When people hear the term Critical Control Verification, they often assume it’s reserved for high-risk industries like mining or oil and gas. But here’s the truth: every business has critical controls and verifying them doesn’t have to be technical or time-consuming.

In psychology, crisis triggers growth. It creates urgency, activates problem-solving, and mobilises resources. On the other hand, comfort breeds complacency. It convinces us that things are fine, even when critical risks are quietly stacking up behind the scenes. In a workplace setting, this psychological trap has serious implications for health, safety, and risk.

When reviewing a risk register or investigating an incident, it’s common to find a long list of risk controls associated with a single hazard. But a long list of controls does not mean the hazard is being effectively managed. In fact, many of those listed controls may do very little to prevent harm.

A Bowtie Risk Analysis is a simple but powerful tool that helps us visually map out the causal pathways that lead to an unwanted event and the escalation paths that can make things worse. And unlike traditional methods, the bowtie focuses on what matters most – the causes.

We know that incidents occur when controls fail. That’s the relationship we work with in every investigation. So, if a critical control failure is picked up in a CCV — even if there’s no injury, no damage, and no catastrophic event — shouldn't we treat that just as seriously?

A Critical Control Performance Standard defines what “good” looks like for your most important controls. It outlines how the control should be implemented, who’s responsible, what training is needed, how to verify it, and what to do if it fails. Without it, even the best controls can quietly fall apart.

What good is a control if the worker implementing it doesn’t understand it?

In risk management, we spend so much time discussing whether controls are effective under normal conditions. But what if they fail?

When people think about risk, they focus only on likelihood and consequence. But there's another critical factor that deserves attention: Ri

When we think about the Hierarchy of Control, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) are often considered weak

When was the last time your risk assessment process actually challenged assumptions, exposed system weaknesses, or strengthened controls

One of the most effective strategies for managing risk is the appointment of dedicated Risk and Control Owners. But what does this involve, and is it the right approach for your organisation?

For SMEs with no dedicated safety and risk personnel, SSRS ensures compliance, supports regulatory requirements

Hazardous equipment presents some of the most significant risks across industries, often resulting in severe, life-altering injuries such as

In the dynamic landscape of workplace safety, risk management and incident investigations are often treated as separate processes

Electrical energy is critical to modern industries but poses significant risks, including electrical shocks, burns, arc flashes, fires

Working in confined spaces is one of the most hazardous activities across various industries. Confined spaces, such as tanks

Regular reviews of critical risk programs ensure your organisation remains compliant, effective, and adaptive to changing circumstances

This article explores key critical risks, highlights exposed industries, and examines trends in fatalities and serious incidents

Working at heights is one of the most critical risks faced across many industries. Whether it involves accessing rooftops, using EWPs