“So far as is reasonably practicable.” Seven words that carry a lot of weight when you’re responsible for keeping people safe.

How much is enough? Where does cost fit? And how do you distinguish a defensible safety decision from a shortcut dressed up as a risk assessment?

In this episode of The Real Risk, Jon Hillis takes a practical look at SFARP and the decisions behind managing workplace risk. Drawing on his background as a former WorkSafe Victoria inspector and safety professional, Jon brings the discussion back to the job: what can hurt someone, what you know about it, and what can reasonably be done to prevent it.

Because “we’ve always done it this way” isn’t much of a control measure. It’s just a very well-rehearsed sentence.

This episode’s central questions:

• How likely is the risk, and how serious could the harm be?
• What do you know, or reasonably ought to know, about the hazard and available controls?
• Are suitable controls available and practical for the work?
• Where does cost belong in the decision?
• What evidence supports the controls you selected?

For business owners, officers, supervisors and safety professionals who need to make sound decisions without disappearing into a mountain of paperwork.

Your challenge this week: pick one high-risk task. Ask what could cause serious harm, what prevents it, and who has checked that those controls actually work.

More practical safety commentary and resources:

https://www.safetyjon.com.au/

Explore The Real Risk and Safety Jon media:

https://www.safetyjon.com.au/media

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