The Lasting Impact of Loss
The grim reality is that 34 men and women have already lost their lives to a workplace accident in 2023. That’s more than two people every week who have lost a brother, a father, a mother, a sister, a husband, a wife or a best mate. Someone who went to work one day but who did not come home.
Tragically, our CNB Safety Speaker Michelle Rath knows first-hand what that feels like. On 19 January 2013, her life changed forever when her son Alex Rath, a 4th year Air Conditioning and Refrigeration apprentice, was fatally electrocuted whilst on site. Just 23 years old, Alex left behind a devastated family and fiancé. In the wake of her loss, Michelle connected with Woody to discuss how Alex’s story might help to prevent others like it.
Sharing for Change
Today, as a CNB speaker, she (also occasionally joined by her husband Rob) speaks to businesses to share her story and provide first-hand insight into how workplace accidents impact the families and friends they leave behind.
“Our focus is the family and sharing our loss from a parents perspective which is rarely understood unless you have experienced such tragedy,” says Michelle of her story.
Whilst she considers it absolutely paramount, Michelle believes that when it comes to safety, people don’t often consider “the life-altering impact on families,” or “the fact that losing someone is forever and cannot be changed.” Michelle works with CNB Safe, hoping her testimony brings about behaviour change. Change that sees people – employees and businesses alike – take more time to think before taking unnecessary risks.
Powerful & Paramount
The feedback from our clients makes the impact of her sessions clear.
“We would like to thank Michelle for her continued courage in helping prevent serious and fatal accidents from happening in all worksites that she visits. Her story engages everyone that will listen and forces them to realise that SAFETY is paramount in all workplaces.“
Ronald Castelo, EHS Specialist, Boeing Aerostructures Australia
“Michelle was incredible, to have the strength to discuss that tragic circumstances that resulted in the death of her son Alex was amazing. It was such a powerful presentation told(in our situation) to 80 Refrigeration Technicians who are working in the same industry as Alex. Thank you Michelle for sharing your (sic) story.” –
Luke Snell, WHS Manager, AG Coombs Group
Think your team needs to hear Michelle’s story?
Based in South Australia, Michelle will be travelling across the country in the upcoming months to speak with a range of clients, including Reece Plumbing and Visy Recycling.
Contact the team today to book your session.
