The Circus of Safety Podcast

In this captivating episode of The Circus of Safety, your trusted hosts Brenton Harrison, Desai Link, and Andrew Evans unpack the intricate puzzle of root cause analysis. Tune in as they blend expert insight with lighthearted banter, delving deep into historical context, the extent of workplace investigations, and the ethics of safety analysis. This thought-provoking discussion transcends traditional perspectives, exploring systemic factors in safety incidents and advocating for a comprehensive, non-linear approach. Discover the nuances of contractor relationships, the importance of clearly defined investigative goals, and the diverse applications of the ICAM model. As always, The Circus of Safety brings humour to the serious business of safety management, personal anecdotes and festive season cheer. Join us for this engaging talk that will leave you questioning, laughing, and looking forward to the next episode after our brief holiday hiatus. Happy listening, and stay safe out there!

In this captivating episode of "The Circus of Safety," join hosts Brenton, Desai, and Andrew as they unpack the complexities of safety language and the intricate dance of simplifying safety measures without losing effectiveness. Fresh from the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work, Brenton shares inspiring insights on collaboration, while special advisor Oliver brings a pressing safety concern to light. The team discusses the pursuit of zero liability and the challenges of jargon in safety training and celebrates the milestones of their safety video cast journey. Tune in for a blend of expert safety know-how, light-hearted banter, and birthday cheer in this not-to-be-missed discussion.

Join hosts Brenton Harrison, Desai Link, and Andrew Evans as they dive headfirst into the thrilling circus ring of safety. Today's act? Psychological safety. Exploring everything from the definition and examples to its role in organisational learning and safety culture. They debate on accountability and its implications, discuss listener comments, break down the safety climate in organisations, and even pay tribute to their growing fan base! This dynamic trio keeps the conversation engaging and thought-provoking - an absolute must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection between psychology and safety. Catch The Circus of Safety's latest spectacle on Spotify and Patreon. Don't forget, everyone's opinion matters in this circus!

🎪 Step right up for a brand new episode of The Circus of Safety! In this punchy, practical, and delightfully irreverent instalment, Brenton Harrison, Andrew Evans, and Desai Link dive into Part 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill—debating critical risks, regulatory confusion, “snake oil” sales, and who really should be writing the rules.From humorous banter about fast food careers [and suspicious t-shirt sponsorships] to pointed takes on consultation, ACOPs, and whether legislation helps or hinders, this episode is both thought-provoking and uproariously fun. Perfect for safety managers, industry leaders, and anyone ready to challenge—or laugh at—the circus that is workplace health and safety reform.Tune in, join the conversation, and find out if the crew can ever agree on what matters most in keeping people safe at work! #TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinning BroWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

🎪 Step into the ring with "The Circus of Safety" as Brenton, Des, and Andy take a tongue-in-cheek, practical look at New Zealand's hot-off-the-press Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill! In this special episode, the trio unpacks what the proposed changes really mean for businesses of all sizes—are we cutting red tape, or just tying new knots? Expect sharp insights, lively debate, legal context, and plenty of banter as our hosts highlight the very real, sometimes absurd impacts of lawmaking on frontline safety. Whether you're a seasoned HS professional or just love a good legislative circus, this show will keep you laughing and learning.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

In our Season 4 premiere, hosts Brenton Harrison, Desai Link, and Andrew Evans return from their summer breaks with plenty of banter, big questions, and even bigger laughs. This episode dives into one of the most debated topics in health and safety: is there a true code of ethics for the profession? From the lack of a clearly defined professional ethic to issues of regulation, boundaries, and global standards, the trio tackles why finding clarity in safety's purpose is so vital—and so complicated.Whether you’re a seasoned safety manager, aspiring consultant, or just curious about the wild world of risk management, join us under the virtual Big Top for spirited conversation, practical insights, and some unapologetic circus-style fun. Expect sharp commentary, tongue-in-cheek humour, and plenty of spinning wheels, as Brenton, Des, and Andy set the stage for a season full of thought-provoking safety debates.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

🎪 Step right up to The Circus of Safety! In this episode, hosts Andrew Evans, Brenton Harrison, and Desai Link take a pragmatic, tongue-in-cheek look at the real value behind signing a disclaimer. Is it about protecting legal interests, enhancing safety, or just wishful thinking? With stories from adventure tourism, law, and plenty of witty banter, our trio explores myths and truths about risk, responsibility, and those mysterious forms we all sign and never read. Join the fun under the Big Top as we juggle practical wisdom, industry insights, and laughs—all to help you future-proof your safety strategy!#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

Step right up to the most chaotic safety debate under the Big Top! In this episode of The Circus of Safety, Brenton Harrison, Andrew Evans, and Desai Link take a hilariously unfiltered look at "supervision as a risk control." Is supervision actually a risk control, or is it just a fancy way to keep tabs on everyone? Dive in as our hosts argue, deflect, and try [mostly unsuccessfully] to keep things simple. Expect witty banter, tongue-in-cheek disclaimers, lively listener commentary, and plenty of snake oil references—all served up with practical insights on risk and safety management. Perfect for anyone who wants their safety talk with a side of laughs.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

In this lively episode, Brenton Harrison, Andrew Evans, and Desai Link tackle the big question: Does monitoring failure still have a place in health and safety? Expect sharp insights, plenty of witty banter, and practical advice as the trio debunks myths around lagging indicators, explores the value of learning from both success and failure, and pokes fun at snake oil safety solutions. Workplace safety shouldn’t be boring—and under the Big Top, it never is. Tune in for laughs and real talk on making workplaces safer, smarter, and a little more entertaining.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

🎪 Step right up for Season 3, Episode 18 of The Circus of Safety, where Brenton, Desai, and Andy tackle the age-old question: Can controls become hazards? In classic Circus of Safety style, this episode dives into the not-so-simple world of risk management, safety controls, and the unintended consequences they sometimes bring. Expect practical wisdom, plenty of laughs, and a few wild philosophical tangents as our hosts debate definitions, share real-life examples—from seat belts to scissor lifts—and explore whether safety controls ever create more problems than they solve.If you've ever wondered why safety feels so complicated [or is it complex?], or how blanket rules and audit tools can backfire, this is the episode for you. Tune in for a pragmatic, tongue-in-cheek rollercoaster that makes health and safety as entertaining as it is insightful.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

Welcome to The Circus of Safety! In this lively episode, Andy, Des, and Brenton dive headfirst into the hotly debated world of "Just Culture" and "No Blame" in workplace safety. Expect a whirlwind of sharp banter, practical reflections, and philosophical tangents as our hosts wrestle with the real meaning of blame, accountability, and justice at work. Is "just culture" truly fair, or just clever corporate branding? Can accountability ever exist without blame? From beer floods in 1814 to the mysteries of psychological safety, this episode serves up safety wisdom with a healthy side of humour and irreverence. Pop a metaphorical safety pill and join us under the Big Top as we spin the wheel of workplace risk—no topic is off-limits!#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

Step right up for another episode of The Circus of Safety! In Season 3, Episode 16, hosts Brenton, Desai, and Andy dive deep [and keep it light] as they celebrate the launch of Des’s book, "Beyond the Incident." Join the trio as they unravel the mysteries of workplace investigations—debunking common myths, discussing the vital role of evidence [thanks to Des’s legal background], and exploring whether AI has a role in future investigations. Packed with wit, wisdom, and a few tongue-in-cheek moments, this episode proves that workplace safety doesn’t have to be dry or dull. If you’re curious about legal privilege, practical investigation tips, or just love a safety chat with a side of circus flair, this one’s for you!#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

🎪 Is ESG really a thing, or just the latest corporate buzzword? On this episode of The Circus of Safety, Brenton, Des, and Andy spin the infamous Wheel of Death and dive into the world of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Expect banter, brutal honesty, and a healthy dose of scepticism as the crew debates whether ESG actually impacts workplace safety—or if it’s just capitalism trying to grow a conscience. Along the way, Des returns from his disclaiming retreat to drop some spiritual wisdom [and the best disclaimer ever], Andy admits he’s never even heard of ESG, and Brenton tries to keep the safety train on the tracks.Tune in for practical insights, plenty of laughs, and the kind of “real talk” the health and safety profession desperately needs. Join the discussion and decide for yourself—does ESG matter to the people on the ground, or is it just another circus act?#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

Absolute chaos reigns as Brenton, Andy, and special co-host Matt Sadgrove kick off this week’s The Circus of Safety with technical mishaps, poetic disclaimers, and their trademark irreverent banter! This episode dives into the prickly question: Is safety in New Zealand just “what it is”? The crew unpacks why New Zealand’s safety numbers often lag behind places like Australia and the UK, exploring everything from our fiercely independent small business culture to how the ACC system shapes our national mindset. With old jokes, new perspectives, and a few points of disagreement, this show treads the tightrope between serious reflection and circus-level entertainment. Perfect for safety pros and curious listeners alike, “The Circus of Safety” tackles tough questions, celebrates everyday safety heroes, and doesn’t shy away from a little bit of chaos under the Big Top.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

Does everything in safety need to be so black-and-white? In this episode of The Circus of Safety, Brenton, Des, and Andy spin the infamous wheel to tackle the problem of binary thinking in the health and safety profession. With their trademark mix of practical insight, tongue-in-cheek banter, and a dash of philosophical musings [plus a brief detour into polygamy and quantum mechanics], the trio question whether one-size-fits-all approaches really work—or if there's value in more flexible, context-driven methods. From safety philosophy to practical examples involving audits and root cause analysis, the conversation is lively, irreverent, and packed with takeaways for anyone tired of absolutism in the workplace. Tune in for a fun, thought-provoking look at breaking down the binaries in safety management.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

Step right up for another wild ride under the Big Top! In Season 3, Episode 12 of The Circus of Safety, Brenton, Des, and Andy return from hiatus and dive headfirst into the chaos of "Doing Safety Efficiently." With their signature blend of practical insights, tongue-in-cheek banter, and razor-sharp observations, the trio tackles the age-old question: how can we make safety processes less of a circus act and more of a well-oiled machine? From dodgy QR codes and PPE debates, to poking fun at safety consultants and unpacking the efficiency-thoroughness trade-off, this episode is packed with laughs, lively audience questions, and genuinely useful takeaways for anyone in health and safety. As always, expect disclaimers, confessions, and a touch of existential angst—plus some surprisingly profound takes on real-world safety “efficiency.” Tune in for another memorable show, only on The Circus of Safety!#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

It’s our birthday! 🎉 Join Brenton, Des, Andy, and special guest Oliver as The Circus of Safety celebrates two years of taking a practical, tongue-in-cheek look at all things health and safety. In this special anniversary episode, the crew reflects on their wild ride so far—recounting hilarious moments, recapping their most popular episodes, and debating the topics that matter most in the world of safety [with plenty of banter along the way].Get insights on everything from risk perception and safety reform to the evolution of safety qualifications—all while enjoying the group’s trademark playful energy, personal jabs, and some surprises [spoiler: technical glitches and “yummy parts” included]. Whether you’re a longtime listener or new under the Big Top, this episode is packed with laughs, learning, and a celebration of the community that’s formed around the show.Step right up and tune in—because safety doesn’t have to be boring! #TheCircusOfSafety #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

Step right up for another wild ride under the Big Top of workplace safety! In this episode of The Circus of Safety, Brenton, Des, and Andy spin the infamous Spinning Wheel of Death and land on a truly divisive topic: Is zero harm stupid? With their signature blend of pragmatism, sharp wit, and a healthy dose of laughter, the trio dives into the realities [and absurdities] of the "zero harm" mantra. Along the way, expect classic banter, a live car-park incident, linguistic gymnastics, and insightful perspectives on what really matters in safety management.If you’re ready to challenge safety dogmas, giggle at the chaos, and gain practical risk management insight, this episode’s for you! Tune in for honest debate, hilarious moments, and the ever-entertaining chaos that only The Circus of Safety can deliver.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

Get ready for another wild ride under the Big Top with The Circus of Safety! In this episode, Brenton, Des, and Andy are joined once again by Jeff Sissons to unravel the latest round of health and safety reform announcements making headlines across New Zealand. With their trademark mix of sharp insight, irreverent humour, and utter chaos, the crew tackles everything from the infamous traffic cone hotline to whether “less red tape” really means less confusion (spoiler: probably not).Jeff brings expert commentary on resource cuts, regulatory priorities, and what these changes actually mean for businesses and safety professionals. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, a new protective T-shirt for “BS absorption,” and a cheeky challenge to the Minister to join the show. Whether you’re a seasoned safety pro or just circus-curious, don’t miss this refreshingly honest—and just a bit silly—look at the spinning wheel of New Zealand’s safety reforms.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

🎪 Step right up for Episode 8 of The Circus of Safety's Season 3! This week, Brenton, Des, and Andy tackle the age-old question: If a model is never used well, is it still a good model? From the New Zealand Occupational Hygiene Society conference highlights to tongue-in-cheek debates about safety models, methodologies, and a surprising detour into zero-harm philosophies, the trio bring their signature humour and insight to the table. Expect lively banter, passionate arguments, safety merch giveaways, and the usual dose of workplace health & safety wisdom—with a side of BS (that’s “banter spam,” of course).Whether you’re a safety generalist, a specialist, or just here for the circus, this episode will have you laughing, learning, and questioning your favourite models. Don’t forget to check out the merch—and manage your exposure to our Quantitative BS Factor!#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement