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The Adequacy of Institutional Responses to Death at Work: Experiences of Surviving Families

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 March 2012

Lynda R. Matthews ,
Michael Quinlan ,
Olivia Rawlings-Way  and
Philip Bohle
Lynda R. Matthews*
Affiliation:
Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit, The University of Sydney, Australia
Michael Quinlan
Affiliation:
Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit, The University of Sydney, Australia School of Organisation and Management, The University of New South Wales, Australia
Olivia Rawlings-Way
Affiliation:
Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit, The University of Sydney, Australia
Philip Bohle
Affiliation:
Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit, The University of Sydney, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Lynda R. Matthews, Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, PO Box 170, Lidcombe NSW 1825, Australia. E-mail: lynda.matthews@sydney.edu.au
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

workplace fatalitiesoccupational health and safetycompensationpsychosocial aspectsrehabilitation
Type
Articles
Information
International Journal of Disability Management , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , 2011 , pp. 37 - 48
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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