Safety And Risk Success
Discover how proactive safety and risk management can drive real-world results, through expert insights, stories, and practical experiences. Each week, Christian Harris – the UK's leading slips, trips and falls specialist – hosts thought-provoking conversations with industry experts, covering topics such as: - safety - health - wellbeing - safety and risk technology - insurance - claims defensibility - broader risk management. Tune in to sharpen your knowledge, boost your organisation’s resilience, and make a lasting impact. If you enjoy the show, please follow, rate, and review Safety and Risk Success – it helps us spread the word and keep bringing you valuable conversations.
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Tired Minds, Higher Risks: Mastering Fatigue Management, With Dan Wakerley
11/21/2025
Tired Minds, Higher Risks: Mastering Fatigue Management, With Dan Wakerley
Fatigue hides in plain sight. It silently chips away at judgement, coordination, reaction time and even emotional stability, long before someone reaches the point of nodding off. Yet many workplaces still treat tiredness as nothing more than part of the job. In this conversation with Dan Wakerley, founder of Pillar, we lift the lid on the true impact of fatigue, why it’s entirely predictable, and how using real-time readiness data can transform safety, performance and well-being. If you want to prevent incidents rather than explain them, this is a must-listen. Highlights Fatigue as impairment: how being awake 18 hours can mirror alcohol-level degradation: real risk Cultural barriers: the “hard man” mindset and why it holds organisations back: perspective shift Predictability of fatigue: roster design, circadian insights and readiness checks: practical tools Daily risk control: adjusting tasks, not just stopping work, based on real-time data: smarter decisions Tech that helps: what readiness actually measures and why sleep hours alone mislead: clearer insights Cross-functional ownership: why CEOs, safety, HR and operations must align: integrated approach Economic upside: error reduction, productivity gains and safer outcomes: business case Immediate actions: start measuring fatigue in a small pilot and build from there: first steps Take action: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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Building Trust and Engagement on the Frontline, With Jonathan Hall
11/14/2025
Building Trust and Engagement on the Frontline, With Jonathan Hall
How do you get frontline teams not just to hear your safety messages, but to believe them, talk about them and act on them? Jonathan Hall, founder of SMARTbrief, has spent over two decades helping organisations bridge the gap between the boardroom and the people doing the work. We explore how tone, trust and technology come together to make communication truly land, from creative campaigns in the rail industry to tools that empower genuine two-way dialogue. This one’s packed with practical ideas to turn policies into real-world engagement. Highlights: From photographer to safety comms expert: Jonathan’s unexpected journey into frontline engagement Breaking the communication circle: why repeating the same safety messages isn’t enough Authenticity first: how tone and trust define whether messages resonate or get ignored Turning negative feedback into gold: why “that’s rubbish” can be the start of real engagement Creative campaigns that stick: from Olympic-themed awareness drives to “Sheila the nag” in rail safety Using humour, video and storytelling to drive safety conversations that people actually remember Smart Brief: the two-way communication tool transforming how frontline teams receive and share information Jonathan’s top advice: keep it simple, keep it human, and start creating your own authentic content using just your phone Take action: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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Remember, Remember Fire Safety This November, with John Field & Bernie Higgins
11/07/2025
Remember, Remember Fire Safety This November, with John Field & Bernie Higgins
Bonfire Night might light up the skies, but it’s also the perfect spark to reignite our focus on fire safety. Joined by fire safety leaders John Field (Chair of the IOSH Fire Risk Management Group) and Bernie Higgins (former Principal Officer at London Fire Brigade and Board Member at the Fire Industry Association), we dive into what it truly takes to build resilient, fire-aware organisations, from lessons written in tragedy to leadership that keeps people, property and purpose safe. Expect stories from the frontline, sharp insights on emerging risks like lithium-ion batteries, and practical ways to create a culture where safety burns bright all year round. Highlights Lessons from tragedy: how preventable fires shape lifelong commitment to saving lives Building culture, not silos: why fire safety must be everyone’s responsibility Leadership from the top: board-level engagement that drives real safety improvement Beyond compliance: moving from tick-lists to resilience and continuous learning Emerging fire risks: what lithium-ion batteries, e-bikes and modern materials mean for safety today Resilient design: bridging innovation, sustainability and fire protection standards Staying proactive: practical steps for organisations, from tabletop exercises to strong fire strategies Igniting action: how small daily habits can transform fire safety awareness across any workplace 👉 Take action: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with John on LinkedIn: Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: Get your free ticket for Risk Europe:
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Safety Through Conversations, With Stuart Farquharson
10/31/2025
Safety Through Conversations, With Stuart Farquharson
What if the key to improving safety wasn’t more paperwork, but more genuine dialogue? Stuart Farquharson, founder of RiskTalk, shares how listening to workers and replacing forms with real conversations has changed the way leading organisations manage risk, engage teams and strengthen safety culture. It’s a story of innovation, courage and the power of simply talking things through, backed by technology that captures the human side of safety. Highlights From forms to voices: How frustration on the ground led to a global shift in safety thinking The value of dialogue: Why open conversations achieve safer outcomes than written procedures AI with purpose: How RiskTalk’s AI coach improves conversations without losing the human touch Results that matter: Real examples of reduced incident severity and stronger engagement Changing culture: Moving from compliance to connection, and why it drives performance Design that works: How user experience can make or break safety technology The road ahead: Voice tech, AI, and the next evolution of proactive risk management Keeping people at the centre: Building tools for workers first, not for management dashboards 👉 Take action: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Stuart on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: Get your free ticket for Risk Europe:
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From courtroom to boardroom: what legal lessons teach us about prevention with Emma Bowens
10/24/2025
From courtroom to boardroom: what legal lessons teach us about prevention with Emma Bowens
When tragedy strikes in the workplace, few moments are more sobering than standing in court to defend what went wrong. But what if you could experience those lessons without the pain of a real incident? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with regulatory lawyer and trainer Emma Bowens, who has spent two decades defending organisations in some of the most serious health and safety cases imaginable. Emma reveals the eye-opening realities of what happens after an incident, why legal insight can transform prevention strategies, and how the smallest decisions, made in the heat of crisis, can change everything from sentencing to culture. With real stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical tools, this discussion bridges the gap between law, leadership and prevention, helping directors and safety professionals think differently about readiness, resilience and responsibility. Highlights The courtroom perspective: How witnessing real cases changes leaders’ mindsets on safety and accountability Turning lessons into prevention: Why Emma created immersive mock trials and crisis replay sessions to help organisations learn before disaster strikes The first few hours: Decisions made straight after an incident can shape reputation, defence and sentencing outcomes Near-misses and culture: What unreported or ignored near-misses reveal about leadership and psychological safety Evidence and credibility: Why “doing the right thing” matters more than the perfect paperwork—but why documentation still saves you in court Leadership behaviours: The danger of walking past poor practice and what “you get what you tolerate” really means Preparedness vs panic: How to build crisis plans that prevent chaos, confusion and poor decisions under pressure Upcoming training: Join Emma’s free 45-minute Crisis Replay session on 9 December (12:00–12:45) for a taste of her full half-day course (£149 + VAT). Details and sign-up link: 👉 Take action: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Emma on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: Get your free ticket for Risk Europe:
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From Boring to Brilliant: Transforming Safety Through Better Communication with Jon Fry
10/17/2025
From Boring to Brilliant: Transforming Safety Through Better Communication with Jon Fry
Ever felt that health and safety can be, well… a bit dull? Jon Fry thinks so too, and he’s on a mission to change it. From sawmills in mid-Wales to safety consultancy and copywriting, Jon shares how small shifts in tone, humour and empathy can turn safety from a chore into a culture people actually care about. We explore how to communicate with impact, borrow lessons from marketing, and use data, pragmatism and a dash of humanity to make work genuinely safer, and more enjoyable. Highlights: Reframing safety: Making it relevant, engaging and human to boost buy-in and culture The power of communication: What safety professionals can learn from marketing and copywriting “What’s in it for them”: Why focusing on benefits for others transforms engagement Using humour and empathy: How to build trust and break through resistance From data to decisions: Why categorisation matters more than counting incidents Resilience and pragmatism: Balancing compliance with workable, people-focused solutions Simple frameworks: How to hook attention, highlight problems and drive action Taking action that sticks: Turning conversations into consistent, lasting behaviour change 👉 Take action: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Jon on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: Get your free ticket for Risk Europe:
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High profile hacks, human risks, with Jane Frankland
10/10/2025
High profile hacks, human risks, with Jane Frankland
Cyber threats are no longer confined to IT teams, they’re everyone’s business. In this powerful conversation with cybersecurity leader, author and founder of the Insecurity Movement, Jane Frankland, we explore the human side of cyber risk and what leaders can do to protect their organisations, people, and reputations. From high-profile hacks at Marks & Spencer and Jaguar Land Rover to the rise of AI-driven attacks and insider threats, Jane reveals why resilience beats perfection and how to prepare for when, not if, a breach happens. Highlights Behind the Bond: How Jane’s journey from art and design, and a touch of James Bond inspiration, led her to pioneer one of the first female-owned ethical hacking firms. High-Profile Lessons: What the recent Marks & Spencer and Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attacks reveal about vulnerabilities, response and responsibility. Homegrown Hackers: Why many new attackers are young, UK-based and driven by both money and kudos. Insurance Illusions: Why cyber insurance isn’t a safety net, and how organisations remain legally responsible for data protection. People Power: How to turn employees from weakest link to strongest shield through tailored, engaging, role-specific training. Planning for the Inevitable: Why every leader needs a tested cyber response plan, just like a fire drill. The AI Acceleration: How artificial intelligence is supercharging cybercrime, and what “human in the loop” really means. Take Action: Jane urges leaders to build cyber literacy, leverage free resources like the UK National Cyber Security Centre’s Board Toolkit, and take advantage of her free educational content on YouTube and LinkedIn. 👉 Take action: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Jane on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: Get your free ticket for Risk Europe:
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Practical Risk Assessment, with Phil Clarke
10/03/2025
Practical Risk Assessment, with Phil Clarke
How do you take risk assessment from being a paperwork burden to a living, useful tool that actually helps people on the ground? That’s exactly what Phil Clarke has been exploring throughout his diverse career, from military intelligence, through environmental health, to leading safety across complex, multi-site organisations. In this conversation, Phil unpacks his philosophy of making risk assessments dynamic, local, and owned by operational leaders rather than just the safety team. He also shares his “Safety Six” model, insights from his doctoral research, and some practical steps you can take right away. Highlights: From army intelligence to safety leader: lessons in operational risk The trap of complexity: why most risk assessments fail to add value Local ownership: why supervisors, not safety teams, should lead the process Templates vs tailoring: striking the right balance for different sites The Safety Six model: communication, localism, AI, review, knowledge, entrepreneur Dynamic assessment: making it flexible enough for real-world variation Competence and culture: the overlooked foundations of safer work Practical first step: focus on the basics before chasing the latest trend 👉 Take action: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: Get free ticket for Risk Europe:
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Walking & Working Surfaces - From Behavioural Insights To Action, with Daryl Wake
09/26/2025
Walking & Working Surfaces - From Behavioural Insights To Action, with Daryl Wake
Why do slips, trips and falls stubbornly remain the number one cause of workplace accidents, even in high-risk industries that are otherwise strong on safety? The answer lies in both human behaviour and practical action, and that’s exactly what Daryl Wake of Dekra and I explore together. Daryl brings fresh behavioural data gathered across industries, showing how and why people really slip, trip and fall, and the critical role of leadership and culture. I then take the baton to share a roadmap of proven, practical steps you can implement immediately to cut incidents, defend claims, and build a safer, stronger organisation. Highlights include: Behavioural safety insights: why a few key habits cause most accidents Data in action: patterns behind 7,500+ workplace observations Leadership’s role: culture, influence and frontline engagement Practical tools: how to prevent slips and trips in real-world settings The five mistakes organisations make: and how to avoid them Trips vs slips: why they’re different and need different solutions Measuring risk: the science of slip testing and pendulum values Free resources: download my book Prevent Slip Accidents and take the slip risk scorecard self-assessment 👉 Take action: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Daryl on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/
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Stop the Slip: Why Falls Are a Hidden Epidemic, with Thom Disch
09/19/2025
Stop the Slip: Why Falls Are a Hidden Epidemic, with Thom Disch
Slips, trips and falls may sound like minor mishaps, but they are a silent epidemic causing devastating injuries, financial losses and even deaths every single day. Entrepreneur and author Thom Disch joins me to expose why falls are one of the most underestimated risks in our lives and workplaces – and what we can do to change that. From psychology to products, from boardroom buy-in to bedtime stories, this conversation unpacks practical ways to stop the slip. Highlights include: Falls are a hidden epidemic: 14% of deaths in the USA Why we underestimate risk: “that’s not me” mentality Built environment impact: floors, stairs and surfaces Safety culture shift: awareness over urgency Technology’s role: training tools and distractions Stop the Slip book: stories, stats and strategies Don’t Fall, Franny: teaching children safety early Practical tools: HandyTreads solutions and resources 👉 Take action: Explore slip-prevention tools: Get Thom’s book Connect with on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomdisch/ Sign up for a future : https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ Connect with n: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/
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Inside RoSPA's Fall Fighter Campaign, with Jules Robinson
09/12/2025
Inside RoSPA's Fall Fighter Campaign, with Jules Robinson
Falls are often seen as “just accidents” or an inevitable part of ageing, but the reality is far more serious, costly, and preventable. I sat down with Jules Robinson, Occupational Safety and Health and Falls Manager at RoSPA, to dig into the truth behind falls, the misconceptions that hold us back, and the impact of their Fall Fighter campaign that’s helping communities, organisations, and individuals save lives. This conversation shines a light on why falls matter to all of us, whether at work, at home, or in our communities, and shares clear steps we can all take to make a difference. Highlights include: Jules’ journey: from marine conservation to fall prevention leadership Why falls remain the No.1 cause of accidental injury worldwide The biggest misconception: “falls are just part of ageing” A shocking 90% increase in fall-related deaths over the last decade £4.4 billion: the hidden annual cost of falls to UK society How Fall Fighter works: free training, practical home safety tips, lifestyle awareness Success stories: 69% reduction in falls through targeted interventions How to get involved: access the free toolkit, videos, and resources at RoSPA’s Fall Prevention Hub 👉 Take action: Download the free : https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/falls-prevention/professional-falls-advice/falls-and-their-impact-on-social-housing Join in Falls Prevention Awareness Week (15–22 September) and raise awareness in your organisation Connect with on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-robinson-oceanjr/ Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/
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Welcome to Sliptember: stop slips, make the world safer, and win some prizes
09/05/2025
Welcome to Sliptember: stop slips, make the world safer, and win some prizes
Slips are the hidden danger we walk over every single day. They cause more major injuries than machinery accidents or falls from height, cost the UK over £1 billion annually, and devastate lives, yet most organisations still rely on yellow signs and luck. That changes with Sliptember: a movement to raise awareness, share proven science-backed methods, and help you take real action. This month, I’m giving you the tools, insights, and even prizes to stop slips, protect people, and build safer, stronger organisations. Highlights: Stanley May’s tragic story: why slips are never “just accidents” Slips by the numbers: 32% of all workplace injuries, 300,000+ hospital admissions yearly The CHIMES framework: contamination, heel, individual, maintenance, environment, surface Science vs. signs: why pendulum testing beats yellow cones every time Slipology in action: clients achieving 57%+ fewer incidents How you can join Sliptember: scorecard, free workshop, and daily insights Share & win: free book plus entry into a draw for professional slip tests worth £595 each The bigger picture: from cutting claims to boosting morale and trust 👉 Take action: Try the Slip Prevention Scorecard: Register for the free 90-minute Slipology Workshop: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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The CEO Whisperer on Driving Lasting Cultural Change in Safety, With Jo Britton
08/29/2025
The CEO Whisperer on Driving Lasting Cultural Change in Safety, With Jo Britton
How do you get people not just to nod along, but to genuinely change their behaviour? Neuroscience might hold the key. In this conversation with Jo Britton known as the CEO Whisperer, we uncover how our brains are wired, why change feels uncomfortable, and how leaders can tap into practical, brain-based tools to influence culture and safety performance for the long term. Highlights include: Why the brain seeks comfort: understanding resistance to change Fight, flight, freeze: how stress shows up in safety contexts The SCARF model: status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, fairness Frankenstein vs Einstein Brain: shifting from stress to clarity How awareness transforms leadership influence Simple tools to regulate yourself and your teams Making safety rules feel fair, relevant, and human Practical steps for embedding cultural change in organisations Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Jo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jobrittonpace/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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Why Trust is Crucial in Building Safety, with Clive Lloyd
08/22/2025
Why Trust is Crucial in Building Safety, with Clive Lloyd
Trust is the invisible thread that holds safety cultures together, without it, even the most well-meaning initiatives can crumble. In this conversation with Clive Lloyd, psychologist, consultant, and bestselling author of Next Generation Safety Leadership: From Compliance to Care, we dig into why trust is the true currency of leadership. From heartbreaking stories of miners coping with tragedy, to practical ways leaders can show they care, this episode uncovers what really drives safer, more resilient organisations. Highlights include: The moment Clive realised safety was about people, not procedures: a fatality in mining Trust as leadership’s true currency: integrity, competence, care Why demonstrating care matters more than simply feeling it How mistrust derails even the best safety programmes The “you can’t fix a secret” principle: psychological safety in action Why psychosocial safety must start in the boardroom Red flags that trust is eroding within a team or organisation Restorative leadership after incidents: pausing, caring, and learning instead of blaming Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Clive on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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The Art of Influence in Life-or-Death Situations, with Andy Brown
08/15/2025
The Art of Influence in Life-or-Death Situations, with Andy Brown
What can a hostage negotiator teach us about influence, decision-making, and staying composed when the stakes couldn’t be higher? Andy Brown’s career spans 30 years in policing, followed by leading complex, high-risk humanitarian operations in some of the world’s most dangerous places, from extracting colleagues under Taliban rule in Afghanistan to navigating volatile natural disasters and delicate cultural landscapes. In this conversation, Andy reveals gripping true stories and translates their lessons into practical tools for influencing others, managing risk, and keeping a clear head when it matters most. Highlights: Afghanistan evacuation: guiding staff and families through Taliban checkpoints to safety. Cultural intelligence: why understanding local customs can open or close doors. Negotiation truths: myths and realities from hostage scenarios. The listening advantage: how “two ears, one mouth” can transform influence. Roleplay and reflection: practical ways to build negotiation skills that stick. Storytelling as influence: using narrative to inspire action and change minds. Personal resilience: routines and rituals to cope with extreme pressure. The Right Path: Andy’s training and consultancy for building negotiation confidence. Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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Intention Vs Impact, and Bringing Back the Good Name of Health & Safety, With Natalie Von Tersch
08/08/2025
Intention Vs Impact, and Bringing Back the Good Name of Health & Safety, With Natalie Von Tersch
When did we forget that health and safety is about protecting people, not red tape? In this energising and refreshingly honest conversation, I’m joined by Natalie von Tersch, founder of Mint, to explore the real-world impact of safety done well... and what happens when it isn’t. From motorway fatalities to dishwasher debates, we dive into why safety culture needs a human-first reboot, and how to lead that change from the boardroom to the shop floor. 🔍 Highlights Where it all began: Natalie’s origin story, how a workplace fatality shaped her entire approach to safety. Intention vs impact: Why doing “just enough” compliance often misses the point entirely. Reclaiming the narrative: Tackling the “health & safety says no” culture with common sense and clarity. Behavioural safety: Embracing human error instead of punishing it and designing for it. Influencing upwards: How to engage leadership with ROI, not red tape. Training that sticks: Using questions, stories, and lived experience to create lasting behavioural change. The ‘dishwasher theory’ of culture: A brilliant metaphor for alignment, clarity, and safety systems that work. The next frontier: Why health (not just safety) must take centre stage, and what to do about it now. Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-von-tersch-7687a925/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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The End of Safety as We Know It?
08/01/2025
The End of Safety as We Know It?
Is safety being absorbed, rebranded, or slowly phased out? As the world around us evolves, so too must the safety profession. We dive headfirst into the real tensions, questions, and opportunities facing modern safety practitioners. From the rise of ESG and AI to the shift in workplace culture, this wide-ranging podcast unpacks whether the traditional model of safety is still fit for purpose, or whether we’re seeing the start of something entirely new. Highlights: Blurred boundaries: Safety’s now showing up in HR, ESG, ops and finance, but who’s really in charge? Perception problem: From “health & safety gone mad” to value-adding business partner, has the public image moved on? From compliance to culture: The shift from box-ticking to influencing and embedding real change. New skills for a new era: Why persuasion, communication and leadership are overtaking hard hats and clipboards. Risk over safety?: How aligning with broader risk management may help the profession thrive, not just survive. A generational shift: Younger workers, hybrid workplaces, and evolving expectations, how do we keep up? Directors in the dock?: A strong call for mandatory H&S training at the top of organisations. From the ground up: Should we be teaching risk assessment in schools to embed the right mindset early? Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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Thick Data, Complexity And Navigating Change, With Gary Wong
07/25/2025
Thick Data, Complexity And Navigating Change, With Gary Wong
What if resistance to change wasn’t a hurdle, but valuable feedback? Gary Wong brings a refreshing take on how to navigate complexity and shift safety culture using insights from sensemaking, storytelling and system thinking. We covered how narrative data, landscape maps and frameworks like Cynefin can help make change more attractive and easier, not just for frontline teams, but for senior leaders too. It’s all about thinking differently, acting intentionally, and using real stories to shape safer outcomes. 🔍 Highlights Sensemaking in practice: Anthropology, neuroscience and complexity in action Thick data over big data: Using real stories to understand the “why” behind behaviour The brain and change: How pattern recognition drives decisions Affordance mapping: A smarter, simpler way to prioritise Resistance = feedback: What pushback really tells us Landscape maps: Visualising culture in real time for leadership conversations Faster, better, cheaper: How to capture meaningful insight with minimal effort Want to try it? SenseMaker Pulse pilot available for just £2,500 Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: Browse Gary’s knowledge base: https://www.gswong.com/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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A blueprint for better risk decisions, with Alex Dali
07/18/2025
A blueprint for better risk decisions, with Alex Dali
Ever felt that risk management is too focused on boxes, forms, and fear? It doesn’t have to be that way. In this powerful conversation with internationally respected risk expert Alex Dali, we unpack a smarter, more dynamic approach, rooted in ISO 31000, that ties risk directly to your objectives. Whether you're in safety, operations, or leadership, if you're making decisions under uncertainty (and who isn’t?), this episode gives you a clear, actionable framework to create and protect value. With over 25 years in global risk leadership and founder of the G31000 Risk Institute, Alex brings insight and clarity that cuts through the noise. 🔍 Highlights: Redefining risk: Moving from fear-based thinking to opportunity-driven decisions The real meaning of ISO 31000: Why it’s about objectives, not just risks Why “risk” isn’t a dirty word: Using the right language to create buy-in Smart objectives matter: How vague goals derail effective risk decisions The three criteria of true risk ownership: Authority, resources, competence Risk and safety aren’t just compliance: They’re strategic business tools Turning negative events into positive outcomes: A mindset shift that transforms culture Training that sticks: What to expect from Alex’s ISO 31000 certification course in London Actions: Join Alex’s ISO 31000 training workshop in London (September 24th to 26th) with 30% off 1. Go to: 2. Use code SPFSDA8 to get a 30% discount (discount code valid until 15 August) Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdali/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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How to Speak the Language of Value in Risk and Safety, With Ben Cooney
07/11/2025
How to Speak the Language of Value in Risk and Safety, With Ben Cooney
When you’re trying to influence at board level, it’s not enough to talk risk in your language, you’ve got to speak theirs. Ben Cooney joins me to unpack how risk professionals and safety leaders can get real traction by shifting their approach from technical to strategic, from problems to value. We get into the realities of insurance, bust some common myths, and explore how safety, risk, and finance can better collaborate to reduce harm and boost performance. Whether you’re new to risk or have been in the trenches for years, this conversation is full of useful perspective, insight, and advice to help you step up your game. Episode Highlights Senior leadership and risk: Perception is changing, awareness is rising Risk vs opportunity: Set clear guardrails, enable smarter decisions Making the case for investment: Lead with value, not fear Total cost of risk: It’s far more than just your insurance premium Safety + risk + insurance: Why collaboration beats working in silos Insurance misconceptions: Why policies don’t fail — but communication does Risk management bursaries: Useful tool or inefficient workaround? From fires to facial recognition: Real-world examples of risk done right Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencooney/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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Prevent Slip Accidents In 5 Scientific Steps
07/04/2025
Prevent Slip Accidents In 5 Scientific Steps
Slips aren't just annoying, they're costly, painful, and often completely avoidable. Despite everyone doing "the basics", we continue to see the same incidents occur, time and time again. But what if we shifted from assumptions to science? This episode reveals the five scientifically backed steps to dramatically reduce slip accidents and elevate your safety performance. Whether you're in charge of one building or one hundred, the insights here will challenge your perceptions and give you practical, proven tools to make your spaces safer, without the need for massive budgets or wholesale refurbishments. Episode Highlights Stanley May’s tragic story: What it reveals about common misconceptions in slip prevention The slip problem mindset: Why “simple, cheap, inevitable, insignificant” beliefs hold us back Pendulum testing explained: The gold-standard tool for measuring slip risk accurately The CHIMES model: Six controllable factors that influence slip risk—decoded and demystified Zoning your risks: Why 95% of your floors aren’t the problem, and where to focus your efforts Scientific proof beats assumptions: How to test, verify, and maintain control measures effectively Building the business case: Real-world ROI data linking safety performance to profit and purpose From weekly claims to monthly: A leisure operator’s transformation using these methods Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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Converging Safety and Security, with Richard Pendry
06/27/2025
Converging Safety and Security, with Richard Pendry
What if the biggest risk to your organisation wasn’t a trip hazard or faulty machinery, but someone on the inside, with intent to do harm? I sat down with internationally respected security risk management expert Richard Pendry to explore how the lines between safety and security are blurring fast, and what that means for us as safety professionals. From insider threats and emerging legislation to using AI and drones for protection, we dive into what you need to know now to stay ahead of the curve and keep your workplace truly resilient. Highlights: Safety vs Security: Why intention matters in understanding risk Convergence explained: How aligning departments helps manage threats holistically Insider threats: The overlooked danger already inside your business Mission creep risks: How adding security to safety roles needs careful handling Martyn’s Law impact: What the upcoming legislation could mean in practice Quantifying prevention: Communicating risk in a language the board understands Tech in security: How AI, drones and automation are changing the game Hardening targets: Why proactive planning protects lives, and livelihoods Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickpendry/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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SafetyTech & AI: 2025 Update
06/20/2025
SafetyTech & AI: 2025 Update
Is AI the silver bullet for safety, or a double-edged sword we need to handle with care? In this wide-ranging conversation, I’m joined by Martin Maran, a veteran safety professional turned AI practitioner, who offers a grounded, practical update on how AI is reshaping our world of safety and risk management. We dig into what’s working, what’s worrying, and where opportunity lies for those willing to engage with technology with intention, humility, and clarity. This isn’t just a theoretical debate, it’s a toolkit of insights for anyone looking to make smarter, more human decisions in an increasingly digital world. 🎯 Highlights Keep humans in the loop: Why accountability and oversight can’t be outsourced to algorithms Trust vs transparency: How to avoid the “black box” trap and build systems people believe in Culture amplifies tech: AI won’t fix poor safety culture—it will multiply what already exists Pain over pitch: Focus your tech investment on solving real problems, not chasing shiny tools Pilots with purpose: Why meaningful trials beat big promises when implementing new systems From data to decisions: Using AI to turn years of incident reports into actionable insight Tech can cause risk too: Overreliance, false positives, and when automation gets it wrong The SME advantage: Why small organisations don’t need big budgets to benefit from AI Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Martin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinmaran/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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The Importance Of Emotional Safety, with Cara Cunniff
06/13/2025
The Importance Of Emotional Safety, with Cara Cunniff
If you think “emotions” and “the workplace” don’t belong in the same sentence, think again. Emotional culture is influencing your safety culture, performance, and leadership impact, whether you realise it or not. I’m joined by Cara Cunniff, an expert in emotional culture and connection, to challenge the old-school mindset and explore how feelings drive behaviour, decision-making, and ultimately success. Cara shares why being “emotionally attuned” isn’t fluffy, it’s foundational. We also unpack her experience from military life to entrepreneurship, and how leaders can start small but meaningful shifts to create safer, more connected teams. Highlights Emotional culture defined: Connecting how people feel to how they perform The safety word dilemma: How “safety” makes people feel—and why that matters Psychological safety in action: Why better conversations move business forward Mapping emotions at work: Using cards, check-ins, and simple rituals Leadership presence: Asking “how do I want my team to feel around me?” Feelings as metrics: Turning emotions into leading indicators for performance Valued and appreciated: The most overlooked emotional need in the workplace Practical first steps: From journalling to simply saying thank you Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Cara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caracunniff/ ThriveWell Global Website: www.thrivewell.global Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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The future of the safety professional: how will the role look in 2035?
06/06/2025
The future of the safety professional: how will the role look in 2035?
What does the safety profession look like ten years from now? Picture a world of automation, AI-driven decision making, and rapidly shifting expectations, then place yourself right in the middle of it. That’s where we’re heading, and this podcast was a chance to look ahead, spark debate, and challenge ourselves to be ready. We explored the changing demands on the safety professional, what we’ll need to let go of, what skills will come to the fore, and how our ability to connect, influence and adapt will matter more than ever. From mental health and ESG, to data storytelling and the impact of AI, we didn’t hold back in imagining what 2035 might bring. 💬 Topics covered in this episode: The Evolving Role of the Safety Professional: From compliance focus to ESG integration and strategic influence AI, Automation & the Safety Tech Revolution: How routine tasks will shift and why digital confidence is vital Mental Health as a Core Safety Pillar: Why wellbeing needs to move from the sidelines to the centre Data Storytelling & Predictive Insight: Using data to drive proactive decisions and win investment Collaboration Across Disciplines: Working in sync with HR, tech and leadership teams to deliver real results Skills for 2035: New priorities like systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and tech fluency Letting Go of Old Habits: Paper forms, one-size-fits-all training, and blame culture—what needs to go Bold Predictions for the Future: From AI-enabled teams to the idea of safety teams without safety professionals Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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The Power of Psychological Safety: Building Trust and Preventing Harm, With Elizabeth Hyde
05/30/2025
The Power of Psychological Safety: Building Trust and Preventing Harm, With Elizabeth Hyde
Great teams don’t just follow procedures, they speak up, challenge ideas, and learn from mistakes without fear. That’s the essence of psychological safety, and it’s fast becoming a cornerstone of high-performing, low-risk workplaces. Elizabeth Hyde joins me to share how her legal background and cutting-edge research are reshaping how leaders think about safety, not just as a compliance issue, but as a human one. If you lead people, manage risk, or care about culture, this conversation is packed with actionable insight you won’t want to miss. Highlights From law to psychology: Elizabeth’s journey into human-centred safety What psychological safety really means: Beyond the buzzwords Speaking up at work: Why people stay silent—and how to change that Leadership that lands: “Walk the talk” boosts incident reporting by 19% The brain under pressure: How stress affects safety-critical decisions Safety vs structure: Why hierarchy can dampen team openness Evidence meets action: Practical takeaways from Elizabeth’s research Measuring impact: How to assess and improve psychological safety Where to start: Small shifts leaders can make right away Beyond compliance: Embedding trust and learning into workplace culture Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn: Hesper GRC Website: https://www.hespergrc.com/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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Keeping Minds Safe: From Reactive Schemes to Proactive Culture, With Ghitta Basson
05/23/2025
Keeping Minds Safe: From Reactive Schemes to Proactive Culture, With Ghitta Basson
You can’t build a high-performing team on a foundation of silence and stress. With mental health challenges affecting every level of the workforce, it’s time to treat wellbeing as a leadership priority. I speak with Ghitta Basson, founder of Rewind Your Mind, about practical ways to embed a proactive mental health culture into the heart of your organisation. From understanding why current systems fall short, to implementing clear, actionable strategies that build trust and engagement, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone serious about safety, wellbeing, and performance. Highlights EAP usage remains low: Only 2–5% of employees engage with these services Stigma creates silence: Many fear being judged or deemed unfit for work Suicide in construction: Two men take their own lives each day in the UK sector Support must be seen: First aiders need visibility, structure, and active roles Supervisors are key: Line managers often spot issues before anyone else Spot the early signs: Behavioural changes can reveal deeper issues Build trust through presence: Relationships drive engagement more than posters Embed mental health in daily rhythm: Use toolbox talks to open conversations Actions: Connect with Ghitta: · Email: · Website: · LinkedIn: · Calendly: · BuildWell Planner: · Toolkit Link: Connect with Christian: · Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: · Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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Leading Safety with Head, Heart, and Spine, With Eric Michrowski
05/16/2025
Leading Safety with Head, Heart, and Spine, With Eric Michrowski
The secret to truly impactful safety leadership isn’t just in the processes and metrics, it’s in how we show up as humans. That’s the challenge Eric Michrowski throws down as we dive into his powerful framework for “Leading with Head, Heart, and Spine.” Eric’s blend of operational expertise and deep insight into human behavior creates a compelling vision for how safety can be elevated from compliance to culture. This conversation will spark ideas, challenge assumptions, and leave you thinking differently about what great safety leadership really looks like. Highlights: Head, Heart, Spine: A powerful framework for leading with intellect, empathy, and courage From compliance to culture: Why ticking boxes isn’t enough to keep people safe The hidden risk of middle management: Where safety culture often stalls Embedding change for the long haul: Why one-off initiatives fail The board and C-suite role: Driving safety from the top down Culture over control: How beliefs, not rules, shape behaviour Why surveys aren’t enough: Better ways to truly measure safety culture Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: Subscribe to Eric’s Podcast: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
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Let’s Discuss the State of Safety 2025 Survey Results
05/09/2025
Let’s Discuss the State of Safety 2025 Survey Results
Is your organisation focusing on the right safety risks, or just the loudest ones? In this compelling roundtable edition of the podcast, I break down the key findings from our landmark State of Safety 2025 report, built on the insights of over 550+ safety professionals. From shifting mindsets to tech adoption and underreported hazards, the data reveals where we're thriving, where we’re blind, and what we urgently need to address. We also explore what’s getting in the way, be it change resistance, low near-miss reporting, or misaligned priorities, and offer reflections on how we can raise our game as a profession. If you care about the future of safety, this conversation is essential listening. Episode Highlights Purpose over compliance: Most safety pros are motivated by protecting people, not just ticking boxes Organisational disconnect: 20% gap between personal values and perceived company priorities Underreporting near-misses: 18% say they had none last year—likely a cultural issue Mental health rising: Most underestimated risk and top future safety concern Tech adoption lagging: 43% haven’t adopted basic safety tech despite strong belief in its value Change resistance: Top barrier to safety progress, followed by financial constraints Priority mismatch: Slips are 2nd in harm but 8th in organisational priority Low early-career satisfaction: Newer professionals report the least job fulfilment Call to action: Close gaps between data and action; reframe safety as a strategic asset Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ State of Safety Survey Result: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323403673139568641/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/
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Accidents Aren’t Inevitable: Changing the Safety Narrative, With Rebecca Hickman
05/02/2025
Accidents Aren’t Inevitable: Changing the Safety Narrative, With Rebecca Hickman
Accidents aren’t just bad luck, they’re often the result of choices, systems, and missed opportunities. In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Rebecca Hickman, CEO of RoSPA, who shares how we can flip the script on safety. We challenge the outdated mindset that accidents “just happen” and explore the transformative idea of whole life safety, keeping people safe not just at work, but everywhere. With eye-opening stats and compelling case studies, Rebecca brings a fresh, evidence-based perspective and a passionate call to arms: it’s time to expect more from our safety culture. Episode Highlights Whole life safety explained: Why it’s time to stop siloing workplace and personal safety Staggering stat: 80% of accidental deaths among working-age people happen outside of work From road to home: How RoSPA’s roots in road safety evolved into a full-spectrum mission Prevention works: One simple 1917 campaign slashed deaths by 70%—and that ethos still drives RoSPA Skills gap meets safety: Safer people are easier to retain and harder to replace Driving dangers: Most workers’ riskiest task isn’t on-site—it’s behind the wheel Beyond box-ticking: Why emotional buy-in beats compliance in pushing culture forward Falls & fatalities: 700 deaths a year in English homes from stairs alone—mostly preventable Not just another initiative: How whole life safety feeds ESG, wellbeing, and long-term business value The RosPA advantage: Tools, campaigns, and award schemes to engage teams and drive progress Your 60-second CEO pitch: Rebecca’s elevator-ready argument for adopting whole life safety now Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-hickman-6a888974/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/
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