WA conference highlights corporate manslaughter

Workplace ‘wellness’ is expected to be the hottest new buzzword at the inaugural WA Safety Conference, held in Perth from 12–14 August, but the program will also touch on much less optimistic issues like bullying and ‘corporate manslaughter’.

One of the keynote speakers addressing the conference is UK barrister Gerard Forlin, who made his name defending manslaughter cases — including the appeal that followed the 2007 Hatfield rail crash.

Other key presentations include: partner of Deacons Lawyers, Maria Saraceni, with an overview of how the federal Labor government’s proposed changes will impact on business; and Bernie Althofer, of EGL I Assessments, discussing the impact on organisations if bullying is criminalised.

"Workplace bullying is a cancerous plague growing out of sight and out of mind, and spreading in epidemic proportions across the public and private sector," Althofer said.

"Bullying behaviours generally consist of actions that result in physical or psychological injuries to individuals. An analysis of criminal law suggests that bullying behaviours are in fact assaults and, consequently, should be classified as official misconduct, misconduct, or, at the very least, breaches of discipline."

The conference’s three-day calendar also addresses the responsibilities of OSH managers; corporate safety cultures; safe design; the lessons from major incidents, like the Beaconsfield mine disaster; and workplace wellness.

As employers grapple with skills shortages, conference speaker Catherine Jarman of Corporate Bodies International says it is inevitable they will become more involved in promoting healthier lifestyles — inside and outside working hours.

"We are living longer, but with sub-optimal health," she said.

"We are remaining in the workforce until we are older to bridge gaps of pensions and skills shortages. There is no doubt that a reduction in lifestyle risk factors is advantageous to an individual's quality of life.

"The question remains: is this a personal responsibility, or the responsibility of the employer? Perhaps the answer is both. Research shows workplace wellness improves health and morale, reduces absenteeism, increases productivity and reduces staff turnover."

The inaugural WA Safety Conference will run concurrently with the WA Safety Show from 12–14 August, at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. For more information, visit www.wasafetyshow.com.