The Circus of Safety VideoCast

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!

🎪 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

Step right up for another wild ride under the Big Top! In Season 3, Episode 7 of The Circus of Safety, Brenton, Des, and Andy tackle the mysterious world of risk perception. Why do some people cross the street without a second thought, while others wait for the light? How do our backgrounds, experiences, and even ignorance shape the way we see—and misjudge—risk at work and in life? Expect plenty of laughs, lively banter, and some tongue-in-cheek confessions about Harry Potter, dictionaries, and Y2K-level software drama. Whether you’re a safety pro or just risk-curious, this episode brings practical, down-to-earth insights that will make you think (and maybe rethink) how you manage risk day-to-day.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagement

Step right up for another wild ride under the Big Top with Brenton, Desai, and Andy! In this episode, the crew tackles the tricky topic of “weaponising safety”—how safety rules, policies, and language can be twisted for the wrong reasons, whether to win workplace arguments, push agendas, or gain leverage. Expect plenty of laughs, honest confessions, and real-world stories from across Australia and New Zealand. There's lively banter, colourful examples (including a truly legendary tale from the worksite toilets), and practical advice on navigating the grey areas of occupational health and safety. Plus, the chat is on fire with live input from safety pros and Andy’s Diploma students!Get your dose of pragmatic wisdom as we unravel the mischief, misinterpretations, and misuses of safety in today’s workplaces—and learn how to keep safety culture authentic, collaborative, and genuinely effective.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD #HealthAndSafety #RiskManagement #SafetyManagementListen now and join the safety revolution with a side of circus-style fun!

In this episode of The Circus of Safety, hosts Andrew Evans, Desai Link, and Brenton Harrison are joined by Jeff Sissons, the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management [NZISM], to dive into the hot topic of regulatory safety reform. The discussion takes off with the impact of recent health and safety announcements by the Minister, the challenges around reducing compliance for small businesses, and the complexities of landowner responsibilities for recreational activities. They also explore the crucial role of Directors in governance versus day-to-day management and what these proposed reforms could mean for the future of health and safety in New Zealand. Tune in to hear Jeff's insights on these pivotal changes and the resulting implications for the safety landscape.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD

Welcome to another lively episode of "The Circus of Safety"! In this episode titled "The Commercialism of Safety," Andrew Evans rejoins Brenton Harrison and Desai Link after a brief hiatus. The trio dives into a spirited discussion on the commercialisation of safety, exploring themes like fear, FOMO, and the ethics of marketing safety products and services. Tune in as they share personal anecdotes, debate the fine line between genuine value and snake oil, and even spark potential ideas for future topics. Whether you're a safety consultant or just intrigued by the complexities of the field, this episode is sure to provide insights and a few laughs along the way.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD

In this episode of "The Circus of Safety," hosts Brenton Harrison and Desai Link are joined by special guest Matt Sadgrove to tackle the intriguing topic of neurodiversity in safety. As they navigate this complex subject, the conversation explores the importance of inclusivity, the role of communication, and the benefits of embracing diverse perspectives in safety practices. While admitting their limited knowledge of the topic, the hosts and Matt emphasise the significance of starting conversations and learning more about neurodiversity. Tune in to this engaging episode as they open the door to new insights, challenges, and opportunities in creating safer, more inclusive work environments.#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD

In this episode of "The Circus of Safety," titled "Are We Over Culturing," hosts Brenton Harrison, Desai Link, and Andy Evans, dive into the elusive concept of culture in occupational health and safety. They explore whether organisations are focusing too much on defining and cultivating 'safety culture' without fully understanding or agreeing on its definition. Through engaging discussions peppered with witty banter and insightful commentary, they consider if culture should be viewed as an outcome of other organisational priorities rather than a primary focus. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and questions the effectiveness of current safety culture practices. #TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD

Welcome back to "The Circus of Safety" for Season 3, Episode 1! In this episode, hosts Brenton Harrison, Desai Link, and Andrew Evans are joined by Oliver Evans as they reunite after a refreshing summer break. Dive into the intriguing discussion of "working safely versus safely working," where the team explores the nuances of safe work practices and how to effectively engage workers in creating a safer work environment. Despite some technical hiccups and light-hearted banter, the hosts tackle the challenge of reframing safety in a more engaging and positive light. Tune in for insights, a few laughs, and the kickoff to another exciting season ahead! #TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD

In this bonus episode of "The Circus of Safety," hosts Desai Link, Brenton Harrison, and Andrew Evans are joined by esteemed guest Greg Smith, a prominent work health and safety lawyer from Western Australia. Tune in as they dive deep into the significance of documentation in safety procedures. They explore the common belief that "if it's not documented, it did not happen," challenging this notion with insights into documentation, legal risks, and practical safety management. Greg shares his expert perspective on balancing safety protocols with accountability, emphasising the importance of understanding and relevance in safety systems. This conversation is filled with engaging anecdotes, critical legal insights, and a hint of humour. Perfect for anyone interested in the intersection of safety practices and legal frameworks!#TheCircusOfSafety #TheSpinningWheelOfDeath #SWOD

Join Hosts Desai Link, Brenton Harrison, and Andrew Evans for the season finale of The Circus of Safety, featuring special guest Oliver Evans. In this engaging episode, the team unravels the complexities of documentation in safety practices and its real-world implications. Explore thought-provoking discussions on the paradox of evidence, the role of oral testimony versus documented proof, and the controversial mantra, "If it's not documented, it did not happen." With light-hearted holiday banter, anecdotes, and a reflection on a successful year, this episode balances insightful discourse with festive cheer. Don't miss out on the season's final spin of the wheel and exciting future plans for the show! 🎄🔒📜 Tune in for an enlightening and festive conclusion to the year!