Neil Passfield

Doctoral Researcher, (Business Administration)

MSc(Risk), Grad Cert(Safety Leadership), COHSProf

Exploring Contractor Safety Management through the Lens of Compliance and Competence

Research Motivation

Why this reaserch mattersManaging contractor safety often relies heavily on compliance — policies, procedures, and audits. But ticking the box doesn’t always prevent harm. This project was born from a simple question:Does compliance alone deliver safe outcomes?I'm exploring how competence — real capability, skills, and awareness — plays a role alongside compliance. Through this research, I hope to uncover practical ways organisations can better manage risk and support safer outcomes for everyone involved.

Experience & Context

Grounded in PracticeWith over 30 years’ experience working in high-risk industries, I’ve seen firsthand how safety systems work — and where they fall short. From managing contractors to supporting safety leadership, these experiences have shaped my understanding of how safety is lived, not just documented.This research intends to bring real-world perspective into the academic space — bridging theory and practice, and aiming to generate findings that make a difference on the ground.

Your Insights Matter

Help Shape the DirectionThe success of this research depends on input from those with lived experience — contractors, safety professionals, managers, and leaders who know what works and what doesn’t.This stage is about uncovering what matters most in your world:What gets in the way of effective safety management?Where does compliance fall short?What does real capability look like?Your input will help define the focus of the next phase of research — and ensure the outcomes aren’t just academically valid, but real-world relevant.

Got questions or want to connect?

If you’d like to discuss the project, share your insights, or learn more, feel free to reach out using the form.
You can also contact me directly at: [email protected]