys, this episode is equal parts inspiring, insightful, and unexpectedly funny.

A conversation about courage, gratitude, and discovering what really matters when life accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 3.5 secs.

S10 Trailer 4: Travel Back in Time with WhyWork - 10 Seasons of salacious tales, 100's of episode recordings with case law dissection and work re-design gems. Like homemade cooking leftovers - tasty!

S10 Trailer 03: We've got it all - from baldness to Brazilian accents

We spread like a new disease... you want a war by the same TV ... We come in via back force entry, the mugs from Backwater Brissie. Why are you talking shit about the underdogs who never quit?

WhyWork underdog caselaw dissection is returning to the airwaves soon. Check out our special-release episodes until then.

S10: Trailer 2: Turn Down the Chiles in the Con Carne

We're talking about being a good-time girl, when documentation only goes so far, Swimmin' to safety or when SWMS ain't swimmin' upstream at all. Stay tuned, the full episodes for S10 will release soon.

S1o: Trailer 1: Receding hairlines, lap dance moves, and culture clash: Welcome to work.

Are you upset because people are making fun of you at work? Listen to S10 WhyWork - full episode releases coming soon. Hear about how work becomes all-to-human when collegues exploit personal issues like receding hairlines, Coyoto nightclub dancing, and accented variations of spoken English.

S10 Special-Release Bonus: Early Intervention Under Cross Examination – Band-Aids, Bureaucracy, and Better Design

Welcome to this special episode release recording during the launch of the Phoenix Occupational Medicine Early Intervention Done Right Symposium 2026. This episode promises nudity, sex, drugs, and almost rock & roll. The WhyWork Podcast - Alan Girle, Trajce Cvetkovski, and Sara Pazell - examine both serious and salacious work-related tales. The flagrant disregard for the law, mishaps, and egregious failures, capture our imagination. This episode discusses invisible, hidden hazards, like dust exposures, nudity as a workplace norm, and recreational drug use intersecting with work readiness tests. The target audience for this show centres on occupational rehabilitation providers, medical teams, and operational leaders. Tune in if your work makes you confront nudity, recreational drug use, or health and safety standards.

For more on the team's discussion of a dusty scneario, refer to this NSW Dust Diseases Tribunal Worker's Compensation case law:

Bennett v Workers Compensation Nominal Insurer and Ors [2025] NSWDDT 5

The second trailer for the Launch of the Phoenix Occupational Medicine Early Intervention Done Right Symposium 2026 - Special Episode Release - promising nudity, sex, drugs, and almost rock & roll. Of course, Sara must shamelessly promote the podcast - voluntarily recorded, produced, and promoted - listen in, subscribe, download, and submit your 5-star rating to keep the @WhyWorkPodcast in the charts!

The second trailer for the Launch of the Phoenix Occupational Medicine Early Intervention Done Right Symposium 2026 - Special Episode Release - promising nudity, sex, drugs, and almost rock & roll.

The first trailer for the Launch of the Phoenix Occupational Medicine Early Intervention Done Right Symposium 2026 - Special Episode Release.

S10: Special-Release Bonus 3: How Far Would You Go For a Workmate?

WARNING: This episode discusses the difficult journey of organ donation, which may confront some listeners – we urge listener discretion before tuning in to this special three-part series.

In this deeply personal and provocative three-part special, Sara, Trajce, and Alan traverse beyond the usual boundaries of work dynamics leading to work health and safety case law. They enter the territory in which values, courage, relationships, healthcare institutions, and government frameworks intersect in messy fashion.

In the latter episodes, the series is joined by Clinton “CJ” Harding, the kidney recipient, whose presence reframes the experience from sacrifice to shared humanity. Together, they explore what it really means to care at work, in friendship, and in life when the stakes are life and death – very real.

After all the confrontations of poor service design in the public healthcare setting, Sara would still do it again if tested on repeat. “That’s not really an option, now,” jokes Trajce.

This series invites listeners to reflect:

What do we owe one another at work in life?
How do organisations respond when employees make values-based decisions that don’t fit neat policy boxes?
And how far would you go for a workmate?

If this series prompts questions or curiosity about organ donation, we strongly encourage you to visit DonateLife and speak with your state or territory kidney transplant centre.

For more healthcare insights, check out 'Healthcare Insights: The Voice of the Consumer, the Practitioner, and the Work Design Strategist.'

S10: Special-Release Bonus 2: How Far Would You Go For a Workmate?

WARNING: This episode discusses the difficult journey of organ donation, which may confront some listeners – we urge listener discretion before tuning in to this special three-part series.

In this deeply personal and provocative three-part special, Sara, Trajce, and Alan traverse beyond the usual boundaries of work dynamics leading to work health and safety case law. They enter the territory in which values, courage, relationships, healthcare institutions, and government frameworks intersect in messy fashion. Also, in this episode, the podcast crew invite discussion by special guest, Clinton "CJ" Harding, the organ donor recipient.

At the heart of the series is Sara’s experience as a living kidney donor and CJ's opportunity to marvel at transitioning from accepting then moving from death's edge to a second lease on life. Sara reviews her nine-month decision-making journey that tested her resolve and made her confront both her values and capabilities. Unexpectedly, her decision confronted many of her friends, colleagues, and family, while testing the institutions, providers, and government support designed to support people through extraordinary choices.

This series doesn’t romanticise donation. It sits honestly with the discomfort:

Being confronted by strong opinions and projected fears,
Navigating a public hospital system under strain,
Discovering the near absence of employer, insurer, or structural financial support,
And learning, sometimes the hard way, who can hold space, and who cannot.

Sara laments the challenges she faced, unexpectedly, beyond her immediate biological and psychological sphere of live organ donation - the impositions that others placed upon her when projecting their own fears.

If this series prompts questions or curiosity about organ donation, we strongly encourage you to visit DonateLife and speak with your state or territory kidney transplant centre.

For more healthcare insights, check out 'Healthcare Insights: The Voice of the Consumer, the Practitioner, and the Work Design Strategist.'

S10: Special-Release Bonus 1: How Far Would You Go For a Workmate?

WARNING: This episode discusses the difficult journey of organ donation, which may confront some listeners – we urge listener discretion before tuning in to this special three-part series.

In this deeply personal and provocative three-part special, Sara, Trajce, and Alan traverse beyond the usual boundaries of work dynamics leading to work health and safety case law. They enter the territory in which values, courage, relationships, healthcare institutions, and government frameworks intersect in messy fashion.

This series invites listeners to reflect:

What do we owe one another at work and in life?
How do organisations respond when employees make values-based decisions that don’t fit neat policy boxes?
And how far would you go for a workmate?

If this series prompts questions or curiosity about organ donation, we strongly encourage you to visit DonateLife and speak with your state or territory kidney transplant centre.

For more healthcare insights, check out 'Healthcare Insights: The Voice of the Consumer, the Practitioner, and the Work Design Strategist.'

S10: Bonus Trailer 03: How Far Would You Go For a Workmate?

Payback conversations - a foreign, special guest: CJ Harding - kidney donor receipt - with discussions on reframing an experience of sacrifice to shared humanity. The crew explore what it really means to care at work in friendship and in life when the stakes are life & death.

S10: Bonus Trailer 02: How Far Would You Go for a Workmate?

Testing institutions and confronting friends through extraordinary life choices. Prepare for a special bonus-release series on live organ donation for a workmate.

S10: Bonus Trailer 01: How Far Would You Go For a Workmate?

A special three-part, provocative bonus series releasing soon.

Season 09 Episode 12: “Puppy-Gate” and Stripping as a Side-Hussle

WARNING: This episode includes discussion on stripping as a trade – we advise listener discretion

Alan reflects on the South Australian work-from-home ‘puppy-gate’ test of law when a local government worker claimed worker’s compensation for an injury she sustained while working from home. In this instance, she tripped over a puppy fence she’d installed in the home to segregate her puppy from a pet bunny.

Here is the breakdown of the case:

Initial Decision: The Local Government Association Workers Compensation Scheme (LGAWCS) rejected Ms. Vercoe's claim.
The Appeal: Ms. Vercoe (the employee) appealed that decision to the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET).
The Ruling: In October 2024, the SAET ruled in favour of Ms. Vercoe, finding that her injuries were compensable, arising from her employment.
Appeal Decision (Full Bench of SAET): On 8 December 2025, the Full Bench of the SAET overturned their earlier ruling. The case was sent back to the original Tribunal member to reconsider and proper applications of the legal test.

“But can you appeal an appeal?” Sara begs to know. Trajce replies, “Short answer is, yes, potentially anything; the apex of the court structure is The High Court.” Trajce and Sara engage in debate with Alan about the merits of work from home, or anywhere for that matter (W-F-A), and the legal tests of environmental and technical safety.

For more information, refer to Vercoe v Local Government Association Workers Compensation Scheme (2024)

Alan presents a second case from Victoria about a construction worker stripper with a thumb injury, a decision in the County Court of Victoria. Alan explains, “The decision was whether or not to grant leave of the courts to consider the case.” He leaves the team guessing about the sex of the worker and circumstances pertaining to the case.

For more on these topics, tune in to:

· S01 E03: Pets ‘n’ Air Fryers

· S01 E07: Design When we Work-From-Anywhere

· S04 E02: The WooFA Work-From-Anywhere (WFA) Reality

· S07 E10: That Old Chestnut – Pets & Work From Home

S09 E11: The Beat Boy Fashion Archetype and Exploitation Tactics of Reality TV

WARNING: At the end of this episode, we refer to a mass murderer who made his way to a Reality TV show, and this may confront some people – we advise listener discretion.

Trajce’s nurtures his love of reality TV through research about the programming designed to evoke conflict among the show participants. “Some of these reality TV episodes showcase true talent among participants as competitors – like singing, sport, or survival skills,” explains Trajce, “but then there are the anti-talent shows – ‘I’m a celebrity, get me outta here!’”

Alan talks about the lack of privacy on reality TV shows. He quotes a contestant who says, “This experience is shark-infested, it’s like having my leg bitten off.” Sara protests, “But you sign consents – are you not seeking your 15 minutes of fame?”

Trajce asks, “What about the participants who are older?” In response to the crew’s discussion on the tortology of the sociological research term, ‘lived experience,’ Trajce adds, “There are some people who are experienced, but haven’t really lived.”

Trajce reflects on this love for the level of authenticity in the WhyWork show with Sara’s admission of her lack-of-fashion fashion archetype, “Seriously,” she complains, “it’s like my archetype is the non-archetype, playful, not quite centred in any one place, just like my Otter animal-archetype!”

For more on these topics, tune in to:

· S02 E08: Reality TV and Me – Trajce reflects on his fascination (and obsession) with reality TV and the phenomena of ‘naming and shaming.’ The crew discuss the potential psychological impacts of being on these shows.

· S02 E10: Name and Shame: Where is the Filter? Broader in scope, this episode includes discussion of reality TV and the blurred lines around naming and shaming in media and society.

And two related books by Trajce Cvetkovski:

· Reality TV and the Art of Trivialising Work Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

· The Pop Music Idol and the Spirit of Charisma

Season 09 Episode 10: How Much do you C.A.R.E. About Work and Life?

WARNING: This episode refers to sexual escapades that may offend some people – we advise listener discretion.

This episode continues the thread from S09 E09: An Assault on Office Decorum, while the crew, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, debate methods to provide supportive workplace environments and develop defences to protect workers from harm.

Sara explains a systems-view on psychosocial risk management, providing workplace defences to subsequent psychological harm to workers (inspired by EMESRT’s 9 Layers of Defence in Vehicle Interactions ) – C.A.R.E. – listen in to learn more about this!

Trajce complains about ‘TMIF’ in some workplaces – ‘Too Much Information Sharing,’ as Alan reflects on the past episode’s stories of a worker who openly discussed his antics in ‘LARP’ – ‘Live Action Role Play’ sexual antics.

For more on psychosocial risk management, refer to PRAiSETM (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) – Certified Assessor and Manager programs – and PRA, the new task-based Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature within the ErgoAnalyst software platform. These tools help teams visualise, quantify, qualify, and respond to both contextualised physical and psychosocial risks, merging technical rigour with empathy-driven co-design.

Season 09 Episode 09: An Assault on Office Decorum

WARNING: This episode refers to sexual escapades that may offend some people – we advise listener discretion.

The crew, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, discuss a confronting case, Evan Ashley Solstace v Metley Toleda Ltd [2023] FCA 456, which made headlines: ‘Creepy office work is slammed by judge for filthy acts at work.’ The judge called the situation, “Shambolic!”

“Great word,” reflects Trajce.

Sara explains some of the findings resulting from Alan’s case research, “This worker was found to engage in purposeful lewd workplace behaviours. He would fart in the hallway, burp aloud, go to the loo with the hallway door open, and solicit sex talk among colleagues while openly sharing stories about his polyamorous and furry lifestyle.”

While admitting the inappropriateness of the workplace behaviours, Alan struggles with the connection of these behaviours to sexual harassment industrial law, which tethers Trajce and Sara to good debate on this topic. Sara sets her boundaries, “Hey,” she tells the guys, “We are great friends – but hear me now: I do not ever wish to know the explicit details of your bedroom gymnastics!”

Tune in for more on this case and other discussions on workplace taboos.

For more on psychosocial risk management, refer to PRAiSETM (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) – Certified Assessor and Manager programs – and PRA, the new task-based Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature within the ErgoAnalyst software platform. These tools help teams visualise, quantify, qualify, and respond to both contextualised physical and psychosocial risks, merging technical rigour with empathy-driven co-design.

Season 09 Episode 08: Sankalpa - The Power of Intention and Gratitude

WARNING: This episode refers to victim impact statements after tragic circumstances – we advise listener discretion.

The podcast team are elated that the Magpie referenced in the S09 E07: Trading Up - Work in the Sex Trade recording was successfully freed to the wild. Sara admonished, “I don’t know what Trajce was doing – I think he was trying to negotiate with the Maggie to usher in its surrender.” However, the escapade allowed the team a break from the serious stuff and see the comical side of life.

“I set my intention daily,” Sara explained, “and today was about joyous laugher with you both.” Sara shared her yogic philosophy on Sankalpa, setting an intention at the beginning of the day and, later, reflecting on the day with gratitude. The boys, Alan and Trajce, struggle with the concept until the pause to reflect on their quality time with their respective partners. This episode explores personal reflections as Sara gears up to share her news in a future episode, and the team relate the ideas of simple pleasures to intentional leadership, design, and victim impact statements - something which Trajce has written about extensively.

Season 09 Episode 07: Trading Up – Work in the Sex Trade

WARNING: This episode refers to adult entertainment work domains – we advise listener discretion.

Alan explores workplace claims involving an adult entertainment specialist, debating work arrangements and business entitlements. In doing so, he reveals some of the traits of a business contracting ‘done right.’ Work is work and the sex trade represents a legitimate industry and workplace with regular entitlements, says Trajce. Sara commends Alan, “I’m so glad you thought to discuss successes,” as she reflects on studying success and the value of simplicity as much as, if not more than, studying potential workplace failures and complexity. The session is interrupted by the caw of a lost Magpie down the hall from the recording studio.

For more on the sex trade, listen to S02 E06: Mi Casa es su Casa. For more on High Reliability Organisations, listen to S05 E14: You are my HRO.

For more on human factors, safety events, and the multiple fatalities at the theme park, Dreamworld Gold Coast, listen to S03 E06: Cha-cha-cha Thrill Rides.

Season 09 Episode 06: Skylarking yet Held to a Higher Standard

WARNING: This episode refers to workplace bullying and harassment - we advise listener discretion.

This episode explores the job duties that prevail even after you’ve clocked off – at least, in view of public expectation. The crew debate: Does your job outlive its tenure and should you be judged by it in your personal life?

“Never have I ever!” exclaims Trajce, while Alan shares tales of some ‘nudie nut’ coppers and party time frivolity. He adds to these stories with a story about a member of the public gambling on the running speed proficiency of some police officers by testing whether they can catch him after smacking them on the derriere in a “Catch me if you can!” escapade. Sara adds to the stories with some of her own, like the entitled chef who smacked her butt during her waitressing days, and the workplace ‘crib room’ tests of her fortitude when she was the sole woman on site.

For more on spanking in the workplace, refer to S04 E08: The Archaic Adage of Deserving a Good Spanking

Season 09 Episode 05: It is All Too Human: Why Prosecute?

WARNING: This episode includes discussion on a serious workplace injury - we advise listener discretion.

Degloved and prosecuted - Why pursue an employee whose judgment lapsed, and they are already in a world of pain from a gruesome workplace injury? The team are flummoxed by the idea of governmental prosecutions of individuals versus organisations, given their beliefs that workplace incidents reflect systemic imbalances and erosion factors.

The podcasters, Alan, Trajce, and Sara review a case of a workers who was degloved by a meat grinding auger, a recreational indoor climbing pursuit that ended in disaster, and a school prank that could have caused more pain that the chargrilled science room wall it created. Sara refers to four types of human factors, debunking a common misconception that humans are simply error-prone mishaps waiting to upset productive work.

Season 09 Episode 04: The Moral Compass of the Law

“The idea of a moral compass of the law assumes that we care about caring,” Sara provokes. “We cannot escape the moral compass of the law,” Trajce warns. Alan agrees, “Good laws reflect good moral judgment.”

The podcasters explore contemporary, newsworthy topics related to moral injury. Sara describes moral injury, an occupational psychosocial hazard, as a cross-cutting hazard – one that crosscuts acute and cumulative exposure pathways. Listen to more on this to understand ethical challenges to one’s sense of integrity. The WhyWork Podcast crew, Alan, Trajce, and Sara explore hot topics: The Epstein files, P. Diddy and his workforce, and Covid healthcare reflections.

“This is about you, not with you,” Alan remarks while laughing about Trajce’s wild band party days, He continues to jibe Trajce until Trajce admits that there may be a few stories of yesteryear to unpack.

For more on psychosocial risk management, refer to PRAiSETM (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) – Certified Assessor and Manager programs – and PRA, the new task-based Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature within the ErgoAnalyst software platform. These tools are helping teams visualise, quantify, qualify, and respond to both contextualised physical and psychosocial risks, merging technical rigour with empathy-driven co-design.

Season 09 Episode 03: "Top o' the morning to ya!"

The WhyWork Podcast team marvel at a case when a seemingly simple salutation triggers a workplace dismissal. “Was it fair?’ Trajce begs the question. Alan asks about material misconduct and whether a belief related to the cause of an offence is reasonable justification for dismissal.

This is a provocative episode, prompting deep thought on when play becomes concerning, and justifiable misconduct. Alan and Sara revel in the debate on sentiment, intention, and the impacts at work when you but your foot in your mouth. “Yes, like what about when you describe less-than-cute babies and you realise that was your workmate’s infant?” asks Sara, determining that some babies must ‘grow into’ their cuteness.

Trajce is concerned about offenses escalating to termination too quickly. Sara rebuffs these ideas by suggesting that if you ringfence the frivolity around interpersonal relations in an extreme manner, you lose humour and bonding opportunities, yet agrees that personal offences are in the eye of the beholder.

For more on this topic, refer to S08 E10: Darth Vader and the Handshake of Death

Season 09 Episode 02: Spyware - Yah, baby! It’s all the rage

The team debate a question in workplace dismissals: “Was the sacking harsh, unjust, or unreasonable?”

Alan presents the new way of working as an inspector – using body-worn cameras in investigations. He argues, “If you are capturing someone’s personal information, a video of them, a voice recording, and their interactions, the person should receive a copy of what has been captured.” Trajce and Sara weigh in on the debate, with workplace trends rampant in the use of spyware software, tracking keystrokes, and meeting attendance. Sara reminds the team of provisions to constrain ‘unnecessary surveillance’ in psychosocial risk management mandates. Alan explains, “it’s so much easier if you have stated the scope of surveillance in a policy.”

In another story, Trajce is humoured by the idea that spending up to an hour a day to online shop for personal items at work is permissible in some jurisdictions, yet workers yearn for a right to disconnect from work on their home time.

For more on Psychosocial Risk Management, check out: PRAiSE (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) – Certified Assessor and Manager programs - and PRA, the new task-based Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature within the ErgoAnalyst software platform. These tools are helping teams visualise, quantify, qualify, and respond to both contextualised physical and psychosocial workplace risks, merging technical rigour with empathy-driven co-design.

Season 09 Episode 01 of the WhyWork Podcast begins with sensational media gossip that leads the team, Alan, Sara, and Trajce (aka “Ziggy,” the pop music master), down a pathway of discussion on the bounds of workplace dismissal. Yes, the Coldplay incident. Trajce asks about reasonable workplace treatment when the scope of query encroaches upon one’s personal life. They discuss what happens when a worker is caught “pashing off” with someone unexpected and the taboos around workplace relationships. Trajce uses another example - when an employee refuses to take an alcohol breath test to demonstrate fitness for work.

The podcasters embrace discussion on psychosocial risk management and codes of practice, standards, and guidance material which is just dripping into feeling states. Trajce is concerned about work relations that confuse judgments. Alan defends against Trajce’s contest and debate on attitudinal versus behavioural breaches, while Sara explores ideas on leveraging company policy to institute ego assertions from people in power. “I do what I wanna do,” she raps, an excerpt of a song she has in mind during these times.

For more on Psychosocial Risk Management, check out: PRAiSE (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) – Certified Assessor and Manager programs - and PRA, the new task-based Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature within the ErgoAnalyst software platform. These tools are helping teams visualise, quantify, qualify, and respond to both contextualised physical and psychosocial workplace risks, merging technical rigour with empathy-driven co-design.

Season 09 Trailer 06: Refugees

Trajce advance's a refugees claim of years of bullying, micromanagment, and discrimination. The team, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, wrangle with the 'ColdPlay'd-gate' escapades and the symbolic implications of workplace power relations.

Tune in to the release of Season 09 for a focus on workplace terminations for all manner of challenging reasons - coming soon!

Season 09 Trailer 05: Autopilot mode

"How many times have you done something silly but you've been in autopilot mode?" reflects Sara when considering human factors and relatable fallabilities. Humans also innovate and improve work systems. Season 09 is coming soon, talking about more whacky case law, relatable faux-pas, and dissection of human behaviour. Stay tuned for more coming your way.

S09 Trailer 04: PRAiSE - Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers. The team reflect on "The best psychosocial instrument on the planet," as Trajce aludes, while Alan struggles with prosecutions of employees in Work Health Safety Legislation.

S09 Trailer 03: Nothing but dismissals - can't we all just get along?

Season 09 takes listeners down a workplace dismissal path. Alan, Trajce, and Sara explore workplace conflicts and government prosecutions in work health and safety law. Alan struggles... listen in for more on this with Season 09 releases - coming soon!

S09 Trailer 02: Bring it on - The kaleidoscope of workplace mishaps. Get ready for more humour and confronting tales - Season 09, coming soon.

S09 Trailer 01: Back in black - we're back... soon!

Back in black - we're coming back soon for Season 09. Great ready for more quips about contemporary events and controversial stories, laced with insights from diverse perspectives. We explore business strategy, work design, human factors, and work health safety case law. The more things change, the more things stay the same...!

S09 Trailer 06: Refugees

Trajce advance's a refugees claim of years of bullying, micromanagment, and discrimination. The team, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, wrangle with the 'ColdPlay'd-gate' escapades and the symbolic implications of workplace power relations.

Tune in to the release of Season 09 for a focus on workplace terminations for all manner of challenging reasons - coming soon!

S09 Trailer 05: Autopilot mode

"How many times have you done something silly but you've been in autopilot mode?" reflects Sara when considering human factors and relatable fallabilities. Humans also innovate and improve work systems. Season 09 is coming soon, talking about more whacky case law, relatable faux-pas, and dissection of human behaviour. Stay tuned for more coming your way.

S09 Trailer 04: PRAiSE - Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers. The team reflect on "The best psychosocial instrument on the planet," as Trajce aludes, while Alan struggles with prosecutions of employees in Work Health Safety Legislation.

S09 Trailer 03: Nothing but dismissals - can't we all just get along?

Season 09 takes listeners down a workplace dismissal path. Alan, Trajce, and Sara explore workplace conflicts and government prosecutions in work health and safety law. Alan struggles... listen in for more on this with Season 09 releases - coming soon!

S09 Trailer 02: Bring it on - the kaleidoscope of workplace mishaps. Get ready for more humour and confronting tales - Season 09, coming soon.

Back in black - we're coming back soon for Season 09. Great ready for more quips about contemporary events and controversial stories, laced with insights from diverse perspectives. We explore business strategy, work design, human factors, and work health safety case law. The more things change, the more things stay the same...

Season 08 Episode 13: Re-release Episode: Kozorov and the Need for Purpose

WARNING: This episode refers to traumas involving children - we advise listener discretion.

We re-release S01 E13 in the wake of growing concerns about psychosocial risk management in the workplace. This case is about vicarious trauma - the long-term psychological distress that can arise among workers arising from secondary exposures to traumatic events. In this case, it s about a lawyer who encounters real-world accounts of horrific circumstances - such as suicide and child pornography.

Exposure to secondary trauma is a reality of work for many people, including those who must analyse the complex nature of these events and grapple with treatment of perpetrators and victims. Secondary trauma can affect professionals like first responders and healthcare workers. This case explores the impact of this vicarious trauma. For some, the exposures threaten quality of life and cause deep distress, even leading to suicide.

For more on Psychosocial Risk Management, check out: PRAiSE (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) – Certified Assessor and Manager programs - and PRA, the new task-based Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature within the ErgoAnalyst software platform. These tools are helping teams visualise, quantify, qualify, and respond to both contextualised physical and psychosocial workplace risks, merging technical rigour with empathy-driven co-design.

Season 08 Episode 12: Jumping Castles Part Two

WARNING: This episode includes discussion about fatal events impacting children and families – we advise listener discretion.

The WhyWork Podcast Team, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, discuss the complexities of a prosecutorial strategy when fatal events occur at a school: children who die as a result of a windstorm and out-of-control, airborne jumping castle. Those involved in the work design include a jumping castle supplier, the workplace host, a school, and an overseas manufacturer.

Alan shares his grief in retelling this tale and pays his respect to the families and all involved. Trajce delves into the legal concerns, “There are concurrent, non-delegable duties,” he says, “with distinct but interconnected duties and responsibilities from the design, manufacturer, supplier, and distributor.” Sara adds a human factors perspective on the integration of technology and plant in work system – the readiness levels for technology, commercialisation, humans, and organisations. She recognises the commercial realities opposing the principles of prosecution. Alan laments the challenges of recognising recreational events as serious workplace with plant and work systems that must be management well to support health and safety.

Listen to Season 04 Episode 11: The Things we Do For Fun, for more on this story.

For more on Psychosocial Risk Management, check out: PRAiSE (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) – Certified Assessor and Manager programs - and PRA, the new task-based Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature within the ErgoAnalyst software platform. These tools are helping teams visualise, quantify, qualify, and respond to both contextualised physical and psychosocial workplace risks, merging technical rigour with empathy-driven co-design.

Season 08 Episode 11: Toolbox Talk: Acknowledgement of Country

WARNING: This episode addresses cultural sensitivity issues in the workplace – we advise listener discretion.

Trajce challenges his podcast team, Alan, and Sara, with a claim about cultural sensitivities. He shares a tale about a street sweeper’s unfair dismissal by a local government city council after he raised his concerns about the Acknowledgement of Country before a toolbox session. To add probative value to the engineering of this dismissal, Trajce explains, the employer complained about the worker's failure to attend cultural sensitivity training. “The problem?” Trajce asks, “the employee was on leave – the employer failed to check this. It looked like they were stacking their deck.” Alan is aghast, sharing his experiences and uncovering instances when white people used racisms laws against Indigenous people. Sara laments colonised approaches to both regulating cultural sensitivity and framing awards for cultural achievements.

The WhyWork Team reflect on the challenges of returning to work once you have won an unfair dismissal claim, given the confrontations linked to resocialisation. The defendant may be hypervigilant, wondering about who has been gossiping, or who still blames them even when the management approach was ill-considered and unjust to them.

For more on Psychosocial Risk Management, check out: PRAiSE (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) – Certified Assessor and Manager programs - and PRA, the new task-based Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature within the ErgoAnalyst software platform. These tools are helping teams visualise, quantify, qualify, and respond to both contextualised physical and psychosocial workplace risks, merging technical rigour with empathy-driven co-design.

Season 08 Episode 10: Darth Vader and the handshake of death

Alan, Trajce, and Sara start this episode in discussion about the social etiquette of handshakes. Alan advocates for the politeness of the handshake in business negotiations, and Trajce explains his handshake aversions, and the origins of a handshake.

In this reverie, Trajce reflects on his support band, warming up big names in the 1980’s, like The Village People and Kim Wilde. Sara shares details bout her fun night out listening to Tyne James Organ and Jacob Fitzgerald & the Electric City live at a local venue.

On the serious side, Trajce tells a sensation story about a claimant and her award from the Employment Tribunal in the UK, National Health Service. The claimant was awarded money to recover financial loss and punitive costs because of injury, especially to cover her upset feelings, resulting in her mental health disorders. Her grievances included her allegations of the management’s poor grievance processes a lack of support through tailored training or engagement, and she was given little control and agency over her work. Sara interprets the concerns in context to psychosocial risk factors. “The kicker,” explains Trajce, and much to Alan’s surprise, “is the concern about her colleague labelling her ‘Darth Vader’ in a workplace personality typography test.”

For more on Psychosocial Risk Management, check out: PRAiSE (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) – Certified Assessor and Manager programs - and PRA, the new task-based Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature within the ErgoAnalyst software platform. These tools are helping teams visualise, quantify, qualify, and respond to both contextualised physical and psychosocial workplace risks, merging technical rigour with empathy-driven co-design.

Season 08 Bonus: WhyNOT? A Wisdom Shot: Creating joyful paths

This wisdom shot challenges workplaces to think about creating joyful paths in their workplace, versus hoping someone falls into a path of joy. It's about using service design combined with human factors approaches to construct manageable and meaningful work while managing psychosocial risks.

Season 08 Episode 09: Psychosocial Hazard Salad

In this episode, the team discusses the challenges in the contemporary workplace of managing the complexity of psychosocial risks that can cause mental health disorders among workers – disorders like anxiety, stress, low mood, and depression. Sara laments the literature and assessment approaches that reveal the “What?” without explaining the “SO What?” and “NOW What?” Alan loves that level of thinking, acknowledging that without this level of guidance, businesses can spin their wheels, directionless. Sara explains a research paper on necessary condition analysis describing four factors that, in their absence, preclude a diagnosis of depression, offering a unique perspective in occupational health diagnostics. Trajce explains the importance of language in legal dictums, weaving in his concerns about risk management legislative language, such as “as low are reasonability possible,” versus “so far as is reasonably practicable.” He’s passionate about this and wrote about this recently under the framework of the mining industry, in his article, “Mining Work Health, Safety Laws and Serious Industrial Crimes in Australia: Down the Shaft of Jurisdictional Inconsistency.”

Sara introduces the launch of PRAiSETM (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) – Certified Assessor and Manager programs - and PRA, the new task-based Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature within the ErgoAnalyst software platform. These tools are helping teams visualise, quantify, qualify, and respond to both physical and psychosocial risks in context, merging technical rigour with empathy-driven co-design.

Season 08 Episode 08: Levellin’ Up: Health Screening vs Human Rights

“It is my human right to grab a meat pie from the local pie cart,” Trajce defends his actions. “Everyone is stressed, so what is your stress level?” enquires Alan, in his effort to empathise and disarm a respondent. “What’s your level, not your age, but your level?” asks Sara, “We’re levelling up – that’s empowering!”

This episode extends discussion on the events surrounding S08 E02: Christmas Day Code Blue. In this episode, the WhyWork crew dig into the uncomfortable truth that many wellness initiatives are a shiny distraction from the core work-related manifestations of harm. Recognising that work is linked to wellbeing, the legal pundits, Trajce and Alan, dig into regulatory materials to determine if the legislation reference the term “wellbeing” as a workplace obligation.

The team debate obligations and terminology - health, welfare, wellness, wellbeing, and wholeness - and how the meaning of these terms might alter depending on each person. Trajce questions the logic of yoga rooms in toxic work environments. Alan reminds us that if work is designed poorly, no fruit bowl or mindfulness session will make up for it.

Together, the team explores how psychosocial hazards, like role conflict, chronic heavy workloads, and low support, erode wellbeing. They query design strategies to improve these conditions. Spoiler alert: it starts with good work design and ends with authentic leadership.

Sara espouses the benefits of sense-making in organisational psychosocial risk management sharing details about her team’s new online material, workshop training, and collaborative development of a software feature in digital risk management software-as-a-service: Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers (PRAiSE) with both the PRAiSE Certified Assessor and PRAiSE Certified Manager program, complementing the Psychosocial Risk Analyser (PRA) feature in ErgoAnalyst.

This one’s for the safety leaders, HR teams, and execs who want to move beyond platitudes and into prevention and health promotion.

Season 08 Episode 07: Danger, Design, and Digital Realities

WARNING: This episode discusses injuries caused by recreational fixed plan – we advise listener discretion.

“How do you design better work when the risks are invisible, intangible, or hard to map?" asks Trajce. In this forward-thinking episode, the WhyWork crew explores how Shared Virtual Presence (SVP) is transforming the way organisations approach risk, work design, and collaboration.

Trajce shares his perspective on the value of SVP in creating shared language and visible systems thinking, and Alan digs into how digitised assessments are finally bringing mental health into mainstream safety design. Alan and Trajce dig around to see how legislators included concepts of “workplace wellbeing” in their materials. Conversely, Sara challenges Trajce to think about design experts who can think like a criminal to combat crime in work and product design, “Boys will be boys,” says Trajce, which is a statement that Sara challenges.

Continuing the theme on recreation and risk, the team recall more related cases that exemplify foreseeability challenges.

Sara introduces the launch of PRAiSE (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Integrated Solutions for Employers) and PRA, the new task-based Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature within the ErgoAnalyst software platform. These tools are helping teams visualise, quantify, and respond to both physical and psychosocial risks in context, merging technical rigour with empathy-driven co-design (Digital Solutions Development through ViVID Design Labs).

This episode is for leaders, designers, and problem-solvers looking to embed real change - digitally, visually, and collaboratively.

Other episodes addressing theme park and recreation-as-work:

S03 E05: Whakaari – The Smouldering Dragon

S03 E06: Cha-Cha-Chat Thrill Rides

S03 E07: Intentional Design & Submersibles

Season 08 Episode 06: Rootin’ Tootin’ Wild Theme Park Rides: When Fun turns Fatal

WARNING: This episode discusses a serious injury to a child – we advise listener discretion.

“Theme parks are workplaces where serious harm could eventuate,” bemoans Trajce.

In this gripping episode, the WhyWork crew dive into the devastating case of a child who suffered a traumatic scalping injury while on a Wile E. Coyote-themed amusement ride

Alan walks us through the case, unpacking the sequence of mechanical and human errors. Trajce brings his classic bluntness and empathy, highlighting how poor design choices - literal holes in theme ride ceilings and safety protocols - lead to traumatic circumstances in people’s lives and, in this case, affects a child. The team pulls the lens back to explore broader lessons on accountability, risk design, and the ethics of foreseeability.

"A kid went to have fun and came back scalped. That’s not a freak accident—that’s a system failure," says Trajce. "We can’t keep blaming workers or bad luck when the problem is clearly baked into the design," argues Sara.

Alan Explains, "The head went through a hole in the ride’s casing - something that never should have been possible. Once we traced what happened, the design gaps were obvious. This case reveals chain of small, overlooked decisions that created a massive risk."

This episode isa tough listen, but a vital one. Through humour, honesty, and some hard truths, the podcast team asks: What kind of systems do we really want to build for our kids, our teams, and our communities? “What will be enduring and sustainable?” asks Sara.

Alan, Trajce, and Sara reflect on some of their favourite Looney Tunes characters - Yosemite Sam, the rootin’ tootin’ red-moustached cowboy; Marvin the Martian, Sylvester (Sufferin’ succotash) – who was yours?

Other episodes addressing theme park and recreation-as-work:

S03 E05: Whakaari – The Smouldering Dragon

S03 E06: Cha-Cha-Chat Thrill Rides

S03 E07: Intentional Design & Submersibles

Season 08 Episode 05: Is it a crime? The syrupy sweetness of criminal recovery, comebacks, and swearing in the workplace

WARNING: This episode discusses human rights breaches - we advise listener discretion.

Does a criminal record mean a life sentence of unemployment? This episode dives into how past convictions keep people locked out of work. Alan reflects, “Inclusive hiring isn’t charity. It’s good business sense. We should not define skills and character by a past conviction.” Alan recounts a case of a government employee hampered by a past criminal investigation. Listen in to learn about the results of this worker’s subsequent appeal to the Human Rights Commission. Trajce offers, “When we shut people out because of old mistakes, we create cycles of disadvantage that hurt everyone—individuals, families, and communities.”

Alan also shares a story about the punitive treatment of a manager whose swearing at a barista prompted a workplace review. “Someone needed their caffeine,” remarks Sara. The workplace investigated reproachable behaviours occurring outside of the principal place of work. The retelling of this story triggers bloopers and bleepers in this episode! For more on swearing at work, check out AIHS story on recent rulings by the Fair Work Commission on swearing in the workplace.

Listen to this episode as the podcasters untangle the legal, social, and human sides of criminal records and employment. Find out how some employers are leading with fairness in and out of the workplace, and why workplaces that give second chances often discover untapped loyalty and talent.

To learn more about Psychosocial Risk Management and Integrated Solutions for Employers (PRAiSE), check out ViVID Design Labs - Designs: https://www.vividdesignlabs.com.au/vivid-designs/

Season 08 Episode 04: Nipple Tweaks & Bottom Taps: The border between play and predatory assault

WARNING: This episode includes discussion on sexual harassment - we advise listener discretion.

Ever wondered when ‘just joking’ becomes sexual harassment? In this eye-opening episode, we unpack real stories of workplace encounters that cross the line—like unwanted bottom taps or nipple tweaks (Are these ever really okay?!) . Alan, Trajce, and Sara discuss why dismissing these actions as both banter and play lets disrespect thrive. Sara says, “We need to normalise calling out these moments, not laugh them off.” Trajce adds, “People think it’s harmless fun until someone finally speaks up—or leaves the job. Then everyone asks, ‘How did we miss the signs?’”

The podcasters break down how micro-assaults affect safety, culture, and performance, while exploring what leaders and colleagues can do when playful turns predatory. Join us as we unpack why micro-assaults like these matter, what the law says about sexual harassment, and how organisations can build cultures that stop them before they start. Alan reflects: “These aren’t grey areas. When someone’s uncomfortable, that’s the line. If you’re not sure, ask—or just don’t do it.”

Expect honest chat, expert insights, and a few laughs as we explore the sticky realities of personal space and respect at work.

To learn more about Psychosocial Risk Management and Integrated Solutions for Employers (PRAiSE), check out ViVID Design Labs - Designs: https://www.vividdesignlabs.com.au/vivid-designs/

Season 08 Episode 03: Too much to carry: The case that alters the landscape of mining prosecutions

WARNING: In this episode, the podcasters discuss extreme mental health duress - we advise listener discretion.

Noone died. But two workers were emotionally broken by the weight of their jobs – this time, the system noticed.

In this episode of WhyWork, we explore a landmark $1.2M enforceable undertaking in mining. Not for a collision, Not for a fire. Not for an explosion. And not for a fatality, but for two finance staff affected by their crushing workloads, blurred roles, and the organisational injustice that led to a breach of duty. The WhyWork team discuss a landmark regulatory prosecution in the mining sector for psychosocial harm where no physical injury or fatality occurred - two finance professionals were exposed to serious breaches in duty of care under Section 19 in Australian workplace health and safety law.

“No hazard tape, no broken bones – just people who were no longer coping,” reflects Sara. “This is section 19 – it matters,” Trajce concurs. This is the case that relates mental health harm owing to serious workplace responsibility. “This is a moment of accountability in an industry built on grit,” Alan agrees. It is a reminder that collapse isn’t always accompanied with sirens – it is sometimes like the management of an overflowing, ‘chokka’ inbox at midnight.

Sara urges Trajce and Alan to consider the logic in making sense of ‘psychosocial hazard salad.’ She uses the ‘BLT sandwich’ analogy of Professor Jan Dul and his recent article on the four factors presenting necessary conditions of developing depression: baseline depressive symptoms, self-criticism, rumination, and stressful events.

For more on psychosocial risk management, check out the new Psychosocial Risk Analyser feature - powered by ViVA health at work through a ViVID Design Labs collaboration - in ErgoAnalyst (v3.0). Additionally, ViVA health at work offer the PRAiSE - Psychosocial Risk Analyser and Integrated Solutions for Employers - program.

Season 08 Trailer 06: Profiling workers: Who is most at risk? Season 08 probes these contemporary work design strategies - from construction workers bitten by a spider while they visit the loo to healthcare professionals prone to work stressors and cardiovascular events.

Season 08 Episode 02: Christmas Day Code Blue: A Tassie healthcare system wake-up call

WARNING: This episode describes a fatality – we urge listening discretion.

In this episode, the WhyWork team debate the issues surrounding a senior hospital doctor who, for years, carried the weight of a health system on his back. His widow’s lawyer claimed he worked seven days a week and was on call 24/7. He shielded his staff from the bureaucracy and advocated for better staffing care ratios. He managed increasingly complex client care presentations. This is a story of duty, care, and silence.

On Christmas Day, this high-achieving healthcare provider died of a heart attack. His wife sought justice from the hospital that demanded so much of him, but the hospital wanted none of the blame.

Sara wrestles with ideas about contributing factors: organisational, interpersonal, intrapersonal, lifestyle patterns, and biological factors – Trajce responds excitedly “Oooh, your analysis is prescient.” Sara further provokes, “Did he say the ‘S-word?’” Alan responds, “this is harder for older workers to do,” and Trajce agrees, ‘yes – use the S-word – S-T-R-E-S-S.” Listen to this episode as the WhyWork team debate interacting risk factors and dissect those that relate to the workplace.

Check out more on healthcare industry tales in this novel book, Healthcare Insights: The Voice of the Consumer, the Provider, and the Work Design Strategist.

Season 08 Bonus: WhyNOT? A Wisdom Shot: Work, rest, and play

Should employees be permitted to disconnect from their workplace during their 'downtime'? Alan discusses The Fair Work Ammendment Right to Disconnect Bill 2023 which makes it legislatively clear that the provisions in work health safety laws intend to support workers. Alan contends that workers need to recharge and replenish versus always being 'ON' at work. "... Work, rest, and play," croons Trajce, citing the candybar jingle.

For more on this, listen to:

S06 E07: We revisit the right to disconnect, &

S05 E03: Grab the Pilates socks - its our 'Right to Disconnect' time!

Season 08 Episode 01: Flora, Fauna, and the ‘Port-a-Loo’: Beware the arachnids

In this season opener of WhyWork Podcast, we forgo the spreadsheets and the performance statistics – we go straight to storytelling. A toilet. A spider. And a young worker’s unforgettable encounter with risk realities interrupting his routines – when faced with an arachnoid phenom, it was up close and highly personal. “Not once, but TWICE!” exclaims Trajce.

“Sometimes, work gets weird,” Alan laments, as he shares disarmingly intimate conversational snippets from his men’s group. Sara chimes, “And that is where the truth lives!”

This episode is about the things we don’t write down in procedures: the folklore, the warnings passed in whispers, and the rituals we perform before doing the ordinary. It's about vigilance. About humour. About how experience embeds itself amidst bodily functions.

We talk about the risks we manage and the ones we normalise. What does it mean when danger becomes part of the dunny?

Season 08 Trailer 05: 'Feasibility and foreseeability of becoming a croc sandwich for a day' toys with the season's examination of exposure to wild critters during both work and tourist play. Coming soon.

Season 08 Trailer 04: 'Stress, and more stress,' warns Trajce, "Ai-O, Ai-O, It's off to work we go..." Get ready to listen to Season 08 releases coming soon...

Season 08 WhyNOT? A Wisdom Shot: Botty Botch Botox - Trajce is excited by Botox at work as his incentive to get back to the office. Sara is dismayed, and Alan is humoured (we recommend that you use your own discretion in this debate!).

Season 08 Trailer 03 Teases stories about healthcare, male-on-male workmate attention, Darth Vader, mining prosecutions, and so much more. "It's extraordinary!" exclaims Alan. "Watch this audio space," invites Trajce.

Season 08 Trailer 02: Secret handshakes

Criminal work, health, and safety law convictions, children injured on theme rides, and secret handshakes - do you have one? Tune in, more coming on these topics in Season 08.

Season 08 Bonus: WhyNOT? A Wisdom Shot: To sink or to SWMS?!

The Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) debate is hot and Trajce summarises his research while giving it to us straight: SWMS or no, they have made little difference in organisations, and with or without one, fatalities may still arise in organisations. Listen to Season 06 E12: It's going SWM'ingly to learn more about this finding!

Season 08 Trailer 01: Faux Paus and Flummoxes: life is like a maze, listen to the WhyWork Podcasters recording mishaps as they prepare to release Season 08 - we're back!

Season 07 Episode 11: From ‘Command & Control’ to ‘Customer Service’ – Beyond ‘hazard salad’ in psychosocial risk management.

The team revel in debate about the new Queensland state and Commonwealth government literature on psychosocial risk management. Sara is relieved to see updates to regulations on psychosocial risks (Work Health and Safety [Psychosocial Risks] Amendment Regulation 2022) because of their focus on work design. Trajce explains aspects of The Commonwealth Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work (Dec 2023) which includes “intrusive surveillance” as a psychosocial hazard, requiring employer risk management and interventions. The team reference Season 01 Episode 05: Kozorov and The Need for Purpose – an episode devoted to discussions on vicarious trauma in the workplace.

Much to Alan’s amusement, Sara reveals her anthem song, “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” by the Spin Doctors, while lamenting common central office approaches to operate like ‘command and control centres.’ “That might work in times of conscription,” she says, “but it fails to incorporate service design to recognise employees as internal customers to the work experience.” She references Dart Lindsey in his view of “Work as a Product,” an idea populated in his recent Harvard Business Review publication.

Season 07 Episode 10: That old chestnut –Pets & work from home

Pets at home or in the office are a ‘thing’ in modern workplaces. Alan explains, “Some organisations host ‘dog for the day’ events.” Trajce shares his faith-based workplace perk, a ‘Blessing of the animals,’ whether the animal is a police horse, a guinea pig, a dog, or cat. In response, Sara dreams of being blessed which prompts the boys to imagine Sara in all kinds of ‘furry’ dress-up costume scenes. In response to Sara’s protests, Alan concedes, “Sara is just a party animal.”

Trajce describes a Work Cover claim involving a female worker in her home, her puppy, a bunny, and a segregation fence which caused her to trip and sustain an injury. “Outta sight, outta mind,” Sara says as she refers to company policy on safe environments for home-based work. Trajce flashes back to Season 01 Episode 03: Pets & Airfryers, with discussions on the ol’ Bluey and the Bees.

Alan teases Sara again with her explanations of her post-surgical work ethics, “How Spartan of you,” he remarks cattily. He also teases her about snakes in her bedroom, a result of a feisty kitty delivering gifts from his hunting jaunts.

In a final story, Sara recalls stunts that make an advertising impact, like the launch of Lululemon in Australia. The team use this opportunity to try to wrangle some free gifts (anyone listening from Lululemon? If so, drop us a line!)

Season 07 Episode 09: Gilmore versus Blue Care: A hankering for sex

WARNING: This episode includes discussion on a workplace sexual assault – we advise listener discretion.

Alan introduces the case, Gilmore versus Blue Care, a community home care provider. In this case, a personal carer submitted her claim against her employer because of her report of sexual assault when providing daily living support to older men living in a group home. These men each had various forms of mental health disorders and daily living support needs, necessitating their care provision. However, Alan paints the scenario of collective vulnerability when a female worker is left to work solo in a home with men. He extends the discussion on sexuality and sexual drives, at any age.

“We are the only workplace podcast to descend into conversations on sex,” remarks Trajce. “We do more than descend – we embrace this,” says Sara. She continues, “I’ve got an itch, a hankering for sex.” Trajce jests, “When I am hankering, I yearn for a marshmallow or a burger.” “Some people hanker for very different things, Trajce,” Sara educates. Alan jibes, “You’re safe with Trajce as long as you offer an all-you-can-eat buffet!”and advises “If you’re an employer, imagining that no one seeks sex in your workplace or your care facility, you’re misled.”

Season 07 Episode 08: Bollywood & The Digital Footprint

This episode starts with Sara reflecting on the nature of her spirit animal and the symbols of her brand identity: a mix of frivolity and banditry. For more on spirit animals, tune in to S02 E14: Spirit Animals.

Trajce introduces a case on an injured worker who submitted a claim against her employer, a national grocery chain. The claim arose from her experience of heel pain. However, the employer discovered that the injured worker enjoyed dancing and maintained this activity throughout her claim period. In fact, she danced "with great gusto," Bollywood style, “Putting her back into it,” said Alan. When the employee tested the limits of her claims compensation, the grocery chain funded a private investigator to monitor the injured worker. The investigator discovered her social media dance profiles replete with videos of her dancing escapades. “Instagram had a seat at the legal table,” Trajce deliberates. “The digital footprint,” agrees Sara.

The team talk about organisational decision making. Sara elaborates on these ideas with a detailed, simple and common case example to apply multi-criteria decision making.

Season 07 Episode 07: AI Ethics: A Beautifully Shambolic Disaster

WARNING: This episode includes discussion on a workplace fatality – we advise listener discretion.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is off its tree!” protests Trajce. “This stuff is dangerous. Its hallucinogenic – a beautifully shambolic disaster. Society must put the rails on it.” “Are you going to try to reign in Sara?” asks Alan, “Impossible!” he follows.

Trajce explains his experiencing on using AI to research case law. Tested three times, the AI spit out a different version of events. He warns against the implications to legal practitioners on relying on such inconsistent data and poor research. In contrast, the team reflect on the benefits of closed-domain decision-support systems that are vetted and validated by domain experts, like they’ve learned through Sara’s association with Livemind AI, Lachlan Phillips.

The case in question, poorly tested by AI, is one from the rail industry. It involves the dismissal of a long-standing employee who tested positive for a banned substance upon his return to work from his leave. The rabble rousing team, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, can’t help but descend into Cheech and Chong and other such movie references. “Say ‘hello’ to my little friend,” mimics Trajce from Al Pacino Scarface movie nostalgia. The crew turn this upside down on their debate and wagers on the case outcome – listen in for more!

Season 07 Episode 06: Free to air - The blue channels and digging in the trenches

WARNING: This episode includes discussion on both sex and serious workplace fatalities and injuries – we advise listener discretion.

“Have you guys heard about the airline kerfuffle?” nudges Sara, as she shares a media report, “There was a flaw in the movie selection technology.”

“It was a bit romantic, maybe a bit too romantic,” agrees Alan. “Bare boobs and prosthetic penises, or so the story goes,” Sara elaborates. She asks the boys, Trajce and Alan, to consider the impacts on workers and the potential for a workplace claim of trauma if exposed to this during work travel.

Trajce shares more on his Solvenia experience and the never-ending blue channels in his rental villa. Alan and Trajce share more stories about their accidental graphic movie downloads while viewing in public spaces.

Trajce channels “Funky Town,” lyrics while Alan tries to get serious about case law. Alan shares stories about moving plant, reversing mobile plant in tight spaces, and trenching issues. “The weight and unpredictability of working in trenches is worrisome,” Alan explains as he describes the prosecution based on a trenching collapse incident in which a worker was seriously injured. Alan measured 1.6m in the recording studio to dramatically demonstrate the depth of a trench that was a subject of one case. Trajce and Alan share more work health and safety prosecution stories arising from trench collapses. “Just don’t do it,” says Sara.

Trajce shares more on the harrowing reality of victim impact statements. To link this back to work re-design, Sara explains a fundamental aspect of design strategy, articulating the challenges and crafting a problem-based design statement.

Season 07 Episode 05: Tickle versus Giggle for Girls

WARNING: This episode discusses a fatal incident – we advise listeners to use their discretion.

Alan shares a human right’s case on 'Tickle versus Giggle for Girls,' an alleged case of discrimination from joining a ‘club’ via a service App based on gender identity. “This is squarely political,” says Trajce, “each party has a strong interest group behind them as this case enters into appeal.

Trajce shares more stories on these issues and his experience on managing the allocation of toileting facilities (loos and showers) based on gender identify, before this was a ‘mainstream thing’ to consider. Sara reflects on her experiences on roadworks projects when no female loos are provided while working remotely. “The boys just whip it out behind the truck, but….” She says, “we have a powerful social need to belong, but it is very complex challenge to design for diversity.”

“Hit me with your rhythm stick, hit me,” Trajce raps between recording takes, while Alan shares a second case that highlights the considerations on recreational venues as a workplace. In this case, a scaffolding tower that was left at a football field blew over during a match and it hit and killed a father of a footballer.

Season 07 Episode 04: Cheap and nasty: The unintended consequences of workplace interventions

This episode extends the discussion from Season 07 Episode 02 on workplace incentives. Thank you, Michael Grima, who shared a media report on paid Tinder leave benefits. “You get paid to go out on a date?” Alan marvels. “Love me, Tinder…” Trajce croons. “I guess being in love is supposed to make you productive,” Sara reasons. Trajce digs in, “Coffee, Botox, I’ll take it all. I’ll buy in I’m cheap and nasty!”

Sara needles the boys to consider the legal implications of a workplace incentive gone awry, like a horrible App-connection date gone wrong if that were funded and supported as paid leave by the workplace. In that vein, Alan shares a case about a young boy who’s hand sanitiser ignites when in contact with a museum plasma ball. Trajce comments, “When you introduce one control you often create new hazards.”

Season 07 Episode 03: Passionate or polemic?

Alan and Trajce poke the bear of workplace diplomacy with examples from politics. Alan share a story of a city mayor who referred to a new councillor as a ‘ranga.’ “What’s a ‘ranga’?” asks Trajce. Listen to this episode to find out!

Trajce shares more stories about politicians and their apologies to cover their gaffes. In turn, Sara challenges the boys to think about middle-ground and high-ground fatigue, when being politically correct is simply bland. “Passionate or polemic?” Trajce teases, after remarking on the power of words. “Words break your heart,” Alan shares, “we need legislation to mend the heartbreak.”

“It’s an affair of the heart,” laments Trajce, “before shooting your mouth off it’s like the saying, ‘Rethink your second drink, mate.’”

Sara and Alan debate the particulars of a workplace initiation prank on an apprentice whose superior allegedly made him ride in a utility vehicle toolbox, if media reports were correct!

Season 07 Episode 02: Workplace incentives to combat the return-to-office ball-&-chain

The WhyWork crew, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, revel in entertaining stories about novel workplace incentives to motivate staff to return to the office. Thanks to Dr Agustin Chevez for sharing the story about cosmetic Botox booths as a workplace return-to-the-office incentive. Alan cautions, “Take care not to make your workplace incentive look like a contractual agreement.”

Sara shares her angst about the common phenomenon of workplace mediocrity versus innovation. “If you’re free from workplace innovation fatigue,” says Trajce, “call Sara.” She discusses more on Dr. Chevez’s work, a workplace provocateur, who has written signposts reflecting his research on workplace innovation, including the crucial need for solo, reflective time. Additionally, the team distinguish between falling into the path of joy through psychological design versus psychosocial work strategies that make the mechanics of work joyous: aesthetics versus machinery in work design.

This episode mentions Dart Lindsley and his views on workplace change like the ocean waves that lap the shorelines of the industrial landscape, making incremental progress. Also, the team discuss change models like that instituted by a New South Wales Catholic school principal, Greg Miller, who has transitioned his school to a four-day week.

Season 07 Episode 1: Two Years of WhyWork: Celebrations, Travel, Trivialising Workplace Safety, and Design

Celebrations - The team, Alan, Trajce, and Sara reflect on their two years of podcast recordings together. “Has it been two years?” Alan and Sara marvel as Trajce announces their two-year anniversary.

Trajce delivers a delicious view on his recent travels to Montmartre, France, and his experience with the art of Burlesque theatre. He advocates for holiday travel to his recent destination of Slovenia, “It has a Tassie vibe,” he makes as a comparison much to Alan’s surprise, “Or maybe it’s a Slavic Tasman,” Sara chimes in.

Sara commends Trajce on the book that he gifted her, Reality Television and the Art of Trivialising Work Health, Safety, and Wellbeing. She flips some pages to discover stories about contestants and their families sharing tales about the bullying on the television shows. It’s a polemic exploration, explains Trajce “Sounds polarising!” replies Sara as Alan searchers for an online dictionary to define the term ‘polemic.’ “Who says you can’t keep the passion in occupational health and safety?” Trajce cajoles, “Let’s keep the party going.”

Sara excitedly explains her view on design advisory councils with specialised panellists. These panel teams help navigate solutions to business challenges associated with technology, workspaces, sustainable social systems and person-centred experiences, or defensible safety and assurance systems.

In this special WhyM’scal Mash re-mix episode with Alan, Trajce, and Sara, we dive into the unpredictable world of psychosocial exposures at work, blending excerpts from jaw-dropping, thought-provoking stories from past episodes. From the festive chaos of a Christmas party gone awry (S01 E01: Bubbles of Trouble) to a tourism industry tale featuring unexpected and unwelcome behaviour in shared accommodations (hint: it was more than a piss up, [S02 E07: 4 Men and Women 2]), this mash-up explores the complex and sometimes bizarre challenges that arise when work intersects with human behaviour.

It doesn’t stop there. We tackle the broader idea of “work from anywhere,” with shocking stories like a wildlife encounter on a mine site where dingoes turned a lunch break into a harrowing ordeal, and a tragic case of a surveyor stung by a bee with devastating consequences. Whether it’s working from home, navigating shared spaces, or surviving the unexpected, this episode sheds light on the psychosocial risks workers face across industries and environments.

Join us as we connect the dots between these extraordinary tales, offering insights, reflections, and a touch of humour as we ask: What does it really mean to design workplaces to suit such unpredictable times

Season 07 Bonus o1 - Re-Release Episode - a little frivolty to start the new year. What is your Spirit Animal?. The river otter, the wise owl, and the transformation of a deer to a stag and back again. When ‘fuzzy science’ can be meaningful in terms of personality profiles, values, and our behaviours. Why not have fun and reflect on who we are, how we are, and why? This episode reveals more intimate details about the mugs from backwater Brissie: Trajce, Alan, and Sara.

Season 07 Trailer 03: We're back to unpack - Botox, sex offences, Bollywood dancing, and work from home topics are on their way to your listening ear.

Season 07 Trailer 02: A teaser on the exploration of the entertainment industry and issues of principal contractors managing subcontractors - it all blows up when there is a fatality.

Season 07 Trailer 01: Botox and Bollywood, a teaser on more to follow in WhyWork Season 07.

Season 06 Episode 15: Turbulence on the ground

WARNING: we discuss a passenger fatality - listener discretion advised.

Thank you to subscriber, Grace Kennedy, for suggesting this topic. Grace described her experience in the airport arrivals lounge when passengers headed down an escalator to collect their luggage. The passenger congestion was significant, causing a pile up so severe that this led to people back pedalling on the escalator, attempting to walk backward to return to the floor above.

“Airports are busy, and this would not be the first time to consider cranky travellers,” remarks Alan. Trajce talks about the themes of crowd control, egress, and the escalator pile on. Sara reflects on the human behavioural aspects of rushing because of a need to compete and win, fulfilling the need for status, and the complex chain of responsibilities in airport management. Trajce asks, “Who owns the problem?” while Sara continues to discuss airport design. Trajce references a story of a death of a passenger who died from natural causes but challenged the work activities.

Season 06 Episode 14: From the club to the courtroom

WARNING: This episode includes refences to both sex and suicide - listener discretion advised.

Trajce presents a judgement from the United Kingdom involving a lawyer hiring a law student as his legal secretary. The confronting aspect of this scenario? They first met in a strip club where she worked as a stripper to fund her studies.

“This reeks of people and power. In this scenario,” probes Sara, “does this lawyer think that he can ask anything of his personal assistant?” Trajce shares more details: in the interview, the lawyer refers to himself as a "God" and the woman as his "obedient slave creature."

“Oh, you can’t do that,” deplores Alan, “even if it is intended as a joke.” Sara references this to the episode S04 E08: The archaic adage of deserving a good spanking. The team discuss work culture and impact, including the news of an Australian worker who committed suicide allegedly based on work demands.

Season 06 Epsiode 13: From underwear to underworld: Criminal ties

WARNING: This episode includes sexual references - listener discretion is advised.

Trajce jokes about purchasing a pair of Tradie’s underwear, a discussion thread continuing from Season 05 Episode 04. Trajce wonders if ads like this offend peoples' sensibilities.

Alan responds, “There will not be many situations in a workplace when you would contemplate showing a video of people in their underwear.” Sara asserts that context matters, arguing “You can’t judge an event for infinity – the spirit of the times matters, the ‘zeitgeist’.” Alan reassures her, “You’re exactly right – context matters.”

Alan probes Sara’s crime connection and she shares a few stories…. Including past generation Mafioso bootlegging connections, FBI shoot-outs, and current family friends.

Season 06 Episode 12: It's going SWM'ingly

The podcasters, Trajce, Alan, and Sara, discuss the conventions of establishing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). Alan likens SWMS to mythology, rigorously enforced from powers that be, though he believes that the legal doctrine supporting them is unclear. Alan asks, “Do they really work?”

Trajce shares his research on breaches of work health and safety law, including fatal events. “In these cases,” he reveals, “90% of the defendants presented a SWMS – 517 cases, in fact.” In these cases, the SWMS were either not followed, not well considered or constructed, or work simply changed and the workers were confronted by unexpected events. “These ‘unexpected events’ are customary,” remarks Sara, “not unusual.” “To sink or swim?” she asks. Trajce uses the phrase, “The Holy Grail of SWMS.” They continue this thread of debate, wondering if a document is well prepared, have organisations helped transfer that embedded knowledge into the minds and operations of people who do the work, while establishing systems to continue to learn from the many work variations that arise in daily routines.

Sara leverages this debate to bolster support for the WhyWork Workshop build-your-own sponsored podcast and interactive workshops. These workshops are designed for industry and organisations wishing to dive into resilience engineering, reliability thinking, and contingency planning, using case law and work re-design strategies.

Seaon 06 Episode 11: The collective sighs - let's talk about s-X, baby

Let’s talk about…. sex as a primal survival urge. The WhyWork Podcast reflect on their debate about the Australian Tradie’s underwear ads discussed in Season 05 Episode 04. Sara makes a joke about performance drivers much to the chagrin of the boys, when Trajce quotes a Talking Heads lyric, “We’re on the road to nowhere…”

Sara explains primal inner-mammal neurobehavioural drivers of human activity, philosophies advanced by researcher Dr Loretta Breuning , and the ways in which these ideas are used in gaming technology, could improve road safety compliance, and can advance work design strategies.

Alan loves the linguistics with words like ‘ontological framework’ and ‘salutogenesis’ and Trajce expounds on these ideas because of his interests in social science. “Your mind works like a prism,” Trajce remarks, “while my mind is like a kaleidoscope.”

Season 06 Episode 10: Moooo – It’s a stampede!

WARNING: A fatality is discussed in this episode – listener discretion is advised.

Country boy Alan shares a story about cows in Wales. In this case, a cow went haywire while farm workers offloaded it from its transit vehicle to a pen. The cow was agitated, jumped off its ramp, killing a 75 y/o farmworker, and injuring another man. “Can you keep the cattle calm?” begs Trajce. They team dissect the case, remarking on the lack of enclosures and barriers as restraints on the spooked bovine creature. This case prompts Trajce to recall one of his prosecutions involving cows at night. “Like SpongeBob SquarePants who does not like taking the trash out at night,” he explains, “these cows get spooked at night. These are live, heavy beasts, not just doughy-eyed innocent creations." Sara, in contrast, shares some cute and marvellous cow stories including stumbling upon the birth of a calf.

Trajce remarks, “Well, wasn’t’ that a buckin’ excellent story?”

Alan remains on point with stories of tragic circumstances in the case of a fall from heights - a rigger who fell from a hanger on a movie set, while the team debate the merits of fall prevention, protection, and arrest in work design.

Season 06 Episode 09: IRL? In Real Life? Software solutions and AI in work design

Trajce struggles with the ideas of ‘flow efficiency,’ likening this to urine tract functioning. Sorry, Anna Linning - a subscriber who asked about ‘flow’… Alan connects the idea to Flo’s scones, Flo Bjelke-Petersen’s famous pumpkin scones. Sara brings the boys back around to discuss psychological flow, theories from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and links these ideas to job redesign and software solutions. She shares one of the ViVA team’s software solution partners, “Beam me up with Beamible” for agile job design with what-if scenarios and cost analytics to build a business case.Alan tongue twists the word, “discombobulated” because of interrupted workflows, while he shares content on legilsative obligations of company directors.

Sara provides a human factors perspective on interruptions - about 20 minutes of task reorientation. She gives the example of nurses getting interrupted during medication administration and the risks for administration error. Sara talks about information and business architecture while organisations grow organically like a wild beast. The design objective, she explains, is to aim for ‘reliability with resilience’ – the right ‘tensions’, the ‘R&R Tensions.’

The conversation takes a twist as Sara discusses her brother’s, Robert’s, lectures in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the historic development of AI from the 1950’s. Sara mentions more of ViVA’s tech partners, Lachlan Phillips of livemind.ai, develops closed-domain data support systems, and Real Serious Games for extended reality solutions. She recalls a conversation with Lachlan who asks her about doing a joint presentation, “IRL?” “In real life?” – like there needs to be an acronym to distinguish the real versus virtual world.

Season 06 Episode 08: The sentinel gateway - keeper of the path ahead

WARNING: This episode discusses a workplace fatality - listener discretion is advised.

Alan shares an industrial safety law case involving the disrepair of a gate, which prompts Trajce to reflect on his early-career prosecution of an industrial gate failure, leading to the news headline, “Fallen gate crushes mum.” The team remark on the feasibility and severity of these events deserving serious assessment, challenging the reliance on probabilistic risk assessments versus consequence. Sara shares a work reality of the difficulty of industrial gate use, especially as a visitor unfamiliar with the urban layout. Trajce solves the problems of reaching industrial gate activation panels from the window of his sportscar by using his selfie stick, causing the team to burst in laughter. “It’s funny, right?” Sara asks, “The language, ‘you’re off your rails’ implies that someone is acting unpredictably, and that they are out of control. Similarly, a gate off its sliding rail, demands some serious intervention. Trajce uses these ideas in lyrical recall of gate-related song titles.

Season 06 Episode 07 - We revisit the right to disconnect.

Trajce provokes conversation on the Fair Work Amendment (Right to Disconnect) Bill 2023 among the team again. Sara asks, “Why did we throw legislation at this? I want to know - how did they develop their problem statements? Is this legislation really hitting the mark? Are there system designs to protect workers versus needing to rely on legislation to advance these rights when the world of work has moved on from the 9 to 5pm, five day a week, patriarchal workplace?"

“Court is the last resort,” marvels Trajce, “But I think these sensible measures are failing.”

Alan explains the origins of these laws, protective of schoolteachers and principals. She asks about why we did not pivot, leverage a rich opportunity in the pandemic, to radically review how and where education is delivered to schoolchildren. Trajce agrees, “Maybe the parents might be less stressed too!”

Sara pontificates on workplace rhythms and tribal culture. She speaks about the top level of Maslow’s Hierarchy, activities that inspire, elevate, and meet aspirations. Sara explains Charlie Grantham theories on work-life balance versus aspirations that require work intensification: wellness, wellbeing, and wholeness. This episode includes some remix of S05 E03: Grab the Pilates socks - its our 'Right to Disconnect' time!

Season 06 Episode 06: Scope creep and Snag-arees

WARNING: This episode includes sexual inferences.

“The power of the beep is getting to Trajce’s head,” says Alan. “This is a very serious podcast,” Trajce protests.

The cause for the bleep is revealed: “Oh my gosh,” Sara says through laughter, “There is a ‘snag, drag, and bag’ phrase online describing people pulling fish out of the ocean, a ‘snag drag queen’,” she jeers, while exclaiming that, “This is a ‘snag-aree’!”

Trajce gets back to case law, telling a story about a newly-appointed receptionist at a UK law firm. He describes all the ‘extra work’ she takes on, resulting in work conflict. Sara comments, “This sounds like ‘scope creep’."

Sara reports on a media story about the covert reenactment of a congested hospital ER system during a ministerial visit. “A spurious scenario re-enactment?” Trajce is incredulous. Alan exclaims, “Like the boy who cried wolf!” Sara reminds subscribers that these stories are the reason why she and other chapter authors developed the Healthcare Insights book.

For more about the origins of the bleep and snag-aree conversation, listen to Season 05 Episode 05: Shimmyin' on the dance floor .

Season 06 Episode 05: I spy with my little eye

Sara introduces the topics of ‘design for crime’ and surveillance systems with artificial intelligence predictive analytics. Alan speaks about his experiences with intelligent surveillance systems and their ability to see, feel, hear, and determine responses. Alan explains that business must establish their purpose and context when using video surveillance before consulting legal teams. “Bingo!” exclaims Sara, “Explain the design brief.”

Alan presents a work health and safety case in which the regulator charged a work health and safety manager for their alleged inadequate development of a work procedure. “Wait, WHAaaaT?” questions Sara, “This will rattle the industry because workplaces encourage worker involvement in developing procedures – it is fundamental consultation.” Alan explains that this is a hallmark case, marking a new area for the intrusion of work health and safety legislation. “There is a high level of immunity for health & safety representatives and government-approved work health and safety officers, but at any other level a worker’s involvement represents risk exposure.” “What a discouragement,” resigns Trajce.

Season 06 Episode 04: A bonza boom & crash: Decommissioning with dignity

Trajce and Sara compliment Alan’s dress sense - smooth, Italian, Mafioso, modelled after a Kappa soccer sports brand, while Sara reflects on her ‘rugby mum’ look for the day. Trajce teases Sara with her unlaced shoes in contemporary gangsta-fashion, primed for larceny. “It’s a sport and leather vibe,” says Trajce.

Trajce contemplates the need to evaluate a design journey, going beyond the pointy end of an event with direct causational pathways. “A designer is a parent of consequences,” he declares. The crew focus on examples of decommissioning in design phases. “Deconditioning with dignity,” Trajce phrases.

Season 06 Episode 03: Roger rabbit, reconciling responsibilities: Who’s job is it anyway?

WARNING: This episode discusses road safety fatal hazard exposures and construction failures.

“A cream bun goes a long way for you,” Alan teases Trajce when Trajce admits that he could never prosecute a baker.

Alan describes a work health and safety legal case when a football club grandstand roof collapsed during construction. The construction workers were fortunate to avoid significant injuries.

Sara regales a story about her drive home from her son’s rugby practice when a car sped past theirs travelling up the wrong side of their neighbouring lane. She adds to the story with another event - a car collision that no one wanted to clean up. “Who’s job is it anyway?” asks Trajce, as he examines the confronting idea of false comforts, “In systems, we blindly trust,” he says.

Season 06 Episode 02: An uppy or a downy

WARNING: This episode includes discussion about the fatality of a child.

“Are you an ‘Uppy’ or a ‘Downy’?” asks Alan.

“We have reached the lowest watermark on the show here,” says Trajce

Alan is entertained by Sara’s social media post about universal in public facilities. “Are we living for design or are we designed for living?” queries Trajce.

“Exactly!” exclaims Sara, “Design shapes behaviours.”

Alan introduces the idea of prosecution of designers. Trajce pontificates on causational chains of responsibilities. Sara recalls a media-reported incident of a badminton racquet malfunction and splintering that allegedly caused the fatality of a child. She advocates for human factors approaches when integrating technologies in work systems.

Warning: This episode discusses workplace fatalities and complex injuries

Season 06 Episode 01 is a special release extended episode, recorded live on stage at the Mechanical Engineering Safety Seminar 2024 sponsored by the New South Wales Resources Regulator (NSW MESS 2024).

The WhyWork Podcast rabble rousers, Alan Girle, Trajce Cvetkovski, and Sara Pazell wrestle with the idea of good design strategy in mining. “Section 22,” prompts Alan, referring to the Australian Work Health and Safety Act sections 22, 23, 24, 25(4) – “…give adequate information, including any conditions necessary to ensure safe use of the plant.” Sara seeks statements from members of the audience in this live recording at the NSW Mechanical Engineering Safety Seminar 2024 on some recent design-related system failures in mining with mobile plant. The team debate these issues, including recent case law. Alan shares his ideas on the consequences of being placed under investigation. The team consider the sections of the law pertaining to design provisions and pit them against what is reasonable and practicable. Listen to Trajce get excited over his latest jurisprudential project on “proximate causation.” The podcasters discuss the risk of under-design in systems and the ‘over-design’ in some technologies with plenty of bling that might not solve the intended problems. “Don’t overcook the chook!” exclaims Trajce.

“Is it fail safe or safe-to-fail design strategy?” asks Alan. The team explore these differences in philosophy, use cases, and design approaches. They consider a holistic approach to design thinking: the context; the environment; the task; the machinery; the operator; the work system; the job design; the management; the governance and regulations; and the people, pedestrians or other vehicle and plant operators, around the machinery that might act in unpredictable ways. Sara advises the team on her strategy to prompt this deep thinking in organisations when adopting new technologies or constructing new environments by asking three simple questions, “Is there a way?” “Can you play?” and “Can you stay?” She waxes lyrical about the enduring impact of good design and her passion to help organisations get this right if they want to achieve resilience, productivity, and sustain their desirable health and safety outcomes.

This episode presents ideas on:

Design thinking and design strategy in mining
Case review on mining equipment and system design
Investigating design-related equipment and system flaws
System design and resilience, closing the communication loop on design-related realities to cause ongoing improvements

Note:

The WhyWhork Podcast sends a special shout out to Dr Martin Stirling of HILTI Australia for his useful explanations on being a “value engineer” and “co-operation”, Japanese style, in his conversations with Trajce. We love your work!

Season 05 Bonus Episode 14

Risk versus reward, reliability versus resilience: Trajce, Alan, and Sara explore these tensions. Trajce wants to talk about investigations and the sex industry, while Sara and Alan poke at Trajce’s sensitivities to Harvard Business Law style jargon. Alan, however, also wants to talk about sex trades with a throwback to Season 05 Episode 13: Wiggle it, just a little bit. He distracts Sara when she advocates for studying success (in addition to failures and faults) and the need to communicate simply when it comes to workplace investigation findings. She expands on ideas about high-reliability organisation (HRO) precepts by using her design lens.

“Why is everyone using a sledgehammer to crack open a macadamia?” asks Trajce, when he considers the industry practice of adopting an on-trend accident investigation tool, "just because…" Alan asks about investigations in brothels and he wants a simple answer, though Trajce and Sara manage to frustrate him with their lawyer-like speak with “it depends” and other such "definite maybes."

Season 05 Episode 13 - We're getting jiggly.

Warning: Adult content and humour.

“We’ve got vibration, we’ve got noise, we’re getting jiggly here,” chimes Trajce. Sara describes the X, Y, Z axes of vibration measures. She tells a story of how she’s been attributed a certain type of ass-jiggling nick name.

Alan live-records his demonstration of simulated tractor operation trial while testing the Whole Body Vibration mobile phone application developed by Professor Robin Burgess Limerick of the University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Institute. The crew recognise Margarita Mandic of the Sunshine Coast in this episode also. Trajce tries to sneak away with whole body vibration testing homework until Alan threatens to grab his arse. His live-recording demonstration proves that he tests with red-hot injury risk.

WARNING – This episode presents content on workplace fatalities – listener discretion is advised.

With a word play on cosmetics branding, Trajce frames the scenario explained by Sara: A naturally curious 14 y/o, an electric display vehicle, a shopping centre, and the make up counter. “This is like a red bull, a caged beast,” Trajce makes the analogy, “An ‘Awww. Stay. Louder!’“ moment, much to Alan's pained laughter.

“No monkeying about,” leads Alan, as Sara describes another news story about work in the zoo when a worker gets caught inside the enclosure of a silver back gorilla, Elmo. Sara talks about communication and human-information processing using visual storyboarding to improve work practice, a design strategy that differs from convention risk and compliance measures.

Season 05 Episode 11: German Work

Warning: This episode discusses Anti-Semitic work behaviours.

“Is ‘German work’ a standard of work?” Trajce asks as he recounts a story on a manager who berates his Aussie teams, “’You’re F’n stupid!’ “ the manager tells his staff.

Even mid-employment dispute, this manager showed no contrition. “He believed that he was forced to speak in this manner,” Trajce elaborates, “because the culture of work in Australia was far too lazy and lackadaisical for him.”

Sara shares a story of a New York firm with whom she was once associated. In this firm, the manager tried to compel an Australian team member to sign their proposed work contract, “It’s not like I am making them wear concrete shoes and putting a gun to their head!” the New York representative lamented. “I don’t think that is going to work in Australia…,” Sara sweetly acknowledges..

Alan encourages the team to “unplug from it all’,” remembering life at age 22…

Season 05 Episode 10: Stubble stash and mug mats

To fit or not to fit?

This episode discusses a WhyWork Podcast subscriber’s concern on managing the scenario when a bearded worker must wear a mask for their health protections at work. “Get better equipment,” is not the easiest mandate in this complex situation, says Count van Count, aka Trajce. He is expressive while displaying his well-groomed goatee. Alan agrees, recounting reasons why some people find this an emotive issue: cultural, religious, or industrial events.

Sara confirms that Alan and Trajce often speak on the complexity of real-world events that can trigger reviews on employment; industrial; civil, and work health, and safety laws. She recalls the story, ‘The Best of Enemies,’ made into a movie, about the relationship between the American Civil Rights Activist, Ann Atwater, and the Klu Klux Klan member, C.P. Ellis. In this story, a lawyer navigated complex community race relations using a mediation process called a ‘charrette.’ The lawyer skilfully implemented this process, the characters achieved consensus and, surprisingly, formed a lifelong friendship thereafter.

The crew, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, continue to debate the need to articulate purpose and context before determining solutions in work design. Trajce likens this to incident investigation and event analysis methods versus chasing any on-trend tool that might not suit organisational purpose.

Season 05 Episode 09: A prism party and colour cascade

WARNING: This episode presents topics on workplace fatalities and suicide - Listener discretion is advised.

Sara announces the publication of a new book of which she is a co-editor, “Healthcare Insights: The voice of the consumer, the practitioner, and the work design strategist.” “The intent,” she explains, “is to empathise and to understand situations from many points of view. It’s like holding a crystal to the sky, and seeing different colours refract when you spin it around,” says Sara. Trace concurs, “Storytelling and narratives are prisms to view a different world.” Tracie elaborates on his contribution to a chapter in another book in the Workplace Insights series on Good Work Design, using empathy maps to articulate victim impact statement. “That’s golden,” Sara exclaims, “That’s from working with me! I love that a past state prosecutor is using empathy maps in storytelling.” Trajce recalls, “We used empathy maps in our safety conference presentation on distributed work emerging from the pandemic”. Alan retorts, “I remember that conference. I think there was some trivialisation of alcohol at that event!”

Alan and Trajce reflect on their careers in work health and safety law, and on some critical cases. “The downside of workplace criminal law,” Alan deducts, “is that everyone suffers.” Trajce adds, “This is unintentional crime.” Sara shares a subscriber’s, Craig McDonald’s, concerns about causational chains of responsibility, especially when governments constrain capital expenditure in transport infrastructure. Conversely, the podcast crew debate the notion of spurious injury claims and the weaponisation of alleged psychosocial harm.

Season 05 Episode 08: Smooth Criminal: The sociology of industrial crime

WARNING: This episode discusses fatalities in the workplace. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Alan broaches the topic of industrial manslaughter by describing a case involving a forklift operation fatal incident in a stonemasonry company in New South Wales. This prompts Trajce to reflect on a case where a prosecuted employer ritualistically honoured the anniversary of the death of their worker by paying for an ode of remembrance in the bereavement section of the local newspaper to acknowledge how much the apprentice was missed.

“This shows how these events take a huge emotional toll on all parties involved in a fatal incident,” explain Trajce, “These are not crimes rationalising a standard criminological lens. These are crimes involving unintentional harm. It fascinates me because of the sociology of crime – the industrial criminal who commits crimes unintentionally.

“These deterrents, the fees, no matter the cost, will never cure the hurt. In the court of public opinion, it will never be enough,” Alan empathises.

Sara dreams of a world that balances the punishment with reward to motivate people to exhibit desired social behaviours. "It's basic neuroscience," she says.

Season 05 Episode 07: Trajce raises the issue of the Barnaby Bother. It was a Boisterous Barnaby Bumble… Alan explains the alcohol-infused ‘Barnaby bumble’: It made national news, all around Australia, and it was highly embarrassing to anyone involved. Trajce reminds the crew that Zahi Steggall, Member of Parliament New South Wales, SW MP, has implored, “We must do something about alcohol use in parliament.”

We cannot trivialise this. Yet, alcohol consumption is culturally indoctrinated in Australia. Trajce announces his publication on trivialisation of risk in the workplace. Alcohol-related activity is one of the 6 typologies found in Reality TV, a reflection on daily life. “It’s trivialisation dissonance,” he says, “The media industry code of practice that advocated for protections from occupational psychosocial exposures during production has been removed at the same time that this material arose in general workplace guidance materials,” “It's not good for popular culture TV viewing without it,” says Alan.

For the subscribers, look out for Trajce’s ‘booky-book’, as Sara labels it, on the trivialisation of risk and hazard exposures in the workplace.

“It’s the little things that matter,” Trajce notes.

For more on alcohol consumption at work, listen to Season 05 Episode 04: Office Spirits: Culture & Controversy and Season 05 Episode 01: Bubbles of Trouble.

WhyWork Podcast subscriber Anna Linning asks, “How are different organisations managing the phenomena of digital and instant communication modes in their business - Teams, social media, intranets, and the like?” “Doctor, doctor, give me a call,” Alan chimes, reflecting on Anna’s work in an Australian occupational medical practice.

The team debate the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2023 on the right to disconnect because of the issue raised by Anna: the communication impact on mental and emotional load. “I’m finding major problems with this amendment,” scoffs Sara, “Have we returned to that Caucasian, male, privileged work convention?” Alan replies, “… this is one-way legislation.” Trajce adds, “… you must go straight to the source. Don’t go to Dr. Google,” he advises, “The devil is in the details, it says ‘must’,” but it says “unless the reason is for an emergency, OR a genuine welfare matter, OR compensated. The ‘etcetera’ is important.” “Disconnect is analogous to Stop. It’s a stop sign,” Trajce announces, “It’s vexed, Anna, it is vexed. It begs answers on these questions:

· What does contact mean?

· Is the allowance reasonable?

· What constitutes an emergency?

Trajce, Alan, and Sara concur on one aspect, “For a little amendment, we’re going to get a lot of traction out of this…” they chime.

For more on the ‘Right to Disconnect,’ listen to Season 05 Episode 03: Grab the Pilates socks – It’s our right to disconnect.

WARNING: This episode references suicide and sexual matters.

The WhyWork crew debate the contest of being forthright in social relations. Trajce reveals a case of a young, drunken lawyer determined to approach a colleague on the dancefloor at a work party. The courts deemed his behaviour to be highly inappropriate and sexualised. This sounds like Season 01 and Episode 01, ‘Bubbles of Trouble.’ “It’s rather sudsy, ” Alan reflects. “It’s the ‘A’ word,” says Trajce, “the Aaa-lcohol that subjects a young person to a new state of vulnerability. This is a common theme.” “Ten Bundies and Coke might erode a few boundaries,” he rationalises, and he exclaims, “There are consequences of shimmying on the dance floor!” “Do we need a specific memo on this? Really? A team of lawyers reverted to shimmying as their defense strategy?” begs Sara.

“When you think of discomfort, you think of WhyWork!” badgers Trajce to the laughter of Alan and Sara. “Go the edge,” urges Sara. “Go the edge! I love taking Trajce to the point of when he blushes to our banter,” she teases. Alan urges management teams to learn from the real-world scenarios of work. “Sex and sexual urges are a ‘thing’ when working with people. Organisations must consider this in their risk assessments,” Sara advises. Trajce recalls a matter in school education involving a confronting mix of Midori and marijuana.

Sara sends a shout out to The University of Queensland’s Professor Hugh Possingham. She gives her thanks for his teachings on sustainability, transparent decision making, ecosystems, sociopolitical forces influencing ethics, and multiple points of view.

Sara laments the damage to her little toe that got no roast beef, “… and it was on my birthday!” she punctuates the story. No, she hadn't been drinking...

The team debate the idea of drinking at work, particularly when it is distributed. Sara describes a case when a teacher concluded his remote video call with his employer by drinking from a cask of wine. When disputed, the parties agreed on the facts that this violated workplace agreements and code of conduct.

Alan slurps his lemon soda in the background as Sara and Trajce debate the ideas and optics on drinking at work when work occurs anywhere and cultural appreciations sway the judgement on these matters. “Easy fix - turn the camera off,” says Alan, the defense lawyer.

Sara announces, “Strong is the new skinny,” when reflecting on The Tradies underwear ad with the Honey Badger Cummins and Winter Olympian Danielle Scott and Women’s Sevens Rugby star Charlotte Caslick. Alan explains the ad, "They are in their underwear, boogying on film, hair blown by a leaf blower." Trajce challenges the idea on a participatory approach to run focus groups in the workplace to determine team member comfort or reactions to new policies, procedures, and material that is ‘on the edge.’

“These lawyer boys are like Teflon,” Sara labels, “You see? There you go again– deflection! That is deflection number 02 this morning,” she accuses Alan.

After discussing Alan’s adventures, soaring above the lush, grassy green, open paddocks of Tasmania and Trajce’s newfound love of the Reformer and his Pilates socks, the team venture into workplace discourse.

Trajce asks, “If I ask you about your right to disconnect, what does it mean to you?” Alan, Trajce, and Sara debate the amendments to the Fair Work Legislation 2009 on the right to disconnect. The team focus their discussions on the service professions, like teaching, policing, and healthcare workers.

“The law exists because the system is failing. The court is a last resort,” says TC, “We must need this prompt, this mandate to design work better since we, as a society, are not resolving this.” “You know the Christian biblical story described in the Old Testament about how God gave His people Ten Commandments, yet others were thrown away? My verdict: throw this one away.” Sara ponders ideas on alternative design strategies and cultural expectations of work. She recalls the ‘roving classroom’ design strategy modelled in the United States. She is befuddled on why Western Society did not better capitalise on the rich opportunities afforded by the pandemic upheavals to evolve and re-design quality education combined with good work models.

Season 05 Episode 02: More than just paper airplanes: The projectiles impacting our teachers

"I have injury statistics on teachers," inivites Sara, "Tell me how is it that they are struck by flying objects? Hit by projectiles!" That question leads to confessions by the boys as they recall their school days. Sara remembers her Italian language teacher who used to throw chalk at students. "It's the reverse now!" exclaims Trajce.

Sara challenges the team to consider the enduring impact of good design, starting with the environment for a lasting effect on those using the space; positively, if well designed. Alan connects with this idea. Trajce links the teaching woes to past discussions on the stressors faced by teachers, explored in in S02 E13: An upstanding citizen with salmon in his pocket. The team can’t help but travel south in their conversation, recalling the story of a teacher caught on film, after hours, in the most inconvenient way.

Season 05 Episode 01: Citizen Control.

"Consultation - meh! Peh!" complains Sara, with disdain. "There is a lot of corporate hazing and gaslighting," reflects Trajce. This episode was spurned by the presentation by Dr Elise Crawford of Central Queensland University on her reesarch of worker particpation in their work design during the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia Queensland seminar last year. Sara elaborates on the tiered scales of organisational citizenship which can fall into the categories of 'non participation,' 'tokenism,' and 'degrees of citizen power.' Alarmingly, 'consultation,' falls into the category of 'tokenism.' Alan reminds us that this is a workplace obligation in the work health and safety legislation ."It's a sham!" exclaims Trajce. He trails, "This sounsd like another 'C-word' in our lexicon of work vocabulary..."

There's more: The English legal profession, "Trajce, you're always on top of this," says Alan. Consultation, Teachers. Lawyers. All of it is on the table. We're back. Educate your mind because the system will keep you blind.

Honey, we're home. Season 05 is coming to you soon. Kitchen benches and silicosis. It's a thing. Work design versus interior design. Home renovations and engineered stone. Yah, let's do this. "Testing, testing, testing, hi there." "It's an intro, guys". Educate your mind.

Honey, we're home... Season 05. Educate your mind because the system can be blind. Create a new path. We're back. Teachers. signage, personal protective equipment, controversy, systematic design, and more giggles. Let's just call it like it is. Caught on film.

Season 04 Episode 13: Alan, Trajce, and Sara discuss the casualised work phenomenon introduced in a rampant way during the pandemic, causing the management of distributed work and the advent of remote video call meetings.Trajce discloses one of his secret nicknames, The Count von Count from Sesame Street, which is met by Alan and Sara’s appreciative laughter who cannot 'unsee' Trajce as The Count.

Sara shares a junk food gem, passed to her by a past workmate and friend, Dr Brent Oldenburg, the chocolate M&M covered movie popcorn!

Alan discusses the confrontation, the unfriendly and alarming case of arrest, and the strength of force that can be shown by police during their arrests of crime suspects – “a dangerous scenario for all involved,” explains Alan. He tells a story of the arrest of a sole parent in front of her child after her failure to pay for petrol. “Haven’t we all done that or nearly done that?” asks Sara.

In this episode, a special visit is made by loyal subscriber, Carmen Mitchell, as she delivers her magic artwork charcoal and white pen drawings of the Stag, the Owl, and the Rascal (Otter), to celebrate the team’s spirit animals, discussed in Season 02 Episode 14: Spirit Animals.

“Never smile at a crocodile,” chimes Alan. This episode speaks on working with critters; the first, a case of two soldiers attacked by a crocodile in Far North Queensland. Comcare charged the Australian Department of Defense for breaching federal work and safety laws for failing to maintain a safe system of work, training, and policy implementation. “You’ve obviously seen an alligator or two in your travels across America, Sara,” Trajce suggests. The boys start chest-thumping their machismo argument that the salty crocodile of Australia is bigger and tougher than the American alligator counterpart, “A nibbler,” admonishes Trajce, “I’d like to see them arm wrestle and see who rolls better.”

The team continue to debate on work, tourism, and the intersection of animals that bite. “What is just good lawyering versus rational judgments?” Sara demands answers. Alan returns to the case discussed in Season 02 and Episode 07: Men and Women 2: Nightstalker Fright Night and recent judgments, and Sara explains real-world creative that leverage human nature and accommodate commercial toileting habits.

Season 04 Episode 11: The things we do for fun.

WARNING: This episode discusses fatalities

Alan reflects on the prosecutions and a pending coronial inquest on the fatalities of the six Tasmanian children (and three injured children) while playing in jumping castles during their school fair. “The judgement on the facts is pending,” Alan explained, “and there are no industrial manslaughter judgements in Tasmania.” The team grapples with the loss of innocent lives and the relaxed approaches to risk management when we embrace recreational fun versus work activities. “You are ready to have fun, you are expecting to have fun, and you are not expecting to die,” Trajce explicates, “crocodiles attack people, islands erupt, and jumping castles fly away.” The team reference the Queensland Amusement Devices Code of Practice 2023 .

Sara shifts the discussion on workplace protections to people, culture, and design by introducing the '9 Levels on Human Readiness' to adopt new technologies and to manage the business transformation. “These considerations provide rationale yet again on the need for human factors professionals to be embedded in organisations and champion work strategy and systems design.” Sara implores.

Season 04 Episode 10: Prosecuting ‘nicely’

WARNING: Suicide is discussed in this episode.

Alan introduces a model of prosecution adopted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator that provides guidance to industry and focuses on the most important prosecutorial issues. Alan and Trajce dream of dismantling ideological boundaries so that business and industry can return to the fundamental questions on, “What is our purpose?" In this way, creative solutions can be found to solve age-old problems. Sara is excited by what she sees as the favourable view of design in this light and her influence on the way that the boys think. She reiterates her desire to advance three pillars in work design: workplace protections, people and culture, and design (For more on this, watch Sara's presentation at HFESA 2023)

“Hey mum, hey dad,” sidles Trajce, “are we becoming though leaders?” Sara exclaims, “I’m just an agitator, a rabble-rouser - I am never satisfied!” while Alan heartedly agrees with her proclamation. “If we raise thought-provoking material, and we generate strong reactions from among our listeners,” says Trajce, “we are the ‘agent provocateur’.”

Thank you to subscriber Craig McDonald for raising considerations in the Rail Industry. These concerns included queries about government control on capital expenditures. In these cases, Craig wondered with whom responsibility lies when considering safe design, design impact, and the causal chain of responsibility.

CAUTION: This episode speaks on near miss harm of a child.

Season 04 Episode 09: This episode speaks about the first pillar of work design, workplace protections, and the sociopolitical influences of worker empowerment. Thank you to subscriber, David Denoux, who shared his story on construction work and safety concerns.

“If something goes wrong, terribly wrong, it will change your life,” warns Alan, “just say 'no' and walk away.” Sara reminds Alan and Trajce that sometimes a worker may not feel empowered or privileged to walk away or to speak up, hinting at the second pillar in work design: people and culture. Trajce empathises with the workers needing to put food on the table. The reflections mirror some of the concerns raised in Season 04 Episode 08: The archaic adage of deserving a good spanking.

Sara introduces a third pillar of work design, ‘design’, and speaks on good work design versus designing good work, and 'the accidental designer' versus 'the intentional designer.' The team pay tribute to the WhyWork Podcast’s principal sponsor, ViVA health at work, and the design movers and shakers that influence much of her team's work: Katre Bailey, graphic design of 45 Degrees Studio; Michael Grima, industrial design of qDesign; David Denoux, a user-experience and service designer; Tyde Rabbit, video production; and David Hall, the remarkable dance-party purveyor of fun, and Melbourne’s Guru Dudu Disko Duk Duk.

Season 04 Episode 08: This episode covers two main topics. The first, thanks to our subscriber Andrew Nicholls, a design and technology teacher and researcher, who informed us of his advocacy for the provision of personal protective equipment to school technology and design staff. Alan reminds us of the case against a university because of levies charged to nursing students for their fit testing of respiratory protective equipment before they undertook their hospital placements. Trajce sites Section 273 of the Australian Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Person not to levy workers) arguing that a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking ‘must not impose a levy or charge on a worker for anything done or provided." He also sites Section 19, arguing that a workplace must care for ‘others.’

Second, the argument for care makes Alan come unstuck (as much as Alan ever comes undone), and Trajce and Sara are aghast as Alan explains the case he found in the Royal Australian Navy court martial records. The case involved a 57-year-old male supervising Lieutenant Commander and a 25-year-old female Junior Officer. While mentoring the junior, the 'improvement coaching' involved an age-old punishment practice of spanking the junior. “Shut-up, stop-stop-stop!” Trajce and Sara protest. “This is a slippery slope,” Trajce reflects and concludes, “If this story gripped me, it would grip a nation.” This episode is a fascinating segue to Season 04 Episode 07: ‘Every Sunday I Eat A Pie’, Mate: The power intent of a hierarchy of controls.

Season 04 Episode 07: This episode stemmed from conversations with Dylan Matthews of the BHP FutureFit Academy on the seemingly innocent and instructive applications of the Hierarchy of Controls (HOC) in safety management: elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (ESIEAP – ‘Every Sunday I Eat A Pie’). Trajce is fired up by this topic as he recalls the 17th Century philosophy of Thomas Hobbes on jurisprudence, governance, liberalism, and utilitarianism. “A hierarchy of control is not intended to be as rigid as it implies with an unyielding iron cage of the law constraining work strategy. ‘Hierarchy’ is more politically forceful than ‘design,’ and that can create alarm in the workplace. To punctuate this idea, Trajce transforms into the Wizard of Oz with his threats and warnings. Alan interjects, “Trajce, am I mistaken?” he asks, “Wasn’t the Wizard determined to be a fraud?”

Sara pontificates on what she views as three pillars of work design: workplace protections, people and culture, and design, and she is anguished by the lack of attention by organisations and industries on the design pillar. She argues that human factors mediates these pillars in work strategy and must be deeply embedded in operations, with human factors professionals empowered by executive-level, decision-making authority. She elaborates on the ‘enduring impact’ (EI) of good work design introduced in Season 04 Episode 05: To live is to be anxious, especially in the toxic workplace. (Note: The EMESRT Vehicle Interaction working groups have done remarkable work on determining their classification of the '9 Layers of Control Effectiveness', an inspiration for Sara's thought on the enduring impact of design interventions).

WARNING: A fatality and suicide are discussed in this episode.

Season 04 Episode 06: “We’re all human,” Alan explains, “even during our methane messaging,” as he details the news story of U.S. Biden administration’s climate envoy, John Kerry, delivering a passionate speech on climate change in the most awkward exchange that was captured on film. The idea of ‘messaging’ led to the trio’s, Alan, Trajce, and Sara’s, expansion on the WhyWork Podcast’s vocabulary

After Alan introduces topics on mining, Sara recalls her visit to the Mackay Resources Center of Excellence (RCOE) with Karen Sanders of Real Serious Games (RSG) to explore the centre's physical model of an underground mine.

Alan suggests another case of interest: the WorkSafe VIC charge against the Victorian Building Authority. In this case, an inspector was issued a redundancy, an alleged cause of the inspector’s anguish before their suicide. Alan asks about a more graceful transition plan for loyal and long-term employees and Sara describes ‘lifecycle ergonomics’ coupled with internal customer journey mapping as a corollary to customer journey mapping: an organisational approach to the ‘multi-player’ user experiences. She uses a yoga analogy to consider the worker transition because “the exit part is the part that we usually get wrong,” she explains. Trajce agrees and contends that people just want to feel valued, “Love is the message, and the message is love,” he says, from ‘The Message is Love’ song by Arthur Baker.

WARNING: Suicide is mentioned in this episode.

Season 04 Episode 05: Trajce introduces the idea of psychosocial factors causing work-related mental health disorders and psychological injury in a case in Victoria that led to the reguator's prosecution of a government agency. Alan explains that the injured person in this case committed suicide and even though this loss of life was not directly related to the workplace dynamics, the prosecution fine was significant. "This case," Alan recalls, "demonstrates that the public sector is not immune to prosecution."

Trajce speaks on Brodie’s law, Victorian anti-bullying June 2011 legislation that made serious workplace bullying a criminal offence, punishable by up to 10 years in jail. The courts instituted this law after the tragic suicide of a young woman, Brodie Panlock, who was subjected to relentless bullying at work.

Sara introduces the idea of the ‘Enduring Impact’ of good design, the new ‘EI’, instead of ‘Emotional Intelligence’, she discusses the ‘Enduring Impact’ of design strategy. She urges workplaces to synthesise codes of practices and ISO standards on hazard types in an integrated whole-of-person and work system design practice. This approach compels businesses to consider who is most vulnerable in the workplace and what circumstances cause vulnerability among workers, especially when “To live is to be anxious” she theorises.

This episode aligns well with Season 01 Episode 05: Kozarov and the need for purpose.

Tip: Here are resources on recovery-oriented language.

Season 04 Episode 04: "It's time to put the lid on dust," Trajce advances. Engineered stone, silica exposure - this has been in the media of late. The trio, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, discuss who is vulnerable to these exposures and why. Trajce argues that the regulators must not demonise one hazard exposure. Rather, pragmatism is needed to determine the safety of work.

Alan argues the case that even when a business adheres to the workplace adivsory exposure standards for respirable dust, it does not matter when evaluated by a regulator. Trajce reminds us that dust is everywhere across many industries.

Sara begs the question, "Are you an intentional designer or an accidental designer?" She argues that there is a cost to making decisions that impact on workers and systems when the trade-offs are not considered. Sara stipulates that just because a person makes work-related decisions, it does not make them strategic or intentional. Many times, work design is accidental.

Sara pays tribute to a friend and mentor, Ms Peg Pinard of San Luis Obispo County, California. In her ode to Peg, she reflects on the concerns about engineered stones and the smoking ordinances instituted and pioneered by this Californian City and the County.

Season 04 Episode 03: Sara provokes thought on rites of passage by asking, “What are we holding on to in work and education simply because of a social construct established by rites of passage?” and, “Are the rites of passage of old still useful now?” Sara challenges the notion of adhering to rites of passage versus embracing transformative, generative work or education system re-design. She provides healthcare examples and asks how work designers effectively elicit knowledge to inform their design. She wonders how facilitators masterfully transfer that knowledge to those who need that information. She questions, also, whether those with the power to make changes will redesign the conventions of work to provide a better user experience.

Trajce reflects on the way that the WhyWork Podcast considers caselaw and the realities of life, or “the non-vanilla spice of life that challenges conventions.” Historically, the legal institutions prohibited women from practicing law, for example. “Hell,” Sara complains, “Australian establishments did not allow women in pubs not too long ago!” The trio, Alan, Trajce, and Sara, dissect rites of passage in social systems that diminish a population group, reflect power disparity, and can cause humility among people with diminished power. They call for the compelling need for organisations and educators to identify and absolve the rites of passage that cause harm and to protect workers and students from the occupational psychosocial hazard exposures with consequences of trauma.

Season 04 Episode 02: Sara speaks about a WooFA (WFA) experience while walking her dog mid-work break when a bulldog muscled its way up a drive and launched into an attack on her dog. The boys, Alan and Trajce, discuss employer liabilities, and Sara reminds the boys that businesses like Joanna Clough’s, “The Dog Safe Workplace”, were established to help address and train businesses for these instances.

The reflections continue to cross over in healthcare and other WooFA (WFA) experiences. Sara regales a tale of her presentation of neurological symptoms that caused her emergency room admission during a workday. The flaws in the healthcare system were evident and the patient experience was a struggle, even for an assertive self-advocate, like Sara. “A good person will fail in a bad system,” Sara recounts the quote attribute to W. Edwards Demming. While the governors and managers of healthcare systems must make improvements, these instances also mirror the employer’s needs to ensure that they navigate the complexities of emergency management in distributed, WooFA (WFA) work situations.

(Disclaimer: When Sara speaks on caregiving duties at home, she meant the affordances of work from home that are compromised when the caring duties become excessive - those qualifiers can be missed in fluent, non-scripted recordings).

This episode marries well with Season 01 Episode 03: Pets and airfryers.

Season 04 Episode 01: “I’m a GIF gal and you are Emoji men,” says Sara. “Is it the eggplant emoji?” she teases. Trajce rolls his eyes and, in his exasperation, argues that it takes 3 seconds for the conversation to devolve among our trio. “I wouldn’t know,” he says, “it is just a nightshade fruit to me.”

Trajce limits his hieroglyphics lexicon of an emoji library to four: the smiley face, the cappuccino, a beer stein, and a glass of red wine. “In vino veritas… in wine, there is truth,” he shares the Latin phrase attributed to Pliny the Elder. “The impact of emoji communication depends on the context,” Alan evaluates. Trajce explains a legal case when a worker communicated with another worker by using a zipper-mouth emoji face, and the recipient perceived this as defamatory. Emojipedia (yes, emojipedia) may define the emojis, but Alan argues that perception matters most.

This episode asks: What is your emoji lexicon in communication style and range, to whom do you send emojis, why, and in what context? What is your method of effective visual storytelling in your organisation, what design strategy compels that method, and is this done in an inclusive way?

Sara shares statistics, like, “Every day, in modern-day communication, 900 million emojis are sent unaccompanied by text on Facebook messaging.”

For other episodes on employee perception and occupational psychosocial consequences, listen to Season 01 Episode 11: I may not like you - But that's okay and on the social media digital footprint, listen to Season 02 Episode 10: Name and shame: Where is the filter?

Season 04 faux pas, goofin' around, misdirections, and giggles. Listen to the backdrop of the recordings, a medley of the mix-ups and more of the conversation mash. We're getting ready for Season 04, are you? Share the podcast with your friends, add your 5-star rating to our show on your streaming service - 2024, we're ready to roll.

WhyWork Season 04: Here we go again. Sex is a primal driver and we dig around and bring it all to the surface. Sara primes the boys and jolts them into recalling the blitz of conversations in the season recordings. This is a patchwork of our background chats so listeners will hear us debate and antognise each other, as mates, while we reflect on the purpose of the podcast, the fabulous subscriber support this year, and our national award nomination. Trajce argues that we have transcended and our message is the 'non-message,' but we have a mission to prompt better thinking. Alan foggily recalls some of these ideas and the cases that he brought forward during the season recordings.

Season 04 will release in the New Year and, boy, is it chokkas mate, full of fun, with many contributions spurned by the request of the WhyWork dedicated subscribers. We are loving this debate on work design and case law examination - join us, share the podcast with your friends, and submit your 5-star rating on the podcast streaming service when you listen to our show - it all helps! We are grateful as we conclude three seasons, year one, thank you!

Season 03 Episode 12: "To PPE or not to PPE?" asks Sara. No matter the philosophy driving work practice, a business is always tested at the pointy end of the law when the boundaries of work, health, and safety are pushed. The team debate the mandates for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Sara and Alan argue the logic of context and circumstance driving the consideration. Trajce assumes the role of the zealous prosecutor and exclaims that if the sign instructs wear of PPE, one must comply. "Do you always follow the rules, Trajce, just because they are written?" she teases, and concedes that she is not one to often follow the rules because she hardly trusts most of the thought processes of the people that engineered the rules - she challenges everything (almost)! Alan laments the use of hardhats when nothing is likely to fall from the sky, and Trajce explains a case in which obesity saved a man's life in absence of the correct PPE. The team carry the conversation into the milieu of the home office environment. "Do you have a fire extinguisher and blanket at home?" Sara asks, "Duck and dive, go low," says Trajce, equipped with such home office provisions. Sara admits that she is more familiar with the Dodgeball movie mantra to "Dodge, duck, dive, dip, and dodge!"

Thank you for proposing this topic, Dr Elise Crawford of CQUniversity.

Season 03 Episode 11: WARNING: This episode discusses a fatality.

The team lament the phenomenon of media reporting in an article about the public strain caused by grocery delivery delays. The cause of the delays was a fatality in a national grocer's distribution and warehouse centre. "It's not about the Brussels sprouts," says Alan. Trajce is infuriated, "What about the fatality?" he asks, "I've read far too many victim impact statements to take any of this lightly." Sara presents the idea of a High Reliability Organisation which is characterised by a preoccupation with failure, a reluctance to simplify, sensitivity to operations, commitment to resilience, and deference to the right expertise at the right time that it is needed. She contends that organisations often rationalise their comfort with average performance by linking their readiness to a mid-par rank on an arbitrary maturity scale. Sara advocates for "think great, act great now," by recognising that there are emergent properties of adaptive systems and organisations can leapfrog past complacency and jump into great projects or far more improved systems with the right framework and orientation to success through human factors approaches.

Season 03 Episode 10: WARNING: content on the influence of sex and culture on workplace boundaries is discussed in this episode.

"We're back to sexual boundaries!" Sara exclaims. "We never left," Trajce concedes. Trajce presents the influence of Foucault's post modernistic views on our understanding of the 'Triad of Influence: Power, Knowledge, and Truth' ."The mix of knowledge and power creates a truth when espoused as fact by a politician, medical specialist, or famous person in a privileged position," explains Trajce, "and it is most alarming when these people leverage these influences to execute nefarious deeds or satisfy sexual needs." Alan clarifies, "In these cases, sexual coercion may be used as an expression of dominance and power."

Trajce prompts the team to reflect on the 1943 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, a Theory of Motivation' and suggest that this negates the discussion on sex as a motivator for action, yet sex is primal, fundamental, and likely a behavioural driver influencing many activities that should be considered in the workplace. "Those in the most elite positions find that their poor behaviour is permissible," says Sara, The team reflect on the phenomenon of precarious masculinity, a reaction of aggression if an idea of manhood is threatened. Trajce explains caselaw when there are transgressions that are sexual in nature by those who are in a position of power. Sara reflects on the 'God complex' and how workplace culture can reinforce ideas through confirmation bias.

For more on sex in the workplace, listen to Season 01 Episode 02: Avatars, Bees, and Sex, and Season 02 Episode 09: Quid pro quo: Go hard, go prosecutorial. For more on workplaces that trade on sex, listen to Season 02 Episode 05: It's cougar time, and Season 02 Episode 06: Mi casa es su casa .

Season 03 Episode 09: "Men can be challenged by their role expectations in society," Alan reasons. Sara asks the boys to define 'precarious manhood.' She presents the idea of a pervasive culture of masculinity, in sport, at work, and in relationships. "The idea of 'bigger, better, and rougher' can be aspirational," Trajce presents. Sara argues that there are oodles of research studies showing that these reinforced behaviours can manifest and cause stress, anxiety, and violence. "In the court room, both parties can lose dignity, and court should be considered a last resort to resolve a dispute," Alan remarks. He recounts a case that describes the pattern of fighting and make-up sex between a couple which can be considered in the context of precarious manhood because of the linkage to aggression and primitive ownership framed by sex. As a practical strategy, Sara describes a method to disclose point-in-time energy levels to negotiate a pattern of communication and support needed in relationships and to manage expectations. The boys laugh about the idea of the unicorn in dating conventions. "I wouldn't know anything about that," protests Trajce, "They are just mythical creatures to me!"

Season 03 Episode 08: The boys query the symbolism of the size of the truck. "The bigger the truck, the smaller the..." muses Sara. "Supersize me! Raptor, Ram," Trajce rolls the names across his tongue with a guttural snarl. A truck and its accessories are one's identity, a sign of masculinity, and status for some owners. "The history of the Ute (a utility vehicle) is a symbol of Australia," reminisces Trajce, "the Ute and the cattle dog. “Trajce and Alan reflect on the loss of loads from a truck bed, "That sphincter just closes as the realisation hits you that things are going wrong, waaayy wrong," imagines Sara (met by the giggles of the boys). Sara shares stories about the award-winning re-design of a heavy vehicle, a heat-in-transit bitumen trailer. The issues of fatigue when driving are debated, with consideration of the emerging shift from FIFO (fly-in-fly-out) to LILO (log-in-log-out).

For more on fatigue, driving, and road range, listen to S01 E08: Tired workers are deadly weapons, or no sleep disorders and work travel, S02 E07: 4 Men and Women 2: Nighstalker Fright Night .

Thank you to our subscriber, Michele Safely, who asked about driving and fatigue.

Season 03 Episode 07: WARNING: Fatalities are discussed in this episode."I didn't really read the article, I just looked at the pictures," admits Trajce. Alan and Sara burst into fits of laughter while Sara admits that she reads the comics before the news. Sara recounts a tale of tennis players who recall the play-by-play points of their matches, even those played 20 years ago. She asks, "How do you temper the passion that is required of a world class winner when behaviours can be deemed to be aggressive by regulators?" The team link this discussion to the idea of thrill-seeking risk behaviour in exploration expeditions like the June 2023 Titanic Submersible. This unfortunate expedition led to a catastrophic high-pressure underwater implosion and the deaths of all five explorers. Alan asks, "What were the fail-safe provisions that were made?" Sara explains a research topic on off-the-road tyre handling and the visual storytelling that was developed to prompt design improvements. Alan, Trajce, and Sara explore their new lexicon of the A-E-I-O-U of design and work health and safety. "Visual storytelling through a lens of design makes occupational health and safety vibrant and, dare I say it, even sexy?" Trajce provokes.

Season 03 Episode 06: WARNING: Fatalities are discussed in this episode.Trajce regales the story of the octopus ride at the amusement park: its carriage uncoupled from the main support arm and slid down side show alley. "Are you serious?" asks Sara, "That is out of a movie.""A guilty plea, mea culpa," says Trajce. "You know what was missing?" he asks, "human factors were not factored (into the risk assessments)."Alan, Sara, and Trajce challenge the idea of foreseeable risks of excitable children at amusement parks. Alan relays details of the 2016 Gold Coast Dreamworld Thunder River Rapids ride fatalities. Sara describes the human factors demands on ride operators revealed by the investigations. She explains that during times of stress, attentional focus can narrow, and our recall can diminish. Sara argues her case (again) for the work design strategist at a C-Suite executive level to provide an integrated whole-of-business approach to good work design. Alan commends the work of the work health safety inspectors who must be confronted by these investigations, and the sensitivities that are required to determine the nuanced and complex arrangement of factors that contribute to horrific accidents. "We accept risk if we have an emotional attachment to something (like a thrill ride)," says Alan.

Season 03 Episode 05: WARNING - fatalities are discussed.

Alan explains the current court case concerning the Whakaari / White Island volcano and discusses thrill-based recreational activities that can subject tourists to catastrophic events. "The island was smouldering like a magic dragon," Sara elaborates. "I've been there!" exclaims Trajce. Trajce recounts his motivation to visit Whakaari by chartered helicopter and the out-of-this-world experiences where the lava looked like neon ooze from outer space. The team debate the cultural approaches to risk-taking and the thrill of it all in sport and recreation. Trajce explains that 'violenti non fit injuria', a voluntary acceptance of risk, is not often upheld in the courts. Sara challenges, "How do you really prepare people for the risk realities?" as she relays a sibling teenage escapae made for American college movies.

Season 03 Episode 04: We ask: "Who is at the heartbeat of your organisation?" In healthcare, that is often the nurse. Alan, Trajce, and Sara review complaints that were made by nursing staff to the regulator when hospital management announced their fitout of a nurses' station that would remove a counter barrier. "It must be more than just a counter to stir such emotion," says Sara, though she reminds the boys of the power of environmental design. Alan acknowledges the symbolism of a counter as a barrier to mitigate the escalation of occupational violence. Trajce demands decisions as he role plays the job of the hospital executive director. Alan implores managers to ask direct questions of workers to uncover their needs or concerns. Trajce just wants to know if he'll get some Brooklyn donuts, though he must hide them from his wife given her 'no sugar' mantra (the donuts will be his escape from the 'not-quite-cherry-ripes'). This episode prompts consideration of the Australian Work Health and Safety Act 2011, section 46 and section 47 (on 'consultation').

Thank you to subscriber Neil Logan of New South Wales, Australia, who nominated the case about the built environment in a psychiatric ward and the staff's perceived safety protections arising from the station counter.

Season 03 Episode 03 Reflects on early, childhood career interests and extends the Season 02 discussions on getting along with our colleagues. "Work is work." says Trajce, "but within that work construct... we must essentially get along." Alan contends that respect must be upheld in social relations at work, whether you like someone or not! (Very diplomatic, Alan). Sara considers whether an open plan office constrains social engagement among work colleagues versus the professional mock "dating app" to get to know others at work. She extends that discussion to envision a design strategies curates design partnerships (among conventional designers) and cultivates design thinking within the organisation.

Warning: This episode refers to vicarious trauma and suicide in the workplace.

Season 03 Episode 02 reflects on vicarious trauma in the workplace. Alan recaps on mental health first aid programming and the boundaries around that service scope requiring effective referrals to qualified and trained healthcare professionals. When the crew consider their work from home ideals, Sara dreams of her backyard spa, sauna, and wet kitchen for more outdoor living. Trajce lowers the bar and dreams of a damn good coffee machine, scratch that, he reverts to an 'all-you-can-eat' buffet. Alan agrees with Sara's position on considering fatigue in the workplace. "I love being right!" Sara says through the giggles.

“The stripper keeps coming back, straight out of the bottle,” says Alan. "You do not carve another man's turkey," is the meme entertained by Sara, as she reflects on a work party gone wrong. There were no boundaries and no planning, and the staff was teaming with Maslow's hierarchy of primal needs: hunger! "Does the prawn want to be peeled?" asks Trajce. Alan, Sara, and Trajce discuss the skills of a psychologist who can deescalate emotionally charged scenarios and help regain control of social situations. Trajce pontificates, “Power can be conveyed and transmuted through tribal culture and tradition, through the legal rational forms of bureaucracy, and through charismatic leadership qualities and personage.”

Let's reflect on Season 02: Sports field and work from anywhere, Season 02 Episode 03, 'What is life really like in sport and s-e-... Okay, just sport', and Season 02 Episode 04, 'The safey of sport without losing the spirit of sport',

Get ready: Theme parks, White Island Whakaari disaster in New Zealand, transport, workplace culture, healthcare, and more - let's get started. Coming your way soon.

New season 3 jingle, more laughter, and some serious stuff coming your way soon. Listen in.

OWL-in, Deer, Otter

Season 02 Episode 13: This episode is dedicated to our teaching community. The podcast crew acknowledge that generalised stress can lead to dissociated behaviours and odd events can arise, like it did in the story of salmon stuffed in the professor’s pocket in a grocery store. Stress froths over in funny ways. Sara discusses the ‘God complex’ that might be needed to be successful in demanding roles, such as for surgeons, top lawyers, or professional athletes, “But when does it shut off?” asks Trajce. “It needs to shut off,” agrees Alan. There are immense pressures in accepting job roles when the personal life is watched as closely as the professional life.

Season 02 Episode 12: Worker health and wellbeing on the moon and in outer space: Can you dream it? "You can't escape the iron cage of health and wellbeing," says Trajce. "Not a cage, an opportunity," Sara implores, as she imagines working on the technical requirements for the astronauts during their extra vehicular activity ('EVA') suits. The podcasters envision Jamie from 'The Outlander' in his kilt and how it might fly in outer space, while Barbarella makes her impressionable mark on the imagination of the team. Alan, Sara, and Trajce consider caring for our astronauts and imagine those who pay the big bucks to make a trip that is outta this world.

This episode mentions human factors in mining with research partnerships that have been sponsored by ACARP: ACARP C33005: Human factors aspects of tyre handling equipment design and operation examined within an EMESRT Control Framework approach.

Season 2 Episode 11: WARNING: A fatality is discussed in this episode.

“Back to your techno days, Trajce,” says Alan. “I have a friend who organises amazing movie stunts,” says Sara. “Are you up for a ‘burn’?” asks Trajce. “With gel lathered all over the body and you light yourself on fire?” queries Sara, “I’ll try anything once!”she proclaims.

Music videos and movie sets: the team debate a case resulting in a fatality during a hip hop music clip film. What is the appetite for human factors, safety management, and work systems design in movie making and on reality TV shows? The mugs from backwater Brissie explore the web of responsibility when a sawn-off shotgun is chosen for use among a suite of armament on the set of a music clip and its use leads to a fatality. Is the onus on a person when something goes wrong (as Trajce agitates), or is it a system of work that requires analysis (like Sara postulates and Alan suggests that he might use in defense)?

For more on reality TV, listen to Season 2 Episode 8.

Season 02 Episode 10 explores psychosocial impacts when naming and shaming go too far. "Cottage cheese thighs!" yelled the yoga guru, "You're obviously not vegan!". "The Matryoskha dolls keep opening," explains Trajce, as a metaphor. ‘Don’t push the envelope, don’t say it,” warns Trajce. ‘But if you say the regretful words, and you can’t wind it back, acknowledge it, and apologise,” says Alan. This episode fits with chapter 7 of the Ergonomics Insights book: Reshaping lifestyle changes in a heavy weight world.

S02 E09:

Season 02 Episode 08: Trajce ruminates over his fascination (read: obsession) with reality TV. He's even written a book on it! The crew, Alan, Trajce, and Sara discuss reality TV and the phenomena of naming and shaming. "I can see how the camera person may be considered a worker (under current health and safety legislation)," says Sara, "but I would never have considered the contestant as a worker." "There is no voluntary acceptance of risk," warns Alan. Psychosocial hazard exposures are discussed when people are named, shamed, or exploited. "The reality TV contestant might not have ever truly understood how being on the show could impact on them," sara Sara. "Codes come, codes go." says Trajce, when explaining the retirement of a work health and safety code to protect contestants.

WARNING: This episodes discusses confronting issues about sleepwalking and a urination faux-pas. Gender pay inqueties are addressed in a round-about-way.S02 E07: Explores work travel antics and the constraints when an employer expects workers to share a room. Sara reminds Trajce and Alan about a past state government jingle, “4 Men and Women 2,” and the culture of acceptable alcohol intake. “Work travel seems to erode behavioural boundaries,” marvels Sara. Alan tells a miraculous and confronting story about drunken ‘non sleep’ behaviours and the resulting trauma. “That’s a scene from Shogun,” says Sara. Alan admits, “I think I’d be pretty depressed if that happened to me.” However, while what occurs is shocking, the issue of equality and compensation arises in the discussions because what a male may be paid for their trauma versus a female can differ significantly ( For more context: Listen to Season 2 and Episode 6).

Season 2 Episode 6: How are you going to risk assess the work of sex workers? “Sometimes the legal structure is too good for it’s own good,” says Alan. When you operate with blurred lines in the structure of employment, you can be subject to full employment laws as a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking and a worker can be eligible for compensation. “Its problematic when alcohol intake or other such behaviours are the norm and part of the workplace culture,” laments Trajce. Sara ponders on how the same legal frameworks and work design considerations apply, and who enacts or regulates this when industries (like sex work, movie production, or sport) have not compelled such practices.For more on the working lives of sex workers, tune in to Season 2 Episode 5: It's cougar time now.

WORKPLACE AGGRESSION AND VIOLENCE IN BORDELLOS is mentioned.Season 2 Episode 5: Alan annunciates 'C-o-u-g-a-r,' in honeyed tones. "Silicon chip inside her head" (not 'inside her hip'), Trajce finally realises the lyrics in Bob Geldof and the Boom Town Rat's song, but he laments that 'hip' would rhyme better with 'chip'! Traumas with psychosocial injuries are explored when aggression arises between two cougaresque workers (Or were they? The business argued that they were contractors - that was up for debate). Sara explores the idea of manual task risk management in all kinds of workplaces, even those in which the patrons might get jiggy.

Season 2 Episode 4: The crew discuss the work-from-anywhere phenomenon when the enforcement of regulations is a reluctant approach in sport, and we (society) want the fighting spirit exhibited on the field. “This is food for thought”, says Trajce, “criminal law (sanctions) can still apply to illegal acts occurring on the football field… (we must explore) the idea that those involved in the sport, the corporations, the owners… empower themselves through self-regulation and codes of conduct to try and lift the game.”For more on sport, list to Season 2 Episode 3.

WARNING: A FATALITY IS DISCUSSED.

Season 2 Episode 3: What do you do when the sporting field or tennis court is your workplace? "Aggression and the will to fight is part of the game," says Sara. "We love our sport," says Alan. In football, a shoulder charge has caused a fatality. The athlete's condition was determined to be 'incompatible with life'. Tragic. Listen as Trajce presents the inquest. We learn about Trajce's brush with tennis stardom and his claim to two minutes of fame: being berated by John McEnroe.

WARNING – A FATALITY IS DISCUSSEDSeason 2 Episode 2: The wheels are slow to turn in the Hollywood industry to minimise risk on the set of television or movies. Harrison Ford is injured on a Star Wars set in the Millennium Falcon. Alec Baldwin was involved in an on-set fatality, and there are challenges with work events that are designed to be thrilling. Movie making can be volatile, uncertain, complex, or ambiguous like mining or oil and gas. Things go awry, also, in our casual more relaxed work, like collecting and transporting gas tanks for a weekend barbeque. ‘Enough is enough’ is a new movement. “She just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich,” chimed Trajce.

Season 2 Episode 1 describes how the podcasters, Alan, Sara, and Trajce met. The crew discuss the vulnerabilities of the human experience through storytelling. Trajce reflects on his career love of music production, Sara talks about her yoga practice, and Alan reveals his interest in agriculture and his vintage tractor operations. During these reflections, the crew debate joy work (or ‘unwork-work’, as Sara calls her joy work) and ‘work-work’, the stuff that is burdensome and could be improved. The fundamentals of hazard versus risk and the implications of these terms are debated. Reflections are made on the adversarial systems in law. “In a civil and just society, we should behave,” says Trajce.

Season 02: Extended Trailer 11: Sit down, buckle up, and 'put your listening ears on' as the school marm once instructed. This Season 02 Extended Trailer will keep you curious as our executive producer, Trajce, introduces this jam-packed, event-filled season with 14 episodes to tickle your curiousity and cojole your inquisitive and sometimes outraged mind. Listen to this overview and stay excited! More is coming.

"There are subtle ways of doing things," says Trajce. "You are an agent provocateur," he labels. Alan loves the label attributed to Sara, though she protests, ".... It is in the media!"... "Oh man, cut-cut-cut-cut," says Alan. This one might be a no-go. The crew struggle with containing their merriment when it comes to juggling the boundaries around discussions about the tough stuff.

'You're almost not in the 'in crowd' unless you spit fire... ," explains Sara. When you are in the right setting, it all bubbles forth, and there are exclamations around what happens during field work. "Cut that one out," commands Alan. Trajce is struggling to envision it all and finds himself laughing during the clamour of explanations. Season 2 will take you to new places - watch out and listen in, there is more coming soon.

"Take us to the stars, Sara", says Alan. In Season 2, the WhyWork Podcasters, Sara, Trajce, and Alan, explore what it means to drift from expected social norms and how a 'new normal' can be established because we blend into the milieu of the times. That can be dangerous, "I'm not proud to admit it, but I'm going to tell you anyway," says Sara. Trajce braces for more trouble...

WhyWork Season 2 Trailer 7: "In what situation would you say the other expression...?" asks Alan. What mishaps happen when you are nervous at work? Like during public speaking - even when presenting a conservative topic on police work and random breath testing. Learn more about this in The WhyWork Podcast.

WhyWork Season 2 Trailer 6: "I was thinking of 3D printing. I could print a version of myself. I could take it to work so that I don't have to work," says Trajce. We discuss extended reality and artificial intelligence in The WhyWork Podcast.

WhyWork Season 2: It's a laugh, it's a lark, and sometimes its confronting too, the www.whyworkpodcast.com.au: Trailer 5

WhyWork Season 2 Trailer 4: What is the impact of the worker when working with big, moving-parts on machinery? Work as stunt person? "Can you imagine slathering gel all over your body?" asks Sara.

WhyWork Season 2 is heading to the airwaves with more explosive and curious content soon. Trajce explores reality TV when it is your work away from home.

Season 2 promo teaser no. 2... hang on, more is coming your way

WhyWork Season 2 Trailer Ad 1: Listen to the laughter and giggles - it is a hoot - we have SO much fun recording these session. Get ready, get primed, Season 2 addresses the work-from-anywhere phenomenon in unique ways: Did you know that reality show contestants can be considered "workers" and the show producers can be considered a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking in Australian Workplace Health & Safety Law?

WHEN WORK EXPOSES YOU TO THE DARK SIDE OF LIFE

Episode 5 challenges listeners to think about highly confronting scenarios. We caution that the episode discusses suicide and exposure to horrific scenarios, like child pornography and abuse. This is addressed because this is a reality of work for many people, including those who must analyse the complex nature of these life events and grapple with how the legal circumstances are treated. But what is the impact of this vicarious trauma? For some, the exposures threaten life quality or they cause loss of life.

For more discussion about work-from-anywhere, listen also to Episode 3 and Episode 7.

VOLUNTARY ACCEPTANCE OF RISK AT WORK

Episode 4 explores voluntarily acceptances of risk. Does your employer specify, “Don’t have rigorous sex while travelling for work?”, or “Please do not wear stilettos else risk a fall”. Are we alert or should we be alarmed? From work parties, travel, to rock concerts, this discussion challenges the degree of the preparation can be undertaken when work suddenly changes in place and space to consider all the variabilities.

For more discussion about workplace travel and sex, listen to Episode 2 »

Episode 3 examines the work-from-home phenomenon and the ambiguity around what is permissible for home luxuries and work requirements. “There are fleas all over it”, says Alan, when considering what to do with the dog at home, the boundaries of work and home life, and the freedoms coupled with the confusion during a changing world of work.

Episode 2 stirs up the hornet’s nest and discusses the busy, busy, bee-siness of work travel, sex, bee stings (unrelated), and the avatars that we choose to represent ourselves in our workplace chat rooms. Injuries can occur in the most unusual ways… Listen to this episode to learn about compensation pathways when things go awry during work travel or when work-from-anywhere is your norm.

Episode 1 invites listeners to consider what happens when a celebration like a Christmas party or social gathering goes seriously wrong. There can be blurred lines, drinking, nudity, giggles, and the assumptions that everyone in the team wants to party in the same way when that just might not be the case! Listen to what happens when your work party devolves and what might be done to protect against such circumstances. “She poured it on…”, says Alan. “It all got a little sudsy…”, says Sara, and “Let’s get this party started!”. “Was she planking?” asked Trajce. There is little to be left to the imagination in this episode.

WhyWork Podcast launch announcement - hold your hats, take your seats, announcement about the 1st March 2023 podcast launch so that soon you too can laugh and cry about the messy realities, legal implications, and design of work.

Stilettos, rock concerts, avatars, and sex during work travel: What are the unusual and confronting ways that people can find themselves in a state of disarray at work? We explore this and more with a trailer providing an overview of the Season 1 launch of the WhyWork Podcast - listen in, subscribe, and join us to celebrate this new contemporary podcast - learn about fuzzy work boundaries as we unpack case law and reconstruct the design of good work.