Workshop B
Addressing the Intersection of WHS and Performance Management
17 September 2026
Registration and welcome coffee: 8:30am / Course duration: 9:00am-4:30pm, including networking breaks
This practical post-conference workshop explores the complex intersection between work health and safety obligations and performance management. HR leaders are increasingly required to manage underperformance or misconduct involving mental health claims, injured workers, psychosocial hazards and drugs or alcohol issues. This session provides clear guidance on balancing safety duties with performance expectations, ensuring defensible decision-making while reducing legal and organisational risk.
Key Learning Outcomes
Understand how WHS obligations intersect with performance management and misconduct processes
Explore appropriate responses to drugs and alcohol issues within a WHS framework.
Learn how to manage underperformance involving mental health claims or psychosocial hazards
Practice building a defensible performance management approach where safety & conduct overlap.
Identify legal risks when managing ill, injured or medically restricted employees
What You Can Expect
Complex case study scenarios involving WHS and performance management overlap
Interactive group discussion on psychosocial hazards, mental health and misconduct situations
Step-by-step framework for managing ill/injured workers and performance concerns
Practical guidance on documentation, medical evidence and reasonable adjustments
Workshop Facilitators
Andrew Ross
Partner, Head of Employment and WHS
Longton Blackwell
David Dilger
Director
Edge Legal
Kate Walawski
Partner
Dentons
Rod Collinson
Director
Edge Legal
Each speaker demonstrated great depth of knowledge but kept
to the salient points for the audience. The round-table exercise was a relevant case study and the host guided us through the aspects promptly and expertly.
The breaks were the right amount of time and the close of the day succinct!
Highly recommend the experience.