Conference Proceedings
International Mine Health & Safety Conference Proceeding 2026
Conference Proceedings
International Mine Health & Safety Conference Proceeding 2026
Beyond compliance – building psychological safety brick by brick: operationalising the TIPT Third Space Framework™ and LEGO® Serious Play® for psychosocial risk management in the Australian resources sector
The recognition of psychosocial hazards within Australian work health and safety legislation has fundamentally changed how organisations understand workplace risk. While traditional safety systems have focused primarily on preventing physical injury, organisations are now required to identify, assess and manage psychosocial hazards with the same systematic approach applied to physical risks. Despite these advances, many organisations continue to face a practical implementation challenge: how to create workplace conditions in which psychosocial hazards are identified before they result in harm. This paper proposes the TIPT Third Space Framework™, a practice-informed conceptual framework designed to support psychologically safer workplace interactions through trauma-informed experiential learning. Drawing upon literature from psychological safety, trauma-informed practice, organisational learning and experiential learning, the framework conceptualises psychological safety as a dynamic capability that develops through repeated workplace interactions rather than isolated interventions. Operationalised through LEGO® Serious Play®, the framework proposes five sequential mechanisms: equal voice, psychological distance, shared storytelling, shared mental models and collective reflection. Together, these mechanisms are intended to create conditions that support earlier identification of hidden psychosocial hazards while strengthening communication, collaboration and organisational learning. The paper positions the framework as a practical methodology that may complement existing psychosocial risk management systems across high-risk operational environments, including the Australian resources sector. Rather than presenting empirical findings, the paper introduces a conceptual implementation model intended to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding of psychological safety and its practical application during everyday operational work. Future research should evaluate the framework’s effectiveness across mining and other high-risk industries.
Contributor(s):
T Hallett
-
SubscribeBeyond compliance – building psychological safety brick by brick: operationalising the TIPT Third Space Framework™ and LEGO® Serious Play® for psychosocial risk management in the Australian resources sectorPDFThis product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
-
Add to cartBeyond compliance – building psychological safety brick by brick: operationalising the TIPT Third Space Framework™ and LEGO® Serious Play® for psychosocial risk management in the Australian resources sectorPDFNormal price $22.00Member price from $0.00
Fees above are GST inclusive
PD Hours
Approved activity
- Published: 2026
- Pages: 24
- PDF Size: 3.844 Mb.
- Unique ID: P-05503-J5J2C4