Systems Ergonomics in WHS Regulation: a WorkSafe tale
Tracks
Room 2
| Wednesday, December 2, 2026 |
| 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM |
| Concurrent Room 1 |
Overview
Dr Tony Carden and Megan Kennedy
Speaker
Megan Kennedy
Worksafe Victoria
Systems Ergonomics in WHS Regulation: a WorkSafe tale
Biography
Megan Kennedy is a Senior Ergonomist in the Ergonomics and Human Factors Unit at WorkSafe Victoria. Megan's work covers the domains of physical ergonomics and systems HFE. With a background and a Masters degree in Emergency and Disaster Management, Megan is currently working on her PhD, applying systems HFE methods to improving safety in confined space rescues, at CQU.
Dr Tony Carden
Worksafe Victoria
Systems Ergonomics in WHS Regulation: a WorkSafe tale.
Abstract
Systems Ergonomics in WHS Regulation: a WorkSafe tale.
Megan Kennedy and Tony Carden from WorkSafe Victoria's Ergonomics and Human Factors Unit share stories about their application of HF/E methods in the regulation of safety in Victorian workplaces.
Public interest regulation, including health and safety regulation, has historically focused on identifying and mitigating causes of harm, in close proximity to that harm. Systems ergonomics and safety science have developed increasingly broad understandings of harm causation by focusing on the wider systems in which risky activity occurs. Led by its Ergonomics and Human Factors Unit, WorkSafe Victoria has been applying systems ergonomics methods in a range of ways to help reduce the risks of harm to Victorian workers.
Megan and Tony will share some examples of their work to illustrate the successes and challenges of applying systems HF/E in OHS regulation.
The application of systems HF/E methods and thinking have led to new solutions and success in addressing some pervasive OHS challenges, including managing risks of workplace violence and aggression, fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
As the ‘science of work’, ergonomics is uniquely placed to contribute to the design of our increasingly changing and emerging ways of working. This session will aim to inspire more innovation with systems ergonomics methods, more people to embrace systems ergonomics, and more ergonomists to become involved in public interest regulation.
Megan Kennedy and Tony Carden from WorkSafe Victoria's Ergonomics and Human Factors Unit share stories about their application of HF/E methods in the regulation of safety in Victorian workplaces.
Public interest regulation, including health and safety regulation, has historically focused on identifying and mitigating causes of harm, in close proximity to that harm. Systems ergonomics and safety science have developed increasingly broad understandings of harm causation by focusing on the wider systems in which risky activity occurs. Led by its Ergonomics and Human Factors Unit, WorkSafe Victoria has been applying systems ergonomics methods in a range of ways to help reduce the risks of harm to Victorian workers.
Megan and Tony will share some examples of their work to illustrate the successes and challenges of applying systems HF/E in OHS regulation.
The application of systems HF/E methods and thinking have led to new solutions and success in addressing some pervasive OHS challenges, including managing risks of workplace violence and aggression, fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
As the ‘science of work’, ergonomics is uniquely placed to contribute to the design of our increasingly changing and emerging ways of working. This session will aim to inspire more innovation with systems ergonomics methods, more people to embrace systems ergonomics, and more ergonomists to become involved in public interest regulation.
Biography
Dr Tony Carden is Principal Ergonomist, leading the Ergonomics and Human Factors Unit, at WorkSafe Victoria. Tony has a diverse range of experience across a wide array of industry sectors including housing construction, electricity distribution, property maintenance, security, outdoor education and adventure guiding. Tony’s PhD is in Human Factors, specialising in the analysis, design and modification of complex systems of work. He is passionate about applying his specialty to safety, health, wellbeing and system performance. Alongside his day job, Tony is also an Adjunct Researcher with the Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science at USC. His current work centres on supporting the learning and application of systems thinking across WorkSafe and its partner organisations.
