Dan’s visit, presented as part of Safe Work Australia's SafeTea initiative, brought a deeply moving and significant message about workplace safety.
Dan’s advocacy is born from personal tragedy. In 2012, his son, Dale Kennedy, tragically lost his life at work. Dale, a 20-year-old apprentice, was fatally electrocuted after coming into contact with non-compliant wiring while working in the ceiling space of a Cairns school. His death is a devastating reminder of the dangers that can exist in the workplace and the preventable nature of such incidents.
Since Dale’s passing, Dan and his wife, Debbie, have dedicated their lives to sharing Dale’s story, emphasising the importance of safety and the devastating impact a workplace fatality can have on families and communities. Their mission is to raise awareness and ensure that no other family has to endure the pain and loss they have faced.
During his Hyne Group visit, Dan shared his deeply personal story, urging all team members to take responsibility for creating safer work environments. His message reinforced that safety is not just about compliance, but about protecting lives and making sure every worker returns home safely at the end of each day.
"If you have been asked to do something unsafe just say no, it’s not worth it. You're a stronger person if you stand up for your own safety, we want you to go home at the end of the day to your loved ones," Dan said.
Dan’s sessions at the Hyne Group encouraged our team members to pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful discussions about safety. His words left a lasting impact on everyone present, inspiring the teams to prioritise safety in every task and decision.
Thank you Dan for taking the time to meet with us and sharing your story.
Watch Dan and Debbie Kennedy’s story in the film, “I love you, Dad”
