SWS CORPORATE INTELLIGENCE ·
When Human Error Makes Headlines: What Should Boards Be Asking About Workplace Stress?
When an incident is attributed to human error, is that the end of the investigation, or the beginning of a more important conversation?
This four-page SWS newsletter examines the conditions in which people work and make decisions, the distinction between attendance and workforce capability, and practical questions for boards and senior leaders.
References to railway incidents are prompts for leadership questions. They do not establish workplace stress, fatigue or presenteeism as causes of either incident.
Five questions for the board
- Do we understand the working conditions that may contribute to stress, fatigue and reduced capacity?
- Are we identifying organisational risks before they develop into serious problems?
- Do our reporting systems distinguish attendance from workforce capability?
- Are employees supported to raise concerns without fear of unfair consequences?
- Can we demonstrate whether our workforce-health interventions are effective?
The newsletter explains SWS’s Quantify – Correct – Monitor approach: establish a baseline, agree proportionate action, and evaluate change. Its recommendations are for discussion and do not replace professional advice or safety-management obligations.
Read or download the approved newsletter (PDF, 4 pages)See how SWS works for your organisation
Watch our five-minute corporate overview to explore the SWS approach to workforce risk and resilience.
Ready to discuss your organisation? Book a discovery call.
Read the newsletter
If the PDF viewer is unavailable, open the PDF directly.
For a discussion about what your workforce reporting can and cannot show, book a 45-minute discovery call.