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The adequacy of institutional responses to death at work: experiences of surviving families

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 01:50 authored by Matthews, LR, Quinlan, M, Rawlings-Way, O, Philip BohlePhilip Bohle
Over 5 thousand family members and close friends of Australian workers become survivors of sudden workplace death each year. Formal responses following the death are central to surviving families' ability to adapt, yet families' experiences of these responses are unknown. This study used in-depth interviews to explore 7 surviving family members' experiences of formal workplace death mechanisms: postdeath protocols; interactions with employers, unions, media and statutory authorities; stages of legal process including coronial inquests, prosecutions by the occupational health and safety (OHS) regulator, and civil action; and outcomes of judicial proceedings. Participants identified difficulties arising from insensitive treatment by authorities, and significant bureaucratic problems, including a lack of information, communication and support. Systematic research that fully examines families' needs and identifies organisational postdeath protocols is required to advance the management of institutional responses following workplace death and thereby improve outcomes for families.

History

Publication title

International Journal of Disability Management

Volume

6

Pagination

37-48

ISSN

1833-8550

Department/School

TSBE

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2011 Cambridge University Press

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Employment patterns and change

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    University Of Tasmania

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