SAWB - Accounting

In this episode, I reflect on a SafetyAtWorkBlog article examining how overlooked disciplines—particularly accounting and governance—shape work health and safety, arguing that concepts like legitimacy theory and corporate purpose help explain why workplace harm is tolerated and normalised. The script challenges compliance focused OHS practice, links social licence and legitimacy to chronic and psychosocial hazards, and contends that meaningful prevention requires redesigning business models, not just jobs. Ultimately, it calls on OHS to broaden its intellectual foundations beyond “safety culture” to confront the political, economic, and moral systems that legitimise risk rather than prevent it.