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 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
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