Season 08 Episode 06: Rootin’ Tootin’ Wild Theme Park Rides: When Fun turns Fatal

WARNING: This episode discusses a serious injury to a child – we advise listener discretion.

“Theme parks are workplaces where serious harm could eventuate,” bemoans Trajce.

In this gripping episode, the WhyWork crew dive into the devastating case of a child who suffered a traumatic scalping injury while on a Wile E. Coyote-themed amusement ride

Alan walks us through the case, unpacking the sequence of mechanical and human errors. Trajce brings his classic bluntness and empathy, highlighting how poor design choices - literal holes in theme ride ceilings and safety protocols - lead to traumatic circumstances in people’s lives and, in this case, affects a child. The team pulls the lens back to explore broader lessons on accountability, risk design, and the ethics of foreseeability.

"A kid went to have fun and came back scalped. That’s not a freak accident—that’s a system failure," says Trajce. "We can’t keep blaming workers or bad luck when the problem is clearly baked into the design," argues Sara.

Alan Explains, "The head went through a hole in the ride’s casing - something that never should have been possible. Once we traced what happened, the design gaps were obvious. This case reveals chain of small, overlooked decisions that created a massive risk."

This episode is a tough listen, but a vital one. Through humour, honesty, and some hard truths, the podcast team asks: What kind of systems do we really want to build for our kids, our teams, and our communities? “What will be enduring and sustainable?” asks Sara.

Alan, Trajce, and Sara reflect on some of their favourite Looney Tunes characters - Yosemite Sam, the rootin’ tootin’ red-moustached cowboy; Marvin the Martian, Sylvester (Sufferin’ succotash) – who was yours?

Other episodes addressing theme park and recreation-as-work:

S03 E05: Whakaari – The Smouldering Dragon

S03 E06: Cha-Cha-Chat Thrill Rides

S03 E07: Intentional Design & Submersibles

Season 08 Episode 05: Is it a crime? The syrupy sweetness of criminal recovery, comebacks, and swearing in the workplace

WARNING: This episode discusses human rights breaches - we advise listener discretion.

Does a criminal record mean a life sentence of unemployment? This episode dives into how past convictions keep people locked out of work. Alan reflects, “Inclusive hiring isn’t charity. It’s good business sense. We should not define skills and character by a past conviction.” Alan recounts a case of a government employee hampered by a past criminal investigation. Listen in to learn about the results of this worker’s subsequent appeal to the Human Rights Commission. Trajce offers, “When we shut people out because of old mistakes, we create cycles of disadvantage that hurt everyone—individuals, families, and communities.”

Alan also shares a story about the punitive treatment of a manager whose swearing at a barista prompted a workplace review. “Someone needed their caffeine,” remarks Sara. The workplace investigated reproachable behaviours occurring outside of the principal place of work. The retelling of this story triggers bloopers and bleepers in this episode! For more on swearing at work, check out AIHS story on recent rulings by the Fair Work Commission on swearing in the workplace.

Listen to this episode as the podcasters untangle the legal, social, and human sides of criminal records and employment. Find out how some employers are leading with fairness in and out of the workplace, and why workplaces that give second chances often discover untapped loyalty and talent.

To learn more about Psychosocial Risk Management and Integrated Solutions for Employers (PRAiSE), check out ViVID Design Labs - Designs: https://www.vividdesignlabs.com.au/vivid-designs/

Season 08 Episode 04: Nipple Tweaks & Bottom Taps: The border between play and predatory assault

WARNING: This episode includes discussion on sexual harassment - we advise listener discretion.

Ever wondered when ‘just joking’ becomes sexual harassment? In this eye-opening episode, we unpack real stories of workplace encounters that cross the line—like unwanted bottom taps or nipple tweaks (Are these ever really okay?!) . Alan, Trajce, and Sara discuss why dismissing these actions as both banter and play lets disrespect thrive. Sara says, “We need to normalise calling out these moments, not laugh them off.” Trajce adds, “People think it’s harmless fun until someone finally speaks up—or leaves the job. Then everyone asks, ‘How did we miss the signs?’”

The podcasters break down how micro-assaults affect safety, culture, and performance, while exploring what leaders and colleagues can do when playful turns predatory. Join us as we unpack why micro-assaults like these matter, what the law says about sexual harassment, and how organisations can build cultures that stop them before they start. Alan reflects: “These aren’t grey areas. When someone’s uncomfortable, that’s the line. If you’re not sure, ask—or just don’t do it.”

Expect honest chat, expert insights, and a few laughs as we explore the sticky realities of personal space and respect at work.

To learn more about Psychosocial Risk Management and Integrated Solutions for Employers (PRAiSE), check out ViVID Design Labs - Designs: https://www.vividdesignlabs.com.au/vivid-designs/