Applying systems frameworks to key psychosocial risk cases
Tracks
Room 2
| Wednesday, December 2, 2026 |
| 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM |
| Concurrent Room 1 |
Overview
A/Prof Carlo Caponecchia
Speaker
A/Prof Carlo Caponecchia
Assoc Prof
UNSW
Applying systems frameworks to key psychosocial risk cases
Abstract
New regulation on the management of psychosocial risks at work has emphasised the need for organisations to consider the interactions between psychosocial hazards and the design of systems of work.
Systems based accident modelling tools are used to identify, categorise and understand relationships between the multiple factors that can create a negative outcome. They have been seldom applied to cases of psychosocial risks, and present a potentially useful tool for raising awareness, building competencies, and facilitating a systems view of this area of safety practice.
This paper applies the AcciMap methodology to landmark workplace bullying and harassment cases in Australia: Willett v The State of Victoria [2011] VSC 354 and Swan v Monash Law Book Co-operative [2013] VSC326. Judgements and court material are used where independent investigation reports for safety incidents would typically be used for AcciMap analyses.
In addition, the paper develops and describes the Psychosocial Incident Systems Analysis (PISA) process used in paralell with AcciMap, which attempts to account for the interaction of psychosocial hazards, their complex timeframes, exacerbation and accumulation, the multiple outcomes common in psychosocial cases, and the cultural and contextual elements that may influence the occurences but may not be directly cause the outcomes.
The paper will compare and contrast contributing factors at each AcciMap level for the cases and reflect on the appropriateness of the methodology for generating more holistic understandings of psychosocial risks and the system-level changes that could be considered.
Systems based accident modelling tools are used to identify, categorise and understand relationships between the multiple factors that can create a negative outcome. They have been seldom applied to cases of psychosocial risks, and present a potentially useful tool for raising awareness, building competencies, and facilitating a systems view of this area of safety practice.
This paper applies the AcciMap methodology to landmark workplace bullying and harassment cases in Australia: Willett v The State of Victoria [2011] VSC 354 and Swan v Monash Law Book Co-operative [2013] VSC326. Judgements and court material are used where independent investigation reports for safety incidents would typically be used for AcciMap analyses.
In addition, the paper develops and describes the Psychosocial Incident Systems Analysis (PISA) process used in paralell with AcciMap, which attempts to account for the interaction of psychosocial hazards, their complex timeframes, exacerbation and accumulation, the multiple outcomes common in psychosocial cases, and the cultural and contextual elements that may influence the occurences but may not be directly cause the outcomes.
The paper will compare and contrast contributing factors at each AcciMap level for the cases and reflect on the appropriateness of the methodology for generating more holistic understandings of psychosocial risks and the system-level changes that could be considered.
Biography
Associate Professor Carlo Caponecchia is an academic at The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, and Co-Associate Dean Equity Diversity and Inclusion in the Faculty of Science UNSW. He has a background in psychology and works in Human Factors and Safety across several domains. He has particular interest and expertise in psychosocial risks and safe systems of work. Carlo is part of the International Standards Organisation Technical Committee 283 responsible for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, which developed the first international Standard on Psychosocial risks at work. Carlo Chairs the Task Group on Terminology and Clarifications for TC283. He regularly serves the court with expert testimony, and provides advice to organisations on managing safe systems of work. He is a current board member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia (HFESA).
