Whenever we hear the slogan of ‘zero harm’, we know that it is selective. There is never any discussion in the zero-harm cult about ‘moral harm’ or ‘psychological harm’. Out of sight out of Mind. Whenever Safety focuses on the silly idea that the presence of injury represents safety … [Read more...] about The Moral Harm of the Zero Cult
mental health
The Sickness of Safetyism
The Sickness of Safetyism When I do training and safety people attend there is invariably someone who introduces themselves by the nominal ‘Safety Sam’ or ‘Safety Sally’. This is how they are known at work and want to be identified and unfortunately are proud of it. Funny, I’ve never met a ‘Teacher … [Read more...] about The Sickness of Safetyism
Mental Health and the Safety Habitus
Mental Health and the Safety Habitus How is the safety industry equipped to tackle the challenges of mental health? What assumptions about personhood and ‘mind’ dominate the safety sector? Do these assumptions help or hinder an holistic approach to tackling mental health at work? These questions … [Read more...] about Mental Health and the Safety Habitus
‘Wrestling in the Mud’
‘Wrestling in the Mud’ First published here: http://dolphyn.com.au/wrestling-in-the-mud/ He began crying without notice, it took me by surprise. We were in our late teens and just finished cricket practice. Following our usual routine, we stuck around for an extra ½ hour, just the two of … [Read more...] about ‘Wrestling in the Mud’
Culture, Toxicity and Safety
Culture, Toxicity and Safety There are several reasons why Safety in its current state will never deal effectively with mental health: · The mis-definition of culture and, · The brutalism of zero The only way to drive for zero is to: · Suppress reporting (learning) · Focus on petty risk · … [Read more...] about Culture, Toxicity and Safety
Unanswered Questions and Mental Health
Yesterday we went to a memorial function for a friend whose daughter suicided, Sam was 36. These are always very troubling occasions with many tears and many more unanswered questions. We went to a local restaurant/bar which was a favourite for Sam and many friends came, the place was … [Read more...] about Unanswered Questions and Mental Health
The Social Construction of Mental Health
The Social Construction of Mental Health As Safety starts to move into an interest in mental health it brings with it its baggage of individualism, cognitvism and behaviourism. It is through this worldview that it understands such things as: illness, suffering and harm, resilience, psychological … [Read more...] about The Social Construction of Mental Health
Mental Health and Zero Harm
The foundation principle of pastoral care required in meeting people with mental health is tolerance. The principle of ‘there but for the grace of god go i’ is a critical disposition when engaging with people who are unwell. The last thing anyone with a mental health concern needs to hear is … [Read more...] about Mental Health and Zero Harm
Mental Health, Risk and Safety
Mental Health, Risk and Safety - Part 1 (see part 2 here) One of our most popular articles ever! Republished by Request Understanding, awareness and response to mental health issues at work is challenging. There are some particular challenges that mental health holds for risk and safety people. … [Read more...] about Mental Health, Risk and Safety
No Help for Mental Health in Zero
No Help for Mental Health in Zero I came into work in the safety industry after many years in various professions including Community Services, not-for-profit services, Social Work, Education, Youth Services, Youth Detention, Pastoral Counselling, EAP and Corrections. In all of these professional … [Read more...] about No Help for Mental Health in Zero
