Course

Safety Principles and Culture

Jan 19, 2026 - Apr 5, 2026

$3,608 Enrol

Full course description

About this course

This course has been developed through a partnership between Griffith University and Qantas, as part of the Safety Academy by Qantas Group. This collaboration enables a strong connection between theoretical foundations and practical application, offering insights from both academic and industry perspectives.

This micro-credential begins by exploring the key principles of safety science, focusing on the evolution of safety thinking over time. Across six modules you will explore topics such as human factors, organisational culture and resilience. Critical is the concept of High Reliability Organisations (HROs). High Reliability Organisations (HROs) operate in complex, high-risk environments and consistently avoid catastrophic failures. But why is that? By providing historical and theoretical context this course helps you answer that question.

Designed for learners who currently work in, or aspire to work within, an HRO, you will hear from a range of subject matter experts who will support your growth as a safety professional and leader.

This micro-credential is part of a broader suite of courses being developed within the Safety Academy by Qantas Group, aimed at upskilling safety professionals and cultivating effective safety leaders.

Commencing
Mon 19th Jan 2026
Online
12 Weeks
6 Modules
including assessment
3,608
GST Inc

Course Snapshot

What are the course learning outcomes?

This course takes an in-depth look at safety as a discipline, tracing its evolution and exploring contemporary safety practices across industries. With a focus on both theoretical and practical applications, the course covers how safety thinking has developed, emphasising the shift from reactive measures to proactive, systems-based safety approaches. Learners will engage with the development and history of safety science, accident causation theories, human factors, and the influence of organisational culture on safety.

What core topics are offered?

The micro-credential is divided into six (6) comprehensive modules, each exploring critical elements of safety:

  • Introduction and Principles of Safety Science: Examines historical and modern safety practices.
  • Person-focused Theories of Accident Causation and Safety: Analyses traditional models and their application in current settings.
  • Human Factors and System Safety: Investigates the interplay between human roles and operational safety.
  • Drift into Failure and High-reliability Organisations: Discusses risk accumulation and strategies for resilience.
  • Organisational Culture and Safety: Explores leadership’s role and cultural impacts on safety.
  • Integrating Safety Principles and Cultural Resilience: Synthesizes course knowledge to build adaptive safety systems.
Who is this course suited to?

This course is designed for safety professionals working in or aspiring to work within High Reliability Organisations (HROs). It's ideal for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the origins of contemporary safety science.

What are the course credentials?

Upon completion, participants will receive a digital badge to acknowledge their achievement, showcasing the skills and knowledge gained throughout the course. This micro-credential also offers 10 credit points (CP) that can be applied towards the Graduate Certificate in Safety Leadership at Griffith University, with the opportunity to stack credits for those who complete multiple micro-credentials.

What does my course schedule look like?

This 12-week online course is structured for flexible, self-paced learning and is hosted on Griffith University's Learning Management System. The course includes:

  • Self-paced modules with videos, readings, and interactive activities.
  • Optional live webinar workshops for in-depth discussions and peer engagement, potentially featuring expert contributions from Qantas.
  • Assessments that blend open-book tasks and professional presentations, reinforcing practical knowledge and its application within participants' organisations.
Who are the course facilitators?

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Lead academic, Sidney Dekker, is a Professor in the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science. Sidney has founded the Safety Science Innovation Lab in 2012, which introduced ‘Safety Differently’ and ‘Restorative Just Culture’. Both have inspired global movements for change and undergird Griffith University's highly popular Graduate Certificate in Safety Leadership. Please CLICK HERE for Professor Sidney Dekker.