Safety And Risk Success
The Safety and Risk Success Podcast is about clear thinking under uncertainty — especially where safety, risk, and leadership intersect. Hosted by Christian Harris, the podcast helps leaders and decision-makers move beyond tick-box safety and surface-level metrics, so they can see risk more clearly, make better decisions, and avoid false confidence. The core belief is simple: better safety isn’t just about compliance — it’s a driver of stronger business performance. When risk is understood properly, organisations protect people more effectively and perform better over time. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with leaders, practitioners, and experts, exploring what really improves safety, resilience, and organisational success in complex, high-risk environments. Christian’s perspective is grounded in specialist work around slip risk and accident prevention, including his best-selling book Prevent Slip Accidents With Slipology. New episodes released weekly each Friday.
info_outline
Why Most Road Collisions Are Avoidable: Older Drivers, Eyesight, and Smarter Safety Systems, With Rob Heard
01/16/2026
Why Most Road Collisions Are Avoidable: Older Drivers, Eyesight, and Smarter Safety Systems, With Rob Heard
Most serious road collisions don’t happen because of bad luck. They happen because of decisions, assumptions, and systems that quietly fail us over time. After decades at the sharp end of road safety, Rob Heard has seen exactly how those failures play out and why so many of them never needed to happen in the first place. This conversation goes far beyond driving. It’s about risk perception, dignity, behaviour change, and what safety leaders in any industry can learn from the roads we all share every day. Rob brings rare insight from hundreds of fatal collisions, national policy work, and years of campaigning that has helped shift the conversation from punishment to prevention. From eyesight and ageing to safer systems and learning cultures, this is a grounded, practical discussion about how better decisions genuinely save lives. Highlights Most fatal collisions are preventable: Around 95 percent linked to known, repeatable risk factors Older drivers and the real data: Risk rises with age, but dignity and independence still matter Eyesight as a critical safety control: Vision underpins 90 percent of driving decisions Why self-certification fails: Defective vision and medical conditions often go unreported From blame to learning: Education and assessment outperform punishment in risk reduction MOT yourself, not just the car: Fitness, cognition, eyesight, and habits all matter Safer systems thinking: Roads, vehicles, people, speeds, and post-collision learning Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/39748060
info_outline
The Workplace Well-Being Time Bomb: How Culture, Silence, and Stress Create Hidden Risk
01/09/2026
The Workplace Well-Being Time Bomb: How Culture, Silence, and Stress Create Hidden Risk
There is a risk hiding in plain sight inside many organisations. It is not cyber, financial, or regulatory. It is the quiet damage caused when people do not feel safe to speak, when stress becomes normalised, and when well-being is treated as optional rather than essential. The evidence is now overwhelming. Silence has a cost, burnout is systemic, and culture is either protecting performance or quietly eroding it. This conversation from Risk Europe goes right to the heart of that challenge, exploring why psychological safety is no longer a nice to have, but a core business and safety risk that leaders can no longer afford to ignore. Highlights The economic cost of silence: Billions lost through burnout and presenteeism Psychological safety and risk: When people stay quiet, hazards multiply Manager capability gap: Line managers as first responders, often unprepared Culture over perks: Fruit bowls do not fix toxic systems Workplace design matters: Space, flexibility and trust shape behaviour Speaking up saves lives: Psychological safety and physical safety are linked Leadership responsibility: Change starts in the C-suite, not HR From awareness to action: Small human changes drive real performance gains Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/39657335
info_outline
The 11 Themes That Defined Safety In 2025
01/02/2026
The 11 Themes That Defined Safety In 2025
As we step into the new year, it’s a great moment to reflect on what 2025 really revealed about safety and risk.” After conversations with more than 50 leaders, practitioners, academics and innovators, clear patterns began to emerge. Different sectors, different challenges, yet the same messages kept surfacing. This episode pulls those signals together and turns a year of dialogue into a clear picture of where safety is heading, what’s changing faster than most people realise, and where the biggest opportunities now sit for organisations and professionals who want to stay ahead. Highlights from the episode Safety as a profit driver: friction removed, performance released The evolving safety professional: influence beats expertise AI in safety: from novelty to foundation Psychological safety: silence is the real risk Human reliability: systems must absorb mistakes Integrated risk: safety, security and resilience converge Measurement that matters: leading indicators over hindsight Safety and experience: trust is built in the first 30 seconds One of the most consistent themes this year was how predictable and preventable slip risk really is when it’s treated as a science, not guesswork. If that sparked a rethink, you can complete the free Slip Prevention Scorecard to see where risk is quietly building in your own environment. It takes around three and a half minutes and gives a clear, evidence-based snapshot of where to focus next. Resources and actions: Slip Prevention Scorecard: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/39582190
info_outline
Is Ergonomics The Future Of Work? With Guy Osmond
12/26/2025
Is Ergonomics The Future Of Work? With Guy Osmond
Ergonomics has quietly moved from being about chairs and screens to something far bigger and far more important. In this conversation, I’m joined by Guy Osmond, who has spent over three decades at the sharp end of workplace ergonomics and human factors. What starts with back pain quickly opens into culture, mental health, neurodiversity, hybrid work, presenteeism, and why so many people are struggling in silence. This is one of those discussions that challenges how we think about work, wellbeing, and performance, and why getting the basics right is no longer optional. Highlights Ergonomics has evolved: From furniture to human factors and wellbeing Physical pain tells a story: Stress, anxiety, and work design collide Presenteeism explained: The hidden productivity drain organisations miss Hybrid work risks: Why home workers are quietly struggling Neurodiversity at work: One size never fits all Culture over compliance: Why good intentions often fall short Engaging the C suite: Turning discomfort into investment thinking The future of work: Designing work around humans, not averages Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Guy on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/39532905
info_outline
Health & Safety Legal Landscape Update 2026
12/19/2025
Health & Safety Legal Landscape Update 2026
As we close out the year, the conversation around health and safety is becoming sharper, tougher and far less forgiving. Enforcement hasn’t quietly evolved, it has decisively shifted. Prosecution is now the default, scrutiny on directors is intensifying, and the margin for weak systems is shrinking fast. In this timely roundtable, I’m joined by Keith Mathews, from HCR Law’s Insurance, to cut through the noise and look at what really matters as we head into 2026. This is about defensibility, governance and avoiding the blind spots that still catch organisations out, often with devastating consequences. Key highlights Enforcement mindset shift: prosecution over persuasion Risk assessments: task specific or vulnerable Directors in focus: personal accountability rising Training expectations: quality, supervision, proof Mental health risks: legal and operational exposure Occupational disease: long tail liability remains Governance priority: board level ownership essential Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Keith on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/39453985
info_outline
The Health And Safety Index, With Mark Wright
12/12/2025
The Health And Safety Index, With Mark Wright
A huge amount gets said about culture, wellbeing, leadership and performance, but how often do we actually measure these things in a way that stands up to scrutiny? This conversation with Mark Wright lifts the lid on what thousands of workers across multiple continents are really telling us. The insights are sometimes uncomfortable, frequently surprising, and always actionable. If you want clarity on what’s working, what isn’t, and which levers truly shift performance, you’ll get a lot from this one. Highlights Origins of the Index: Created to fill the gap for reliable, scalable workforce feedback Integrated measurement: Leadership, wellbeing, engagement and systems all in one model Levers for action: Clear guidance on where to focus for the best improvement return The big three trends: Leadership perception gaps, shift-worker challenges, contractor dynamics Systems usability slump: Rising expectations but falling satisfaction with organisational systems Mental health insights: Growing comfort discussing mental health, but burnout and cognitive load worsening Commercial pressures: How time, productivity demands and resourcing shape behaviour Targeted strategy: Why demographic-specific insights outperform blanket organisational approaches Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/39367670
info_outline
Introducing The Safety Net Foundation
12/05/2025
Introducing The Safety Net Foundation
Breaking into health and safety shouldn’t feel like hitting a brick wall. Yet so many talented people, from career-changers to those looking for a fresh start, are being shut out by the age-old “no experience, no job” cycle. In this conversation, I sit down with Kev Robins and Ben Pollard to uncover the mission, the momentum and the movement behind The Safety Net Foundation: a new not-for-profit social enterprise designed to open doors, level the playing field and support the next generation of safety professionals. We get into the story behind the foundation, the gaps it fills, and how each of us can actively support this much-needed step forward for our profession. If you care about the future of safety, this one is well worth a listen. Highlights Why the Safety Net Foundation exists: creating structured pathways into safety for first-starts and fresh-starts What makes it unique: focus on soft-skills, confidence, communication and real-world experience How mentoring works: personalised pairings, relatable lived experience, safe-space support Helping charities: pro-bono safety support while giving mentees hands-on practical exposure How companies can get involved: partnerships, monthly supporters, volunteering, introductions Early impact: mentees already being supported, CV help, interview preparation and job placements Future vision: qualifications funding, wider industry reach, digital platform with CPD and community How to take part: become a mentor, a mentee, a volunteer, a partner or connect them with charities Resources and actions: Website & Registration Safety Net Foundation website: Charity / Partner Enquiries Charity partnerships contact page: Corporate Partner Information: Social Media LinkedIn (main comms channel): Instagram: Connect Connect with Kev on LinkedIn: Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/39265710
info_outline
Suicide Prevention in the Workplace: Guidance, Impact, and Action, With Marcus Long
11/28/2025
Suicide Prevention in the Workplace: Guidance, Impact, and Action, With Marcus Long
The conversation with Marcus Long left a deep impression on me. His blend of professional expertise and personal experience cuts straight through the hesitation that often surrounds suicide in the workplace. This isn’t a theoretical issue or a niche wellbeing topic; it’s something every organisation can influence for the better. With the launch of BS 30480, Marcus and the wider standards community have created genuinely practical guidance that can prevent harm, support people, and give leaders the confidence to act with humanity and clarity. Highlights Why BS 30480 was created: a powerful personal catalyst and a clear gap in workplace guidance Misunderstandings that hold organisations back: “it won’t affect us” and fear of doing the wrong thing Stressors in the workplace: events and pressures that raise suicide risk Practical tools in the standard: HR toolkit, line manager toolkit, self-assessment, training guidance The importance of confidence: enabling people to speak, listen, and intervene constructively How standards shape culture: when organisations use them to truly improve, not to file away What’s next in the standards landscape: major revisions to ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 First steps for any organisation: download BS 30480 and use the companion “first steps” resource Resources and actions: To download the standard BS 30480 Suicide and the Workplace | BSI: To download the first steps guide Suicide and the Workplace A Practical First Steps Guide | BSI: Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/39177185
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/39106820
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/39019135
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/38935860
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/38844935
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/38759150
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/38602380
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/38524115
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/38441315
info_outline
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/
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/38352065
info_outline
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/
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/38265085
info_outline
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/
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/38181220
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/38084280
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/38003285
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/37906415
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/37824235
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/37718975
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/37622410
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/37531770
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/37437730
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/37358970
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/37269330
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/2ab96c88-edff-44c1-bb14-b37ffaf97afa/id/37174925