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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 BohleOver 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 ManagementVolume
6Pagination
37-48ISSN
1833-8550Department/School
TSBEPublisher
Cambridge University PressPlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
Copyright 2011 Cambridge University PressRepository Status
- Restricted