Safety Leadership
ACN is an award-winning management consulting firm specialising in transforming risk, safety, and performance outcomes. Our innovative programmes focus on building a strong safety and performance culture, empowering organisations to achieve excellence across physical, psychological, process, and environmental domains. By equipping leaders and teams with the tools, frameworks, and strategies needed to embed safety at the core of operations, we help organisations deliver sustainable results and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
“Operating Without Harm calls for a demonstrated commitment to employee well-being, and visible actions that align with the stated values”
“OWH is a programme that focuses on all four dimensions of the safety paradigm”
“The OWH programme offers organisations a holistic approach to the risks associated with their operations”
“The benefits of psychological safety extend beyond individual well-being to encompass enhanced innovation, collaboration, and ethical behaviour, ultimately driving organisational success”
“Safety leadership goes beyond mere compliance; it generates a proactive approach to identifying, mitigating, and navigating risks”
“At its core, safety leadership is about safeguarding the well-being of employees, customers, and other stakeholders”
Operating Without Harm
The ACN Operating Without Harm (OWH) program is a comprehensive framework aimed at transforming safety culture within organisations. It focuses on diagnosing the current safety culture and identifying risk factors, training employees and leaders in effective safety practices, and providing ongoing coaching to embed safety as a core organisational value. Through structured assessments, tailored training, and continuous support, the programme seeks to establish a proactive and safety-focused workplace environment.
Psychological Safety
Our SPIRA Psychological Safety Process, is designed to identify early warnings of potential risks. This proactive approach not only helps prevent harm but also empowers employees to act as guardians of their own safety and that of their colleagues.
The SPIRA Psycho-Social Safety Programme is a structured framework aimed at building a culture of psychological safety within organisations, through Work-Based Learning (WBL) or cohort programmes. It combines early risk detection, analysis, and intervention to address psychological risks proactively, supporting a safe, growth-oriented experience for employees. The programme operates through the five core steps of the SPIRA framework: Sense, Perceive, Interpret, Respond, and Adapt.
Safety Leadership News
ACN – AI Powered Tools
AI Can Help Us See More — But Only If We’re Willing to Look Human Oversight in the Age of AI-Driven Incident Investigation The rush to integrate AI into safety systems is well underway. From predictive analytics to automated reporting, organisations are embracing new...
Integrity and Authority: Lessons from the Field, the Frontline, and Beyond
A follow-on from “Leadership Under Pressure” – part of the Leadership Lessons series What does authority feel like when it’s real? And where does integrity really come from — not in theory, but in practice? This is the next piece in the “Leadership Lessons” series —...
Championing Wellness in the Workplace: How ACN’s Offerings Transform Organisational Well-Being
Wellness has become more than a personal priority; it’s a movement shaping the way we live, work, and lead. According to McKinsey’s latest research, the global wellness industry is thriving, valued at $1.8 trillion annually, with consumers increasingly prioritising...
The Fulfillment Factor: How Job Satisfaction Impacts Productivity
Understanding Job Satisfaction Job satisfaction is a complex, multifaceted concept that encompasses various aspects of an employee's experience at work. These can include: Job Role and Responsibilities: Feeling challenged and valued in one's role. Work Environment:...
The Power of Worker Participation: Transforming Safety Culture with ACN
In workplaces across Australia, safety isn’t just about procedures and equipment. It’s about people. When workers actively participate in creating safer, healthier workplaces, they become invested in the outcome. This sense of ownership is vital for a lasting culture...
Why Some Organisations Choose the Easy Way Out in Workplace Culture
Building a strong, positive workplace culture is often touted as the secret to long-term success. Yet, despite this well-known fact, many organisations still opt for quick fixes over meaningful, sustained change. Why is this? Why do so many CEOs choose to focus on...
The Role of Leadership in Creating a Psychologically Safe Environment: Encouraging Voices of Concern
Psychological safety is a critical component of a healthy and effective workplace. It’s the feeling that you can speak up, share ideas, voice concerns, and admit mistakes without fear of retribution or ridicule. When leaders cultivate this environment, teams are more...
Why a One-Off Leadership Workshop is Unlikely to Change Behaviour: A Fresh Perspective
Imagine this: you’ve been asked to attend a one-off leadership workshop. You pack your bag with a sense of anticipation, hoping to return home a changed leader. You enter the conference room filled with like-minded professionals, colleagues ready to engage in...
Understanding Safety Maturity Scales: Why Most Businesses Struggle to Move Beyond Compliance
Safety culture is a critical aspect of any organisation’s success, yet many businesses struggle to evolve past basic compliance and reactive safety practices. This plateau often stems from a lack of appreciation of what true safety leadership takes. Safety...
The Hidden Power of Systems: How They Quietly Drive Outcomes
This post has been inspired by a colleague and good friend Carl. Carl is a Director of Occupational Health and Safety at a respected National Educational Institute. We have worked together for many years and often Carl refers to systems driving outcomes. Dick Knowles...