Meet the Multiplex Research Scholarship Recipient - Julie Gratton

The project will apply complex systems theory-based models to understand the factors contributing to high potential safety incidents the construction industry to inform effective risk control and prevention.

High potential incidents such as objects falling from height are those that, in other circumstances, could have resulted in one or more fatality or someone sustaining life-changing injuries. When these incidents occur, it is critically important to understand what caused them in order to develop more effective risk controls and prevention strategies.

The project will apply systems theory-based models to map the factors contributing to high potential incidents. The analysis will produce critical evidence to inform prevention of work-related death and serious injury in the construction industry.

Daniel McLinden, SHINe Director – Strategy & Operations asked Julie a few questions about the opportunity, hopes for the project and beyond.

Julie, congratulations on receiving the Multiplex Research Scholarship! Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a career in construction work health and safety?

Thank you. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I found my way into occupational health and safety quite by accident. Initially I was given an opportunity as an OH&S Rep and it married well with my personal values and the opportunity to advocate for others. I was fortunate to meet some incredible people on my journey who challenged and mentored me, pushing me to take on more complex considerations. Having commenced my journey into the profession of occupational health and safety some years ago, my primary motivation has always been the prevention of negative impacts to people and the environment. Over time I have worked in the engineering, mining & construction industries and have contributed to changing perspectives on the management of controls through the development of human-centric solutions. Safety and sustainability in design and authentic efforts to close the gap between work as is, and work as imagined have become areas I’m particularly passionate about. My personal philosophy was developed in line with beliefs first introduced to me through the work of Lynda Gratton in her book ‘Putting People at the Heart of Corporate Purpose’. I’ve always believed that organisations get the best out of people when the recognise them as their greatest asset, and that includes valuing and protecting them, and caring for their health and safety.

I’ve been fortunate in having exposure to practical perspectives on how complex systems based models applied, can effect both positive and negative outcomes depending on a variety of factors including their application, organisational commitment, resources, competency etc. In developing this body of work it will allow clearer understanding of strengths and weaknesses of complex theory-based models and analysis of effective risk controls in practical application, through the lens of safety incidents within the construction industry. I hope it will take complex theories developed over time, through a practical lens what aspects are effective. 

I think ‘time’ will be an interesting concept for the next few years! Having said that, I enjoy being near the water, walking my dog by the river or the beach. I love travelling, learning about new cultures and enjoying food with new and old friends. When I can, I take my little Triumph out for trips down country roads to escape and I’m always looking for the next adventure.

I’d like to take a moment to thank Helen Lingard, Dennis Else, Paul Breslin and Payam Pirzadeh for entrusting me with this piece of work and their continued guidance. I’m very grateful and hopeful.

SHINe Executive Director, Distinguished Professor Helen Lingard also had this to say about the appointment of Julie as the recipient of the scholarship.