The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast

Loneliness And The Power Of Connection - with Crystal Danbury

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Colin is joined by Crystal Danbury to discuss the pervasive issue of loneliness and social isolation and its deep impact on mental and physical health.

Crystal shares the personal and professional inspiration behind developing her app, "Friendzone," which aims to facilitate genuine human connections based on shared interests and hobbies

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Loneliness is the difference between the level of socialisation you have versus the level you desire, and it can be a significant issue even for people who appear outgoing or have successful careers.
Long-term happiness is strongly linked to the health and maturity of friendship connections outside of immediate family, according to studies like one from the Harvard Business School.
Loneliness has physical health manifestations, with studies showing that people who are lonely are more likely to experience disease and die earlier.
Effective leadership involves genuinely caring for people and fostering an environment where employees feel safe and comfortable enough to share their struggles and daily obstacles, which provides invaluable data for operational improvement.

BEST MOMENTS

"It's always under the surface and many of the people that I've helped over my years... you look at somebody and you think you're not okay. You're saying you are, but I know you're not."

"Loneliness is the difference between the level of friendship and socialisation you have versus the level of friendship and socialisation you want."

"You are more important than that... You have to think about your life, not the role."

"When someone says, 'Hallelujah!'... Thank you for having the confidence to even say this."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449⁠

Project Mollitiam - ⁠https://www.projectmollitiam.com⁠

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

This is the belief that Colin is passionate about and through his consultancy Influential Management Group (IMG) is able to spread into industry. Colin works at a strategic level with company owners and board members. He helps business leaders establish and achieve their health and safety ambitions.

He has developed a number of leading competency improvement programmes that are delivered across industry and his strengths are his ability to take a practical approach to problem-solving and being able to liaise at all levels within an organisation.

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

He is a Post Graduate Tutor at Strathclyde University and a highly sought-after health and safety speaker and trainer. He has a Post Graduate Certificate in Safety and Risk management, an engineering degree and is a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Transforming Workplace Challenges into Opportunities for Growth - with Becky Ray

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Colin meets Becky Ray, the owner of Culture Kick Limited, who’s here to talk about the importance of workplace culture, leadership, and the need for reflection in business practices.

Becky shares her journey from traditional health and safety roles to focusing on the human aspects of organisational culture, emphasising the significance of empathy and curiosity in leadership

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Taking time to pause and reflect on frustrations and challenges in the workplace is crucial. Leaders should encourage their teams to identify what is getting in their way and to consider how they can remove, reduce, or reframe these obstacles.
Failure should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and learning rather than something to be feared. Organisations can benefit from analysing failures to uncover insights that can prevent future incidents and improve overall performance.
Safety culture should not be siloed to specific teams or departments. A holistic approach to organisational culture is necessary, as everyone in the company contributes to safety and operational success.
Beyond physical safety, organisations should focus on the mental and emotional well-being of their employees.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think when you're frustrated at work, regardless of what you're doing, you cannot and will not do your best work."

"We can just step off for a tiny bit and just pause and reflect, and then jump back on with a new kind of mindset or approach."

"It's about finding a way that works for the businesses that you work with."

"Frustration is a contagious emotion and we can't keep it in."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449⁠

Project Mollitiam - ⁠https://www.projectmollitiam.com⁠

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Not When Pouring

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Colin discusses the concept of bottlenecks in a business context, inspired by a LinkedIn post. He relates the common belief that the bottleneck is at the top of a bottle to the idea that senior management is always the issue. He counters this by pointing out that when pouring, the bottleneck is at the bottom, using the simple phrase "not when pouring”.

As Colin explains, this requires a shift in the way we think about things…

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A common analogy in business and safety suggests that the bottleneck is always at the top, implying that senior leadership is the primary obstacle, but the host suggests the physical reality of a bottle being poured shows the bottleneck is actually at the bottom.
The core aim for any health and safety professional should be to stop people suffering ill health or injury, and if this is not the main focus, then they have "lost the plot."
The saying that safety is not the absence of events but the presence of defences, a concept often attributed to Todd Conklin, should be interpreted carefully and is not a complete idea on its own.
While the majority of people are a valuable source of solutions in the workplace, professionals should be nuanced and not assume that people are never the problem, as occasionally individuals can indeed be the source of an issue.

BEST MOMENTS

"And so in business, if you're looking for where the bottlenecks are, then you've got to look at the top, you've got to look at the senior management team and the directors, the leaders and all that... And then I think Carsten just summed it up perfectly because he just wrote the words, not when pouring."

"Because fundamentally, I think as we as health and safety professionals, if our aim is not to stop people getting injured or getting killed or getting hurt or getting maimed or suffering ill health, then then we have really lost the plot."

"And and we may well look to the people that are working in the workplace, or probably most of the time, for the solutions in how to get things better, but it might not always be the right place to look, so just be just be wary."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449⁠

Project Mollitiam - ⁠https://www.projectmollitiam.com⁠

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Is Safety Really A Verb?

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Colin challenges the perception of health and safety as a passive noun or mere set of documents, reframing it as an active "verb"—something you must consistently do in your business. He introduces a comprehensive set of "doing" activities for health and safety specialists and business leaders, focusing on learning from near-misses, improving competency, integrated planning, and direct engagement with the workforce

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Health and safety should be viewed as an active verb—something consistently done in the business—rather than just a passive noun, with the health aspect often being overlooked in favour of safety.
Competency must be assessed beyond training certificates and experience, focusing on whether an individual's personal attributes and make-up are supportive of and suitable for the role they are performing.
The planning process (the thought process and discussion) is more valuable than the final plan document, and should be an inclusive activity involving the people who do the work to drive better health and safety outcomes.
Low-quality documentation (like risk assessments) should be avoided by spending more time talking to the workforce and getting a real understanding of their challenges, rather than using shortcuts like AI to produce documents faster.

BEST MOMENTS

"Safety is a verb and an actual fact it's a verb and, you know, it's do, it's something you do."

"What better thing to do than to go out and sit with the people that are working in your workplace and actually talk about the successes that went on yesterday, the day before, the week before, the month before... it instills a much, much more positive approach."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449⁠

Project Mollitiam - ⁠https://www.projectmollitiam.com⁠

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Where Does Responsibility Lay?

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Colin discusses the critical role of health and safety professionals in the workplace, emphasising the importance of influence over implementation. He highlights the challenges faced by these professionals, particularly when they lack a seat at the decision-making table, and stresses the need to build strong relationships with operational teams to effectively manage risks

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Health and safety professionals should prioritise influencing decision-makers rather than trying to manage health and safety directly. This involves building relationships and providing support to those who are responsible for managing risks.
It's crucial for health and safety professionals to be involved at the senior management level to effectively influence decisions. They should present financial implications and risk mitigation costs to highlight the importance of health and safety measures.
Rather than doing tasks for management, health and safety professionals should equip them with the tools and skills needed to make informed decisions. This includes facilitating discussions and providing guidance.

BEST MOMENTS

"If we as a health and safety professional try to take on the responsibility of managing health and safety in a workplace, then we're going to fail."

"You should be working towards building the relationship... so that you have got an opportunity to influence their thinking."

"Don't try to be the person that sorts and solves every problem. Try to be somebody that facilitates other people making better decisions."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

What Works For You Doesn't Always Work For Others

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Colin discusses the importance of tailoring health and safety approaches to the unique needs of each organisation, stressing that while standardised models, such as ISO 9001, can provide value, imposing them without considering the specific context of a business can lead to inefficiencies and frustration

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Start by asking leaders within the organisation what success looks like to them. Understanding their vision and goals is crucial for providing effective support and guidance.
Simply imposing a standardised model, like ISO 9001, can lead to unnecessary bureaucracy and paperwork. Instead, focus on integrating existing processes with the standards to enhance effectiveness.
While it's important to aim high, ensure that the goals set are achievable. Collaborate with the organisation to establish sensible targets that can be realistically met over time.

BEST MOMENTS

"If you just try and impose the structure of 9001 into a business... all you're really gonna do is stuff that organisation up with a load of paperwork."

"Ask them, you know, what does success look like for them?"

"It's about getting something that's really sensible, get an approach that people can look back in six months... and say, we've made a difference."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

From Likes to Lifesaving: How Social Media Can Transform Health and Safety Conversations

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Colin talks to special guest, Ron Gantt, about the complexities of social media and its impact on health and safety discussions. They explore the love-hate relationship many have with social media, emphasising the importance of using these platforms for positive connections and constructive conversations.

The conversation also touches on the dangers of echo chambers created by algorithms, the need for humility in the health and safety profession, and the significance of humanising interactions

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Social media has a love-hate relationship; while it can be a source of negativity and misinformation, it also offers opportunities for connection and positive engagement. It's essential to find ways to use it constructively.
Engaging in face-to-face conversations or video calls can deepen relationships and foster understanding, contrasting with the often dehumanising nature of online interactions.
There is a tendency in discussions, especially in health and safety, to adopt a black-and-white mindset. Embracing nuance and recognising that multiple perspectives can coexist is crucial for effective problem-solving.
The conversation around health and safety should extend beyond immediate physical dangers to include mental health and long-term health issues, such as respiratory diseases, emphasising the need for a holistic approach.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think it's important to remember what social media is. It's a business product, right? So it's designed not so that you can just go there and have fun and explore the world."

"If we never hear bad news, man, we are in trouble because I would guarantee nobody here has it all figured out."

"There's this tendency to be like, oh those other people, they're the evil ones... it's about who they are not about, you know, hey they just have a different perspective."

"If our goal is to stop people from getting killed, we're going to not achieve that goal ever, because 100% of the people that we work with are going to die."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Understanding Client Needs

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Colin shares valuable insights aimed at helping health and safety organisations and consultants enhance their client relationships and service offerings. Drawing from nearly 20 years of experience in consultancy, Colin discusses the importance of understanding client needs, maintaining regular communication, and mapping out services to identify opportunities for growth

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Regularly check in with clients to understand their evolving needs and challenges. Building strong relationships and staying close to clients can help identify opportunities for additional support before they become problems.
Create a comprehensive list of all services offered and assess which ones have been utilised by each client. This can reveal gaps in service delivery and highlight opportunities for further engagement.
Ensure that clients are aware of all services available. Implement an onboarding process that includes ongoing communication about offerings, success stories, and regular updates to keep clients informed.
Establish a system to track important assessments and services that may need to be renewed or updated. Being proactive allows you to remind clients of upcoming needs and position yourself as a reliable solution.

BEST MOMENTS

"You can work really hard to build strong relationships with clients... but just imagine one day, you walk into a meeting and you find out that they've brought somebody else in."

"If you can do really good work for your existing clients, you're actually putting them in a better place."

"Have you ever mapped out your services? If you don't know how many services you deliver, then there's no chance that your clients are going to know."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

We Put Death Down Far Too Easily

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Colin is back for an all-new series of shows, just in time to guide you through the ever-evolving world of health and safety in the workplace.

In this edition he addresses the critical topic of risk assessment, emphasising the often-overlooked implications of categorising risks, particularly those associated with death. He highlights the common practice of using a risk matrix to evaluate likelihood and severity, urging listeners to reflect on the true meaning of a "number five" rating—death

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Risk assessments are often conducted poorly, and it's crucial to take them seriously, especially when they involve severe outcomes like death.
When assessing risks, it's essential to fully comprehend the implications of a severity rating of five (death) and its impact on families, colleagues, and the workplace.
Once a risk assessment indicates a potential for death, there is a duty to ensure that the control measures implemented are effective and genuinely reduce the likelihood of such an event occurring.
All stakeholders, including managers, supervisors, and employees, must believe in and understand the control measures in place; otherwise, they are unlikely to be followed.

BEST MOMENTS

"Risk assessment is one of those things that gets done really, really poorly."

"The minute we put down a five on a risk assessment, the minute we put death on a risk assessment, we've got a duty to really make sure that the control measures... are gonna be effective."

"What sort of impact would it have on the family? What sort of impact does it have on your employees, on the colleagues?"

"We've still got death written on our risk assessment... and I just want you to think about that."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Let's Try And Talk A Bit More Positively

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Colin reflects on the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the field of health and safety. As he shares his experiences from the past year, he emphasises the need to shift the narrative from negative to positive, particularly in workplace discussions and risk assessments

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Encourage involving employees in the creation and review of risk assessments and safe systems of work. Their insights can lead to more effective and practical safety measures.
Promote journaling as a powerful method for individuals to express their thoughts and reflect on their experiences, which can help in managing stress and improving clarity.
Recognise the need to prioritise activities that bring joy and fulfilment, such as podcasting, and make a commitment to maintain consistency in these endeavours.

BEST MOMENTS

"We just try and challenge the thinking of people, probably in more of a management position, trying to develop some training and developing processes that really involve a lot of reflection."

"Whenever anybody says they haven't got time, they have. But what you've got to do is you've got to get it prioritised and get it moved back up the agenda."

"Can we actually start to talk about rather than saying what people can't do, actually saying this is what you can do?"

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Revolutionising Safety Practices with Technology

Sun, 05 May 2024 23:00:00 -0000

Colin is joined by special guest, Peter, who shares his unique background and career journey. Peter discusses his experiences in the army, police force, financial advising, and health and safety consultancy.

The conversation delves into the importance of data in safety management, the challenges of risk assessment, and the potential of technology to enhance safety practices. Peter also talks about his passion for the safety tech industry and his newly launched podcast focused on safety technology and innovation

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The discussion emphasises the need for thorough and effective risk assessments, focusing on identifying key hazards and implementing appropriate control measures.
The use of technology, such as AI and data analysis, is seen as a valuable tool in enhancing safety practices and identifying potential risks more effectively.
It’s vital to address health hazards in safety management, particularly in industries like construction where exposure to toxins and carcinogens can be significant.
Creating engaging and informative content, such as short videos, can help raise awareness about critical safety issues like silica dust exposure and promote better safety practices in the workplace.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think one of the things that we're not great at or that we've got a lot of work to do on is data and safety."

"I think a lot of our metrics, a lot of our KPIs need a little bit of work and how we measure data."

"I think there's something quite moral about that. I guess to conclude, what I'm trying to say is that when I've spoken to them, a lot of them have said, if you can help us analyse the data, we'll give it to you."

"But what we can do is really, I suppose, have an audience that we can engage with you know and that's that for me is the most uh the most important bit and you know and and and if you know it's a small number of people but if they engage it's it's got to be right."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Safe Tribe

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0000

Colin interviews Amy, a health and safety professional, about her new venture called The Safe Tribe. Amy shares her background in the industry and her journey from working in hospitality to becoming a safety consultant. She explains that The Safe Tribe is an online app designed to be a one-stop shop for health and safety professionals. It offers a safe space for networking and community building, as well as core skills workshops and webinars with industry leaders.

Amy's goal is to create a global community that challenges the status quo and gives safety professionals the confidence and support they need to make a difference in the industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Safe Tribe is an online app and community for health and safety professionals, providing a safe space for networking, support, and learning.
The community offers core skills workshops led by experts in areas such as public speaking, conflict resolution, and mediation, focusing on essential skills for success in the safety profession.
The Safe Tribe also hosts monthly webinars with global leaders in safety, providing insights and expertise on safety leadership and best practices.
The community encourages member involvement and ownership, allowing them to contribute ideas and scenarios for workshops and content.
The Safe Tribe aims to become a global community and a go-to resource for safety professionals, offering a variety of resources, partnerships, and opportunities for growth and development.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think having an area where people can come on and just be comfortable to open up and talk is really valuable."

"I've got ideas and I know where I want to take it. I want this to be a global community, a go-to place for all things safety development-wise."

"I think, you know, having that involvement is really important, you know, and getting the community draws a community, doesn't it?"

"I'm really looking forward to next year and seeing where it takes us, making it a well-rounded, beneficial environment for everyone."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

The Safe Tribe - https://thesafetribe.co.uk/#:~:text=We've%20built%20a%20member,all%20in%20one%20simple%20app!

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

When Is The Damage Caused?

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0000

Colin shares his thoughts on a film he recently watched called "Killer" and how it relates to the field of health and safety. He discusses a line from the film that made him reflect on the importance of focusing on the actions taken before an event rather than solely blaming the individual or investigating the aftermath

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The damage in health and safety incidents is often caused in the time leading up to the event, rather than during the event itself.
Focusing on the successes and good work in health and safety on a daily basis can lead to greater overall success.
It is important to consider factors such as design, planning, budgeting, risk assessments, toolbox talks, and training before an event takes place.

BEST MOMENTS

"The damage isn't caused when the risk is at its highest. The damage is caused in the seconds, the minutes, hours, days, and weeks, and maybe months leading up to the event."

"The more you focus on the successes in your business, then the more successful you're going to be."

"It's very, very easy to blame the individual. It's very, very easy to put the investigation on the event and what happened after."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Giving your employees confidence to share

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Colin discusses the importance of creating an environment where employees feel comfortable and confident to challenge and contribute, focussing on the need for managers and health and safety professionals to be vulnerable and open to feedback, creating a culture of learning and improvement

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Spending time in the workplace and engaging with employees can help create this environment and encourage them to contribute.
Treating all events in the workplace as opportunities to learn, such as meetings, inspections, and risk assessments, can lead to more near miss reporting and improvement.
While it is important to have a process in place for employees to stop work if they feel uncomfortable, truly successful companies have the right processes in place to set employees up for success and ensure safe work practices.

BEST MOMENTS

"If you're looking at how we're going to improve the number of near misses that we have in the business, how are we going to improve the interaction from the people in the business, you've got to spend time out in the workplace with the people."

"Treat all of those events as opportunities to learn. And if you can do that, if you can get people to start to be comfortable to contribute in environments like that, then you'll start to see people contributing outside of those environments."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Blame and Accountability

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Colin discusses the topics of blame and accountability in the workplace. Inspired by a LinkedIn post about people tripping on a step in a sports ground, Colin explores the idea that while human error may be a factor, there could also be underlying issues with design or construction

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Blame and accountability are important aspects of workplace safety. While it is important to avoid excessive blame, it is also crucial to hold individuals accountable for their actions and ensure they understand their responsibilities.
Clear expectations and communication are essential for accountability. It is important to clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations for all employees, from top management to frontline workers.
Understanding and managing risks is crucial. By identifying the risks specific to their business, organisations can develop comprehensive health and safety policies and arrangements that address those risks.

BEST MOMENTS

"And fundamentally there was almost somebody, something had happened, something had gone wrong potentially with this, you know, with how this step was either designed or constructed because it was causing a problem when it was actually in situ."

"Do we sometimes get this whole blame and accountability piece a little bit wrong? And do we, you know, there seems to be a big trend at the moment, you know, where you can't say anything wrong about anybody or anything wrong about anything because it's not psychologically safe."

"People need to be accountable for their actions, for what it is that they do. But for people to be accountable, they need to know what is expected of them."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Unveiling the Safety Science Space: A Look into the Safety Exchange with David Provan

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Colin talks to David Provan, the creator of the Safety Exchange, a new platform dedicated to connecting the global safety profession. David shares his vision for the Safety Exchange, which aims to provide a safe and supportive community for safety professionals to learn, share, and improve the safety of work.

David also discusses the importance of creating a space where safety professionals can feel valued and valuable, as well as the challenges of managing the platform to ensure it remains a productive and diverse community.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Safety Exchange is a platform designed to connect the global safety profession and create a community space for learning and sharing.
The platform aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for safety professionals to contribute and engage in conversations without fear of criticism or judgment.
The Safety Exchange has different spaces dedicated to specific areas of interest, such as psychosocial health and safety, safety technology, critical risk management, and safety science.
The hosts of each space are experts in their respective fields and curate discussions and content to ensure credibility and value for the community.

BEST MOMENTS

"This was really about an opportunity or trying to make an opportunity to connect the global safety profession."

"So, you know, we're, we're hoping that that this can be a place that that works, right? Otherwise, then then then I haven't done my job."

"I think tech technology is pervasive in all our lives… So, you know, what I'm hoping in the safety technology space is that is that people, I think, I think safety professionals need to become technologically literate”

"So, you know, it makes us sort of seek out problems and challenges, potentially more than we do want to seek out wins. But I agree with you entirely. I think, I think this community is very much about sharing what works."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

David Provan LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/david-provan-forgeworks?trk=public_post_feed-actor-image

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Keeping It Real

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 23:00:00 -0000

Colin returns! The Interesting Health And Safety podcast is here once more with an all-new approach and an all-new raft of invaluable content. In this small, re-introductory episode, Colin explains the new direction the show will be taking, and also shares a brief message designed to help you become more discerning in the new world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

People are so desperate to reach the bigger goals that they sometimes forget to focus on what's important. Focus instead on the basics.
Building trust and engendering faith is vital to building relationships. Aim to build trust and create quality at all times.

BEST MOMENTS

'Getting the basics right is quite important'

'An environment where people can speak out is really important'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A Problem Solving Masterclass - with Thomas Sproston

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0000

Colin talks to Thomas Sproston, the Managing Director of nit Ten Engineering and Westley Landowne Ltd, dedicated to occupational safety and helping business people solve complex problems.

Thomas talks about the best ways of solving intricate problems, the value of the designer in ensuring safety and efficiency in complicated processes, and the importance of usability.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Safety procedures and efficiency should be a part of the process as far back as the design process. It's essential to liaise with designers from the outset.
When we try to get to the bottom of complex health and safety problems, we must always take a holistic, organised approach.
We have to keep the client or the user at the heart of every part of the experience. Even simple factors such as doors and handles should always be made with the user in mind, and not necessarily the aesthetic.

BEST MOMENTS

'We're starting to see people more comfortable in speaking up'

'You only really find out about things when people start using them'

'That usability is so important'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Thomas Sproston LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassproston/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Key To Motivation and Mindset - with Paul Ward

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0000

Paul Ward is a personal development coach with experience working with a variety of clients both in business and on a personal basis. Paul has an extensive background in management, both in-role and on an advisory basis, and has a no-nonsense approach to coaching.

Paul joins Colin to discuss the importance of motivation when it comes to getting the best out of people, and the role that impactful systems and mindset play in the success of organisations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Getting the best out of people isn't simply about hiring the right people and expecting them to fulfil their potential. There are always ways in which we can motivate further.
Following a robust roadmap will always allow people to reach their potential in far more effective way. Always plan ahead and focus your aim.
Being trained in coaching and NLP, and simply being curious, allow us to listen to what people are saying, and specifically identify the issues they're having. It's about being in tune with people.
Businesses tend not be great at inductions, because it turns into a mere information dump that does not connect with people. It's a box-ticking exercise. It is our responsibility to make these interactions important and encourage challenge.

BEST MOMENTS

'You often find that you are the person who is in the way of progress'

'Too many people are hammering away at this Instagrammable world'

'It's not about having what you want, it's about wanting what you have'

'Our words are clothing for our thoughts'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Blacktop Coaching - https://blacktopcoaching.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Emergency Situations From An A&E Consultants Point Of View - with Conrad Buckle

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 23:00:00 -0000

Conrad Buckle is an Emergency Medicine Consultant with extensive local and international experience and interests, and whose passion is the development of high standards of Emergency Care and Disaster Management through interactive web-based learning and teaching, and new technology innovations.

Conrad joins Colin this week to talk about what it's like to work on the significant end of a workplace accident or event, offering a unique perspective as part of the health system.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Health services are in regular close contact with poison and hazardous substance databases, so as to be able to offer the finest and swiftest care available in the event of an accident.
The health workers transporting injury cases should always be armed with preliminary knowledge so as to be able to offer interim care.
When accidents occur, tensions are heightened and adrenaline is usually high. We need to be aware and calm and send the people who will be of most use to the health workers at the other end.
Staff exposure to hazardous substances is also a concern that must be focussed upon. Ventilation systems designed to eliminate contamination are used. Systems are vital.

BEST MOMENTS

'I've gotten used to asking what could have been done to prevent incidents'

'We continue off the first aid that was initially done'

'Most organisations have fairly decent systems in place'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Conrad Buckle LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/conrad-kwesi-buckle-4b53769/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Safety Remotely

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 23:00:00 -0000

Colin discusses the system we can put into place in order to make sure the lesser routines are taken care of, so that we can focus more upon the things that matter.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Safety Remotely is a system in place to help professionals to manage and get on top of the more tedious routines that must be dealt with.
When the more tedious tasks are taken care of, we can focus more upon the things that matter, and the people out there at the sharp end of the business.

BEST MOMENTS

'We've got to continually challenge, and we have to continually push'

'You have to focus on what matters'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Are We A Professional Profession?

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 23:00:00 -0000

There are many health and safety professionals who constantly preach about the safety message, but what makes this industry unique in the way it delivers this information? Colin talks about the professionalism in the industry, and asks some probing questions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The health and safety sector is unique in that the message is constantly being put out there through any means necessary.
By ridiculing and posting negatively about failings, we promote our unprofessional side. We must remains positive.

BEST MOMENTS

'When do you ever see a doctor posting a picture of somebody smoking?'

'We should be talking about solutions'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

It's Better To Have No Hope

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 23:00:00 -0000

We only have around 4000 weeks of life, and so making each one count is vital. In this episode, Colin talks about why it's crucial that we do all we can to make an impact during the time we have.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

People fail every day by trying to follow to-do lists. It's time for us to look at it a new way, and build "what we've achieved" lists.
Setting unrealistic goals are absolving people from responsibility. By placing deadlines far into the future, we shift responsibility onto who comes after us.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Rather than think about the things you have do, look back and reflect on what you've done'

'Every day, these goals prevent us from doing something'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Do We Have The Rounded Skills To Influence?

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 23:00:00 -0000

How rounded are your skills? In this episode, Colin talks about how the skill sets you have need to match the words you're using to influence others.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Being able to talk and influence others is nothing unless we have the skills and abilities to back up what we're saying.
Look at the skills we have and analyse the gap. Push forward with becoming a better communicator, but always make sure you have the technical prowess to back it up.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's no good if you're good at influencing if you don't have the technical knowledge to help them'

'If you can do that, then you're offering something of real value'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Do We Employ the Wrong People into the Health and Safety Role?

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0000

Colin talks about how people get involved and employed in the Health and Safety Industry, how he became aHealth and Safety expert and mentor, and why particularly at this time more people should be joining the industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Rather than a retirement role, Colin took on his job with a vision to becoming a director of Health and safety.
We should be employing talented operational staff in Health and Safety and then moving them back to operations so they can have a strong influence from a Health and safety perspective.
We need to move industry forward by making sure the leaders of the future have been through the Health and Safety role.

BEST MOMENTS

'Prior to me getting involved it was very much about a role that people retired into.’

‘And actually the people that have real potential to lead the business in the future, should they be coming into the Health and Safety role for a few years?’

‘I’d love to hear from people who have either done that in their careers or are looking to do that with the organisations that they can influence.’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Pete Rushmer - https://peterushmer.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Value Of Peer-to-Peer Groups - with Pete Rushmer

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin joins Pete Rushmer of Fleet Geeks, to talk about the benefits of peer-to-peer groups, and how being a part of a community can help us to overcome doubts, find inspiration, and aid in the challenges we face as part of the business world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Sharing your wins and discussing your setbacks with likeminded people can help us to view events from a different perspective.
You can't solve a problem with the same thinking that caused the problem. Gaining the views of others can unlock whole new ways of working.
The problems that we face are most often not solve through solutions, but by asking questions. Only by identifying this root cause can guidance begin.

BEST MOMENTS

'Every single week we talk about the wins'

'We have people that are so giving'

'Not only do we celebrate success, but we give people a chance to talk about their issues'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Pete Rushmer - https://peterushmer.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Importance Of Getting The Balance Right

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 23:00:00 -0000

As Colin reveals in this highly personal episode, surface appearances can be deceptive, especially when it comes to people, and that we should never take our mental wellbeing for granted.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Even when people appear to be capable, confident and competent on the surface, they can be deeply troubled inside.
Earning a living is necessary, but we must make time for life outside of work. It's about striking the correct balance between these two worlds.

BEST MOMENTS

'Underneath there are all kinds of frailties and vulnerabilities'

'It's so easy for the things we think are important, to get in the way of what's actually important'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Importance Of Downtime

Sun, 29 May 2022 23:00:00 -0000

In the world of business, it can be tempting to push ourselves harder to get more done, but as Colin explains in this week's episode, it's also valuable to take time out to reflect and relax.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Time spent on relentless tasks will eventually take its toll on you. Recharging your batteries can help you to appreciate why you work so hard.
Looking after yourself is crucial in keeping you tip top and fit for the work ahead. Don't consider work to be all there is.

BEST MOMENTS

'Everybody wants part of your time'

'It's made me realise how important the downtime is'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Is Crossing Your Fingers Or Touching Wood On Your Risk Assessment?

Sun, 15 May 2022 23:00:00 -0000

How well do we understand the controls we have in place, and how relevant are they? Are we confident that they are being effectively used? As Colin discusses this week, it might be time to take a whole new look at the controls we use, and determine if they're truly needed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Some controls do not serve a useful purpose, or are completely ineffectual. They simply serve to clutter the processes and make things more difficult.
We can't hope to know our businesses inside and out unless we get out there and talk to the people at the sharp end of the business.

BEST MOMENTS

'I want to challenge you'

'Stop crossing your fingers and touching wood'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Impact Of COVID Upon Safety - Part 3 - with Stuart Hughes and David Gold

Sun, 08 May 2022 23:00:00 -0000

In the third of a three-part series, Colin talks to David Gold, the founder of Gold-Knecht Associates, and Stuart Hughes, the head of safety for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Grand Prix.

Stuart and David have authored a paper on COVID and the impact it has had upon the safety profession, and in this episode they discuss the ways in which the profession and sector need to change in the wake of their findings.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Professionals push safety at people constantly proactively, but safety should be a necessary byproduct of business if we have the right culture and strong leadership.
We should never be satisfied with where safety is as a sector. We must always be looking for the places providing the next innovation, how we can move with complex worlds, and how we can remove clutter.
Safety First as a concept does not necessarily lead to success. If safety comes first and productivity second, then the company cannot survive.

BEST MOMENTS

'We spend quite a lot of time talking in an echo chamber'

'The problem with zero is that it has a hole in it'

'There's no value in a checklist when it's a checklist of a checklist'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

David Gold LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldknecht/?originalSubdomain=ch

Stuart Highes LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-hughes-75743551/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Impact Of COVID Upon Safety - Part 2 - with Stuart Hughes and David Gold

Sun, 01 May 2022 23:00:00 -0000

In the second of a three-part series, Colin talks to David Gold, the founder of Gold-Knecht Associates, and Stuart Hughes, the head of safety for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Grand Prix.

Stuart and David have authored a paper on COVID and the impact it has had upon the safety profession, the participants involved and how the process worked, as well as some of the details of the findings.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The study was undertaken with the highest level in mind, including members of the Institutional Occupational Safety society - council members or presidential members.
Whenever focus groups are created, it is vital that one dominant voice isn't formulated, that varying members are brought in to reflect a broad opinion base.
It is only now that governing bodies are asking businesses to treat COVID as any other hazard instead of singling it out as a special concern.

BEST MOMENTS

'We had the right target to make this thing work'

'We decided to do this at a fairly high level'

'In our mind, they were leaders of occupational safety and health'

'Part of what we've put into the discussion piece is a challenge to the profession'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

David Gold LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldknecht/?originalSubdomain=ch

Stuart Highes LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-hughes-75743551/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The True Impact Of COVID Upon Safety - Part 1 - with Stuart Hughes and David Gold

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 23:00:00 -0000

In the first of a three-part series, Colin talks to David Gold, the founder of Gold-Knecht Associates, and Stuart Hughes, the head of safety for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Grand Prix.

Stuart and David have authored a paper on COVID and the impact it has had upon the safety profession, and join Colin to talk about their groundbreaking work. In this first part, David and Stuart talk about their backgrounds in safety, and how their experiences have shaped their viewpoints.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Change always happens fastest and at its most robust, when it is built upon collaboration. When we work together, we raise ourselves up, and also the profession.
The achievements of those who have come before us is invaluable. Though processes may change, the core message of safety never changes.
In the future, the physical disease of COVID-19 will dissipate and disappear, but the scars of the psychosocial disease caused by it will not.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's important that we take as much knowledge and experience from those who've come before us'

'I want to be able to talk to that next generation os safety professionals'

'We can steer some conversations and let people talk to us'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

David Gold LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldknecht/?originalSubdomain=ch

Stuart Highes LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-hughes-75743551/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Men Talk Menopause

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 23:00:00 -0000

Colin joins a panel of experts, including Employment Lawyer, Matt Ginger, Sales Trainer Paul Kilby, Graphic Designer Paul Tompsett, Psychologist Lee Chambers and Menopause Specialist Bev Thorogood, to talk about why men need to be involved in the menopause conversation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

While men may not be physically impacted by the effects of menopause, we can still learn a lot by using curiosity and understanding to learn more about the subjects for ourselves.
Men do not have to learn a strict routine or set of guidelines when it comes to menopause, as it affects women in strikingly different ways. It's more about understanding how the impacts can affect women.
In the last few years, there have been far more cases in which employment tribunals have had to face the effects of menopause. Irrespective of the law, employers need to ensure that menopause is on their agenda.
Men cannot be the solution to the problem. Women are not essentially broken, and therefore do not need fixing. Men must simply be open to helping in any way possible, and open to educating themselves furhter on this sensitive issue.

BEST MOMENTS

'It might not directly impact us but we can learn an awful lot'

'Often it requires you to step into things that might be a little bit more uncomfortable'

'It isn't a woman's responsibility to teach us about the menopause'

'We're not broken. We don't need fixing. We just need understanding and support'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Unintended Consequences

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 23:00:00 -0000

Sometimes, by asking the right questions, the answers can provide unintended consequences - positive or negative. In this episode, Colin talks about why we should be looking for positive proactive indicators in our organisations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

If all we focus on is the issue in front of our eyes, then we can sometimes fail to notice the underlying issues and other problems that may be resolves as a consequence.
We must try to take a more holistic approach to assessment in our business in order to gain a better understanding of how we can solve issues in a more comprehensive way.

BEST MOMENTS

'You need to look at positive proactive indicators'

'Are we focussing on the right things?'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Can Safety Be Like Personal Finances?

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0000

When it comes to our personal finances, we are constantly told to refine and reduce until we are paying for just the essentials. But should safety be treated in the same way? In this episode, Colin explains why refining and reducing can help us to streamline measures and make things far easier for ourselves.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Cutting back on the things we do not necessarily need allow us to achieve state of purity when it comes to our business.
Look at the processes we have in the business, and do the best we can to understand risks and reduce the chances of serious harm.

BEST MOMENTS

'We should try to get rid of the things we don't need'

'It's about understanding what your risks are'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

I Don’t want to be a SHE EO I want to be a CEO..

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0000

This week, the show is taken over by special guests, Elisa and Crystal, who answer the thought-provoking question, should we celebrate International Women's Day?

The answer may surprise you…

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Representation is vital and should be encouraged, but the conversation and inclusion should stretch far beyond a single day each year.
International Women's Day itself is a positive movement, but it rarely feels genuine. it is as though society believes it be enough to simply make progress once each year.
Gender should never be associated with a person's competence levels. We should tackle the underlying issues that prevent women from being in certain positions in society.

BEST MOMENTS

'What about the rest of the year?'

'If you want to encourage young girls and women to look at this as viable, then be honest'

'I don't feel that my gender is ever relevant to my competence'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Crystal Danbury - https://crystaldanbury.co.uk/?page_id=32

Elisa Lynch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisalynch/?originalSubdomain=ie

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Diary Of A Safety Guy: Part 1

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0000

In the first of a new mini-series, Colin presents part one of 'Diary of A Safety Guy', a running commentary of ideas and events designed to give you a better insight into the routines and challenges faced by safety professionals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

It's useful to talk to people, but even more useful to listen, engage and share in the journeys of others. This is where the learnings can be found.
Communication always works better if it can flow freely. Try to declutter the process of having conversations, and make it easier for voices to be heard.
To be successful in business, it's not just about working hard, but working at the right time and being thankful for the people and support we find.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's a reflection of the things we've been up to'

'Life is about learning all the time'

'Take time out to spend quality time'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Personal Development Plan

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin challenges you to examine what your personal development plans look like, and asks you to re-evaluate your goals in order to be at your best.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

It's very easy to think about developing yourself, but a solid action plan can hold us accountable, and spur us on to take action.
Working on ourselves allows us to see what we're capable of. Sometimes, we can surprise ourselves by the things we can achieve.

BEST MOMENTS

'This is about so many different aspects of your life'

'Don't be afraid'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

How Important Is A Community To You?

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0000

Whether inside of work or outside of work, it's worth taking a moment to think about how important communities are to us. In this episode, Colin considers this question, and passes along the consideration to you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

When we create environments that are open and honest, it allows free expression, and encourages us to do better.
This principle also applies to the workplaces we nurture. If our people enter to find a community spirit, it will encourage them to do better, and to perform better.

BEST MOMENTS

'How good are you at doing something similar at your place of work?'

'If you make people feel valued, and valuable, then you'll get so much more out of the experience'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

How To Get The Best From The Induction Process

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0000

Colin talks about some personal experiences relating to induction, the results of which have provided a series of insights regarding this topic, that many may find invaluable when it comes to inductions of their own.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Inductions should endeavour not to be condescending affairs. First impressions last. When people join our organisations, we should instil a level of trust in their abilities as soon as possible.
Inductions are an opportunity to begin a dialogue with people. Make sure the conversation is a two-way experience, instead of one-way traffic.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's how you tell people sometimes'

'Don't set a bad example on day one'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Traffic Management

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0000

Colin talks about traffic management risk assessments, and offers some insights into the areas we should consider so as to make sure that our people remain safe at all times.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Risk assessments are generally carried out on roads, but there are many more places that we should examine.
Our people should always have the correct training. With their knowledge and expertise kept in constant development, we mitigate much of the risk.
If people show a continued disregard for rule-breaking, then it is on us to get out there and take responsibility - to act as a leader and to correct the path they are on. The root causes may lie within our control.

BEST MOMENTS

'I want you to think about the people'

'Manage what you can manage. Control what you can look after'

'You've got to look in wards as well as outwards'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Creating Effective People Engagement - with Lindy Scott

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0000

Colin talks to Lindy Scott, the founder and Creative Director at Amber, The Health and Safety Communication Platform, about the creative ways in which she is engaging with workers, as well as the journey that has brought her to where she is today.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We have to make sure that important messaging isn't lost amongst the drip feed of communication that is all too common in the workplace.
Messaging is far more effective if we introduce the human element. Even down to artistic considerations, such as art style, always look for better ways to engage.
The first step in helping an organisation to better connect, is by entering the organisation and learning all we can about them, their culture, their values, and the way they operate.

BEST MOMENTS

'It was about listening to what users wanted in terms of creativity'

'The human side of safety is about getting people home to their loved ones'

'It's about taking a holistic approach'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Lindy Scott LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindy-scott-hsdc-ce/?originalSubdomain=za

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Risk And Risk Perception - with Peter Jenkins

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin is joined by Peter Jenkins, a safety specialist, and the Group Health And Safety Manager for Dalziel, to discuss his incredible journey in business, and the topic of risk and risk perception - how it affects us as individuals, and how it has evolved across time.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Impostor syndrome can be an issue amongst health and safety professionals, but it can be overcome by focussing upon what can specifically be done to give ourselves the confidence to deliver policies.
We all have different perceptions of what risk is, and have all been affected in numerous ways by the events that have taken place across the last two years. The safety landscape is ever-evolving, and no one's perspectives should be discounted.
Especially in high-pressure situations, the biggest strength of any health and safety professional is to be able to adapt to the unknown.

BEST MOMENTS

'You're never going to get one-size-fits-all'

'What do I need to give me the confidence in myself to deliver these policies?'

'The ability to adapt to the unknown is our biggest strength'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Peter Jenkins LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ptmjenkins/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

What Does Back To Work Look Like?

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0000

As the festivities of Christmas and the new year come to an end, it's time to start thinking about going back to work. In this episode, Colin talks about what that picture might look like for the year ahead.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We must consider how we are going to raise levels of engagement and motivation when our people return to the workplace.
The worst thing we can do is to encourage our people to simply return to work as though the break never happened. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage and reboot.

BEST MOMENTS

'Happy new year! I hope you had a fantastic time!'

'This is a great opportunity to get people to take that bit of a step back'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A time to reflect... What A Year...

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0000

With Christmas now behind us, it's time to look to the new year, but it's also important to reflect on the year gone by, taking in the lessons learned, and considering which teaching we can carry over into 2022.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Many guests and listeners have made the Interesting Health And Safety podcast a huge success in 2021, with their insights and communications.
Great things are about to happen in 2022, and it promises to be a year of engagement and insight across the board.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's been an unusual year. It's been a challenging year'

'Some absolutely wonderful content'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Have A Great Christmas

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0000

Colin drops in to say thank you to all the listeners, and wish you all the happiest of Christmas breaks!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon the year we've had - where the wins were, and what we need to improve.
Make a plan to engage with your employees and make it a priority. The more we open dialogue channels, the more successful we'll be.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's been an absolute pleasure and I've met some amazing people'

'Keep on pushing - keep on challenging'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Creating Engaging Documents - with Verena Seibert-Giller

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0000

Verena Seibert-Giller is a psychologist, human behaviour specialist and user experience expert, and joins Colin on this episode to talk about what makes a good document, process and procedure - one that provokes far more user-engagement, and which can lead to a greater level of interaction from our people.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Documents often suffer from being overstuffed with information that is simply not required. We must look at the use cases very carefully, and tailor the information to the situations in which the document will be reached for.
Documents meant to engage, should try to include, where possible, words and terms that are easily searchable, and be instantly categorisable through the use of margins.
Pictures can be helpful when used sparingly, but if not used effectively can lead to confusion and a sense of over-complication.
The most important thing, when designing a document, is to first identify who it will be for, exactly, and then to identify that subsection's skill-set.

BEST MOMENTS

'Documents should drive behaviour'

'Keep it simple and stick to the use cases'

'A document should not be a beauty contest'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Verena Seibert-Giller LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verenaseibertgiller/?originalSubdomain=at

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Look Beyond The Short Game

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 09:57:00 -0000

Living in the moment is important, but it's also wise to look ahead sometimes. In this week's show, Colin discusses why planning for the future is to be encouraged, especially as the new year approaches.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Looking at the longer game and challenging the business, examining the strategy and your goals, is crucial in order to keep the lifeblood of your business pumping.
Businesses tend to be at their weakest and most fragile when we focus upon the day ahead instead of the months ahead.

BEST MOMENTS

'To be really successful, you've got to be challenging the business'

'The business is looking to you to fill that gap'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Winter Working

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0000

With the changing of the seasons comes a change in the challenges we may face. This week, Colin talks about the value of preparation, and why being that extra bit more attentive could spare you an extra degree of stress during the winter period.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Having a robust set of checks in place, and being more attentive than usual, can help to alleviate any extra stresses caused by the challenges of colder weather.
Factors such as lighting can need to be re-examined due to changing natural light. The same can be said for heating systems. Ensure any timers are updated.
Walkways and steps must be well maintained, gritted, and clear of spillage. Again, early preparation is key to reducing danger for your people.

BEST MOMENTS

'We can significantly reduce the potential for accidents by becoming more attentive'

'Now's a really good time to hone in on this'

'Take breaks in warm places'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Psychological Safety - with Amanda Potter

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0000

Colin is joined by leadership executive coach, chartered occupational psychologist, and certified business principle psychologist, Amanda Potter.

Amanda discusses the concept of psychological safety, why it is crucial as a practice and how we can better equip managers to embrace it, as well as the importance of letting people's voices be heard.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Psychological safety is something we must endeavour to better acquaint senior management with, but we must be careful so as not to overload or overwhelm, as embracing it is crucial.
We rarely allow the least experienced of people to have their voices heard, especially in a meeting setting. It can be incredibly useful and empowering to allow these people to be heard.
Psychologic al safety is, at its core, about feeling included, safe enough to make interpersonal risk, about making suggestions and being part of something important.
The strongest part of the brain is constantly scanning our environment for potential threats. As it is responsible for our fight-or-flight, it causes a natural negativity bias.

BEST MOMENTS

'When we feel safe, we're more likely to take interpersonal risk'

'It might give you an emotional reaction, a trigger that brings on impostor syndrome'

'Psychological safety is about feeling included'

'The better you get at it, the harder you have to work at it to maintain it'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Be Talent - https://www.betalent.com/our-team#

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Reflecting Upon The People Who Get It Right

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0000

After observing some of the front line workers in his profession and engaging with them on a one-to-one basis, Colin reflects upon the skills that make business great.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The finest proponents of safety practices are those who believe in what they're been taught about safety and why it matters.
When people understand and apply safety practices well, they make the world of business that little bit better.

BEST MOMENTS

'There are some really great people who work in business'

'It's so great to see that people take on board the training that we've done'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Confidence In The Controls

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks about risk assessment, and why it might be time to overhaul our systems, so that we may more accurately measure the confidence we have in the procedures in place.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Typical examinations of risk assessments in the workplace are generally rather dull and uninspired. What is missing is the confidence in the controls.
Rather than assessing the effectiveness of the controls, we should also measure the confidence we have in the controls.

BEST MOMENTS

'This is something we often overlook'

'If you're putting something down, it's got to have value'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Make Your Jersey Just A Little Bit Better

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 23:00:00 -0000

Taking a role in a company is similar to the All Blacks philosophy on joining the team, where players "wear the jersey with pride". As Colin discusses in this week's show, we create legacies by taking such pride in the roles we are given.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

When we are given a role in any business, it's about making it your own, but also wearing that "jersey" with pride.
When you walk out into the field, you have a real chance to make a difference. Focus on the things that matter, and begin creating your legacy today

BEST MOMENTS

'Do something that will create a legacy'

'Start wearing it with pride'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Life Is What You Make It - with Candice Mama

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 23:00:00 -0000

In this very special episode, Colin talks to the amazing Candice Mama, the survivor of one of the most traumatic ordeals imaginable, about the ways in which she found redemption and peace in its wake, and how she learned to prioritise her emotional wellbeing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Each and every human being has the potential to be incredible, and has the opportunity in life to truly change the world.
In the wake of trauma or adversity, it is always worth taking a look within ourselves, and asking what we could have done differently.
Always remember that we are part of a team. This means we must not just take support and guidance but offer it.
Forgiveness is the act of taking back control of your own emotions, so that you can move on and have control over the life ahead of you.

BEST MOMENTS

'You can be whoever you want to be'

'It's about lighting a match in people'

'At the age of sixteen I had to come to terms with my own mortality'

'I wasn't crying for myself. I was crying for the human being sat in front of me'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Candice Mama - https://www.candicemama.com/about

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Safety On The Frontlines - with Crystal Danbury

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks to Crystal Danbury, the director of safety and insurance for Sainsburys PLC, and who formerly led safety at companies such as Openreach, Geodis and Camelot.

Crystal talks to Colin about the ways in which safety has evolved since the beginning of her own journey, the importance of being on the front lines of business in order to better assess requirements, and how to refine processes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Management are embracing the concept of talking to the people on the frontlines in order to get a better understanding of what is needed, and how things work more effectively.
Meetings are crucial in establishing communication, but we also need to find time to step away and learn something new each day.
Judging potential impact is about examining whether or not the processes we put into place truly help others, and keeps them protected.
Our people are constantly coming up with ideas about how we can make things better. We can refine the process by constantly asking where we can not just add, but subtract unnecessary and extraneous procedure.

BEST MOMENTS

'I'm making sure people and harm is right in the centre of safety strategy'

'None of us were talking about the reason why tasks were on the list in the first place...'

'You can't do safety without being on the frontlines'

'We're a slave to inboxes'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

Crystal Danbury - https://crystaldanbury.co.uk/?page_id=32

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Project Mollitiam Show

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 23:00:00 -0000

In a very special edition of the show, Colin introduces you to an all-new show - The Project Mollitiam Show - a monthly digest of the goings on in and around Project Mollitiam itself, and in the company of Colin's co-host, James McPherson.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Project Mollitiam show will feature updates on the organisation itself, as well as more focussed topics on what's hot each month.
The aim of Project Mollitiam is to provide a resource for those in search of health and safety guidance, and also a place where learnings can be taken from likeminded individuals.
It doesn't matter where we are in our safety journey - whether beginner or journeyman - we all have value to bring.

BEST MOMENTS

'We have some great message to put out there'

'What's been interesting is watching people grow'

'You have value'

'When we grow, we don't want to lose the togetherness'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

All That Razzmatazz

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 23:00:00 -0000

We've arrived at episode 200, and to mark the occasion, Colin is here to tell you a story that illustrates perfectly why you don't always have to be the most knowledgeable one in the room. Sometimes, there are other skills that matter way much more...

KEY TAKEAWAYS

As a health and safety professional, you don't need to be a pillar of wisdom. You simply need to be the best facilitator you can be.
It's helpful to speak to everyone in the business, including those on the front lines, and identify what a good day looks like what a challenging day looks like and what frustrates them.

BEST MOMENTS

'You don't need to be the expert'

'Let's do this differently. Let's do this another way around'

'Sit down and talk to the people who are doing the job!'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

How The HSE Global Series Foundation Is Supporting The World Of Safety - with Paul Clark

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 23:00:00 -0000

Colin talks to Paul Clark, CEO of HSE Global Series, a global events series in North America, Middle East, United Kingdom, Europe & Africa, providing physical-based events that supply the world’s leading content and senior leadership engagement.

Paul discusses the work that the HSE Global Series Foundation is doing in spreading the safety message to all corners of the world, and building a place to where professionals can turn in the event of challenge.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The consensus of the global series - its driving force - is to spread positivity, and to promote safety and wellness for all.
Fatalities and incidents happen all the time, but there seems to be no clear chain of support that helps sufferers in the immediate aftermath of such trauma.
Future ambitions are for charitable events to be held in order to raise money in order to create a fund for all safety professionals to draw if incidents occur.

BEST MOMENTS

'I only keep the joy and happiness I have in life by giving back to others'

'We're putting on events that really help people'

'What can we do to give back when and if these incidents happen?'

'We create environments where people can learn and gain insights into how they can reduce incidents'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

HSE Foundation - http://hsefd.com

HSE Global Series - https://hseglobalseries.com

Paul Clark LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulclarkbsw/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

#198 IHAS - Why Involve Employees In Risk Assessment

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 23:00:00 -0000

In this week's show Colin discusses the reasons why it's vital to include the people in your business when it comes to the risk assessment process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Management and leaders often assume that business operations are running along at a steady pace and at a certain level, but this might not always be the case.
By involving the people on the front lines in the risk assessment process, we raise everyone's expectations to the same level, which is far more productive.

BEST MOMENTS

'Generally speaking, employees get the job done'

'If you involve them, you're bringing both parties back up'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Take The Third Seat

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 23:00:00 -0000

Sometimes, during interactions, we fail to identify the third-person perspective - the one from which we can see a complete conversation from the outside. In this episode, Colin talks about the value to be found in "taking the third seat" when it comes to discussions and outcomes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

By taking an outside perspective on a conversation, we are better able to see the best outcomes for all parties.
If we are providing a service, gaining an understanding about how our clients feel about us during good times and bad, can make a real difference to our conversations.

BEST MOMENTS

'Try to step into the shoes of the person who's looking in from the outside'

'Is there something that we're missing?'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Two Years Just Passed Me By

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 23:00:00 -0000

Colin is in a reflective mood today, as he marks the two year anniversary of the Interesting Health And Safety podcast - the insights gained, the connections made, and the success enjoyed by the show.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A podcast, or any endeavour like it, is nothing without its audience, and no audience has been more helpful or inspiring than the Interesting Health And Safety's audience.
Little matters more than the connections you make. Two years ago, Colin and the show were small, but grew. Now the reach is huge, and the safety message is being heard by many more people than he could possibly have imagined.

BEST MOMENTS

'I'd like to thank the people who've joined the show'

'We are nearing 100,000 downloads!'

'This is a legacy that is going to run and run and run'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Guiding Principles Of Safety - with Kessie Stevens

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin is joined by international guest, Kessie Stevens, founder of Artis Solutions in Alberta, Canada, who discusses her journey through the world of safety in the workplace, why a more flexible approach is the future, and why awards do not necessarily reflect the real face of an organisation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Learning about safety is an ongoing pursuit. It begins with a spark of interest that grows and develops, driving us to want to know more and do better.
In the new world of work, it's important to provide our people with a more flexible environment. We have spent so long in shaping a new way of working, it's unfair to expect that the world can simply go back to the less efficient methods it used to employ.
Companies seem to want to be the best through awards and certification. But often, these forms of recognition do not tally with the actual way they operate and do not reflect the inner culture.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's so important to have that flexibility'

'People are scrambling to find good safety people'

'Good health and safety is just good business'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Kessie Stevens Twitter - https://twitter.com/kessiestevens?lang=en-gb

Artis Solutions - https://artissolutions.ca/our-team/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Oranges And Apples

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks about the power of communication, and how by keeping those channels open, we create solutions for all.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

If we offer a solution, and receive a solution, it results in both parties having two solutions. The power of communication is much more than just exchange.
Take the opportunity, when you have issues, to get out into the workplace and talk to people and share solutions.

BEST MOMENTS

'I want you to imagine you're in a room and you have an orange, and your friend has an apple...'

'The power of communication is about more than just swapping stuff'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

How Often Do You look At Yourself?

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 23:00:00 -0000

We often have cause to examine the gifts and skills of others, especially in business, but how often do we reflect upon our own skills? In this show, Colin talks about why self-examination is important, and can help you to discern the best areas in which you can improve.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Identifying areas of improvement are only half of the task. We then must identify the method by which this improvement can take place.
Development should not be merely restricted to business skills. Are there any other areas in life that need attention?

BEST MOMENTS

'I'm getting a chance to coach and mentor other people - but I'm really getting a chance to think about myself'

'Introduce into your life those things that make you a better individual'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

How We Can Move Forward From COVID

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 23:00:00 -0000

In response to social media musings upon how we can move on from COVID from a health and safety perspective, Colin shares his thoughts on what the workplace can and should look like in our near future.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The UK government's guidance has not been the clearest, which has muddied the waters when it comes to best practices.
Workplace safety measures should be a collaborative effort, with input from the people at the sharp end of the business.

BEST MOMENTS

'You have a duty of care towards yourself and the people working around you'

'There's no real, clear, distinct answer to any of this'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Ethics Of Safety - with Moni Hogg

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks to Moni Hogg, a health and safety consultant, and Safety Differently leader based in New Zealand, about the revolutionary ways in which she is empowering workers on the front lines by allowing them to develop their own systems and processes, and how by taking small steps towards change, we can begin to see the possibilities of real progress.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Openness, honesty and trust are the pillars upon which a business becomes ethically safe. By creating transparency, we empower and enable all.
By giving the power to the people at the front end of business, and allowing them to write their own systems and processes, we empower them to take responsibility, and to have some skin in the game when it comes to safety.
When operational management take an incremental step they are able to see what is possible. Nine times out of ten, change is implemented soon afterwards.
Bureaucracy tends to snowball once it begins, and can overwhelm the process of working safely. We must strip away the unnecessary elements and focus on what matters.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's stepping beyond the fear, and having a go!'

'I'm safety born and bred'

'What does it look like - to create a safety framework around that?'

'We need to create a level playing field and a partnership ethos'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Moni Hogg Twitter - https://twitter.com/monihogg?lang=en

Moni Hogg LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/moni-hogg-4a55012b/?originalSubdomain=nz

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Do You Have A "We" Or A "They" Business?

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 23:00:00 -0000

What kind of pronoun does your business have? Do we have a business that feels inclusive and more team-oriented, or is it a business that's more segregated?

In this episode, Colin talks about the value in finding out what type of business you have.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Simply listening to the ways in which people talk about your business will give you a far better idea about how it is perceived.
If your people are describing your business as a "they" business, then something is missing in the culture of the company, and it's up to you to figure out where that is.

BEST MOMENTS

'Do they say "we" are going to be doing this? Or is it a business that uses "they" a lot?'

'If you've got a "they" business, then you've got things to do!'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Raising Awareness Of The Menopause In The Workplace - with Bev Thorogood

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 23:00:00 -0000

Colin is in discussion with Bev Thorogood, a fellow podcast host, and the owner of Floresco Training, about the importance of raising awareness of the menopause in the workplace, and how it can impact such a huge percentage of the people we work with.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The menopause should not be viewed as some kind of illness, but as a natural progression in life that happens to all women.
Even elements such as uniform, which can be ill-fitting, can exacerbate the symptoms associated with menopause, creating a very real health risk.
Under health and safety law, there is a responsibility to look after the health, welfare and safety of employees. Safety professionals may not always be aware that someone is going through the menopause. The person may not even be aware themselves. We must be observant and caring at all times.
Diversity in terms of gender in higher positions has never been more necessary within organisations. Women are far more open to discussions, and bring new perspectives on the requirements we need to implement across the board, especially in terms of discussions such as menopause.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's about being observant. It's about caring'

'We need to look at this on a scaled-down, one-to-one basis'

'It's not black and white. These things never are'

'We need a culture change, not only in menopause, but also in how women are perceived'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Bev Thorogood LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/florescotraining/?originalSubdomain=uk

Floresco Training - https://florescotraining.co.uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

What Has The Rest of 2021 Got In Store?

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks about getting back on our feet - the challenges and circumstances that have left many business owners and professionals knocked for a loop - and how we can look forward to the year ahead with optimism and positivity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

With such upheaval in the workplace during the last 18 months, the onus of trust has been handed to the people at the sharp end of the business. We must keep that trust going.
Business has come roaring back into life, meaning that suddenly we are faced with stress. Now is the time to get out there and talk to your people.

BEST MOMENTS

'People have had to adapt. People have had to change'

'What might seem really important to you today isn't as important as getting out there and talking to your people'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Power Of Active Listening

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks about active listening, and how by taking the time to really hear what people are saying, can add so much more value to every conversation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We are so conditioned to make sure that we are the ones putting our thoughts and opinions over, when in fact, by truly engaging with others, hearing what they're saying, we enrich every interaction.
We get so pulled into the distractions and responsibilities of the day, that we can lose sight of what's really important in life.

BEST MOMENTS

'Take time to concentrate and spend time with an individual'

'What an amazing experience it was to not just put my opinion over, but really listen to the other person'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Moving To An Interdependent Culture

Wed, 19 May 2021 23:00:00 -0000

Colin discusses the ways in which businesses can move from a culture of dependency to interdependency - the holy grail of positive culture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Processes allow us to grow and scale and thrive as a business. By establishing these, we make huge improvements and positively impact growth.
People are they key assets in growth. We need to make better use of the people themselves. Listen to their voices, and create a new sense of interdependency, instead of a management -led approach.

BEST MOMENTS

'If we're going to grow and scale we need to get some structure'

'As we grow, we become more reliant on people'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

How Can My Chickens Help You?

Wed, 12 May 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks about the surprising lessons he's learned from his newly-acquired chickens, and how workplace environments matter.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

When we introduce new people to our environment, we must make sure we are considering their needs, and supplying them with a way to engage better.
It's not enough to place people in places and expect them to find their own way to success. We must treat each person as an opportunity for greatness.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's been fascinating to see how they've settled into their environment'

'Do we provide them with all of the tools?'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Reflection

Sun, 09 May 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This time round, Colin reflects upon what has happened in the last few months - the gifts that life has brought in the shape of the people he has connected with, and the prospects that keep us moving forward.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

People are the gift that keeps on giving. Voices, opinions, ideas and perspectives are what makes life worth living.
By meeting and connecting with others, we enrich our lives and open ourselves up to new possibilities. Variety makes life challenging, but colourful.

BEST MOMENTS

'We're going to get a chance to bring normality back into our lives'

'I get to meet amazing people'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Ways In Which COVID Has Changed The World - with James Pomeroy

Wed, 05 May 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks to James Pomeroy, the group health safety environment and security director at Lloyd's Register, to discuss the ways in which COVID has changed our lives and our society - in some ways for the better.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Trust is a huge factor in every business sector, but even more so in the wake of COVID, where business owners are now trusting their people to work in a variety of new environments.
As businesses, we often try to impose one-size-fits-all solutions, when in reality, we should be more comfortable with letting individuals be safe on their own terms, and to be more forward thinking.
Businesses are transforming for the better in the wake of COVID, moving more online and to remote methods. This is also changing individuals for the better.
The important things in life are not chasing the extra dollar here and there, but the family we leave in order to do it. We should embrace what's real and stop to reflect on the many gifts in life.

BEST MOMENTS

'Work in a framework, but let people get on with it'

'Good performance doesn't always mean working nine to five. Good performance is in the results'

'You've got to give people space'

'We need to question why we're standardising versus why we're not encouraging innovation'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

James Pomeroy LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/globalhsemanager

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Challenge The Traditional Ways Of Communicating

Sun, 02 May 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin tells you a story that will help to illustrate why it’s so important to challenge the traditional ways of communicating, and embrace the methods that can make our communication far more effective.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

When we actually consider the types of common communication and rate their effectiveness, we come to realise that nothing is really that perfect.
Written communication and vocal address are far less effective than we sometimes believe.

BEST MOMENTS

'How do we communicate? What are the methods?’

‘The ways in which we communicate least effectively are the ones we use the most!’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

#181 IHAS - Applying Practical Safety In The Workplace - with Stephen Harvey

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks to Stephen Harvey, Principal Safety Business Partner at Moreton Bay Regional Council in Brisbane, about some of the practical ways in which he is applying his learnings over recent years into the workplace.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We must endeavour to make documentation and instructional materials accessible not for the professionals who write them, but for the users at the end of the line.
Communication skills are at the heart of business. If we can engage others, then the messages flow far more freely.
To create change in safety, we need forward thinking, creative thinking, and the bravery to execute these decisions.
Professionals can better engage if they form and nurture a narrative that allows others to realise the importance of why safety matters.

BEST MOMENTS

'In terms of culture, it's the greatest thing we ever did'

'We found that there are no real methods for channelling risks'

'Break down the barriers and really engage'

'Safety is part of the job'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Stephen Harvey LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-harvey1888/?originalSubdomain=au

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Pre-Start Briefings

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This time, Colin talks about pre-start briefings and meetings, a tool being sorely under-utilised in the business sector, and how they can positively impact the tasks ahead.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Many misunderstand the effectiveness of pre-start briefings, or handle them in an entirely misjudged way. They are very important in establishing the narrative of the jobs ahead.
Rather than delivering dry, monotonous diatribes that come across as preachy, look at the positive things we've learned from the past, and how we can best impact the future

BEST MOMENTS

'What is the story of the job?'

'There's some fantastic opportunities when things don't go right!'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Create A Community

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks about the value in building communities, and the importance of contributing our gifts for a collective good.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

As a solo entity we are strong and creative, but we are more empowered by being part of a team. By linking our own gifts with those of others, we create real value.
Communities aren't built overnight. The time we take and the efforts we put in are all worth it in the end.

BEST MOMENTS

'Community is really important - being part of something that's trying to do something of value'

'A community doesn't just happen overnight'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Emergency Planning

Sun, 11 Apr 2021 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin shares a small set of case studies in which things may have not worked out as planned, and the importance of testing and trialling the emergency plans we put into place in our organisations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Sometimes we put measures into place in order to deal with emergencies that arise, not taking into account that in the real world, these solutions may not actually work.
Testing and trialling is so crucial when it comes to emergency measures. We have to be sure that when they're called upon to be put into use, they function as planned. It can make all the difference in the moment.

BEST MOMENTS

'You need to be doing a trial, a drill, so that you can learn what goes well, and what needs to improve'

'Treat your emergency planning seriously!'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Easter Break

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 23:00:00 -0000

It's a small episode of reflection today, as Colin looks back over the preceding months and its effects, and also to the future and the importance of taking time for ourselves.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

It's worth taking time away from the routine and the work, in order to remember what's important and realign with what makes life enjoyable.
We have to give ourselves the time away from the pressures of "doing", so that we can remember what life is all about.

BEST MOMENTS

'The last few months have been really transformational'

'I hope that you've had the opportunity to have a break'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Explaining The Stockdale Paradox - with Clive Lloyd

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 23:00:00 -0000

Colin talks to Clive Lloyd, a psychologist specialising in Safety Leadership and Culture development, about his new book, Next Generation Safety Leadership, which seeks to illustrate practical applications that bring theory to life through case studies and stories from his years of experience in high-risk industries., and to provide safety leaders and their organisations with a compelling case for change.

Clive joins Colin to talk about the book, as well as to explain the Stockdale Paradox, and what it means...

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We should never sugarcoat situations in order to maker them easier to swallow. Far better to approach situations with honesty and clarity, and work through them.
It is vital that we treat contractors as well as we treat our own employees. Strive for an adult-adult relationship instead of an adult-child relationship that is so common.
It's far better to make our teams own ideas instead of forcing compliance upon them. The best way of achieving this is to make them part of the idea's genesis in the first place.
Leaders that hear bad news need to understand that it is given to them for benevolent reasons, and can help us all to learn and grow.

BEST MOMENTS

'Don't blame, don't react, don't defend. Take it as you find it and work your way through it'

'Understand psychology through human beings and use it to build cultures'

'We as leaders need to recognise the challenges'

'Instead of Safety Differently, just do safety better!'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

GYST Consulting - https://www.gystconsulting.com.au/clive-lloyd/

Next Generation Safety Leadership (Amazon)

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Who Is The Document For?

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 23:00:00 -0000

Today Colin talks about documents - who they're for, why they're produced - and why they matter to some and not to others.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A document is a single use message that might mean something to someone and something completely different to others. This means that it is only valuable to that one person.
If we want to make a document more valuable, then we need to involve the recipients in its creation. Collaboration and input will provide this value.

BEST MOMENTS

'Documents sometimes have different meanings to different people'

'They don't reflect the way that people do their job'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Better Communication - A Special Live Discussion

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0000

In this very special show, Colin shares a live LinkedIn discussion he took part in, alongside Christian Harris of Slip Safety, and Jonathan Dempsey of Red Laces, surrounding the topic of effective communication in health and safety, and why it matters.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Risk and safety have a bad image in some quarters. We can solve this by making sure that when we communicate, we're not only talking, but listening.
Clarity in communication is critical. There should be no room for misinterpretations, as messages are designed to ensure safety and wellbeing.
People need to feel what it is that you're bringing to the table. It's not enough to simply say what you mean. You have to make people feel what you mean.
Communication is a two way street. Always seek input, even from those with less experience. We all bring a different perspective to the proceedings.

BEST MOMENTS

'One way we can better communicate is by spending time in the field'

'We all have a role to play'

'The feeling bit is the important bit'

'We can definitely learn from the whippersnappers!'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Slip Safety - https://slipsafety.co.uk/team/

Christian Harris LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/?originalSubdomain=uk

Red Laces - https://www.redlaces.co.uk/jonathan-dempsey-bsc-hons-pgdip-dip

Jonathan Dempsey LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-dempsey-mba/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Collaboration And Long Term Thinking Are The Way Forward - with Teresa Swinton

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks to Teresa Swinton, founder of Paradigm Human Performance, about the importance of long-term thinking, how to better approach the practice of risk profiling, and why collaboration between departments should be normalised in order to better effect safety for all.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

It's vital that businesses play the long game, instead of only focussing upon short term gains. Longevity is the key to success.
Risk profiling helps us to much better understand and ascertain the needs of our business. We must undertake this with diligence and insight.
Business must learn to break out of their silo behaviour. Different departments need to better communicate and cooperate with each other if we wish the business to run as a more effective whole.
It is regrettable the that spotlight is only really shone upon safety departments when an accident occurs. Safety should be a perennial, never-ending conversation.

BEST MOMENTS

'There should be longer term approaches taken'

'We don't apply the same standards to health and safety management'

Fixing the worker is the easy option'

'It's looking for the clues which will help you to see what's going to go wrong next'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Teresa Swinton LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tswintonphp?originalSubdomain=uk

Paradigm - https://www.paradigmhp.com/blog/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Finding Safe Solutions Through Changing Perspectives - with Nippin Anand

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks to Nippin Anand, the founder of Novellus Solutions, dedicated to facilitating learning events with the view to promote innovation across safety-critical industries.

Nippin talks to Colin about the importance of finding the best solutions in the world of safety, as well as why perspective and inclusivity are driving safety forward.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

It is vital to give our workers a voice. A business grows and thrives through collaboration and insight. If we fail to give our workers the chance to be heard, we are doing our businesses a disservice in the long run.
Perspective is everything in terms of truly understanding others, but it can also be a challenging thing to achieve.
When any decision is made in business, it is always the result of careful consideration and planning. We must take this into account when they are actioned. We must trust that others have given this action their consideration.
We must seek to find different ways of gleaning information from people when things go wrong, and use these information harvesting strategies to make processes and systems better.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's great be in a sector where you can talk to people'

'Reason is the way to understand the world'

'I'm a huge fan of embracing different perspectives'

'By unpacking differences, we can progress further'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Novellus Solutions - https://novellus.solutions/about/

Nippin Anand LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nippin-anand/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Don't Be Perfect - Be Authentic

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0000

In this week's show, Colin talks about the value of authenticity, and discusses why perfection might not be the right thing to aim for in life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

People are far too focussed on perfection in business, but human beings were never meant to be flawless, therefore perfection is a tough thing to attain.
If you get something wrong, the best way to deal with it is to take accountability and own the moment. It's far better to be authentic, than to strive for perfection.

BEST MOMENTS

'You don't need to be perfect, but you must be authentic'

'Be firm, be fair, be consistent'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

IOSH Future Leaders

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks to James and Phil, two members of Future Leaders, a group established by IOSH in order to help people starting out in their health and safety careers, through advice, guidance and information.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Through combined wisdom, guidance, advice and access, IOSH's Future Leaders seeks to enable those new to the safety world, in becoming the best professional they can be.
The group does have some restrictions in terms of age and experience, but these are designed to ensure that the group best benefits the next generation of health professionals.
The main purpose of the group is to reassure everyone that though you may be young, you always have skills and talents to bring to safety.
By embracing the next generation of professionals, we create a far more diverse, innovative way of thinking, and imbue safety itself with more creative ways of thinking.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's about helping people get started on their health and safety journey'

'Basically, you have to be a young professional - young and fresh in your career'

'It's about helping us understand and get better at what we do'

'We can't be future leaders on our own - everyone has to be involved'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Future Leaders - https://iosh.com/membership/future-leaders-community/steering-group/

Future Leaders - https://iosh.com/events/future-leaders-conference/

IOSH Future Leaders Community LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8989508/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Stay Agile And Adaptable

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0000

This time, Colin talks about why you should always remain agile and adaptable in business, and in life, and how swiftly acclimatising to new circumstances can put you ahead.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Listen to your customers. Make sure you're spending time hearing and understanding the people who make your business work.
Health and safety professionals thrive upon providing value. It is how we find success. Always try to exceed the value that people expect.
Stay abreast of new technologies, and embrace the ways in which they can help you to remain constantly connected.

BEST MOMENTS

'Never has there been more of a need for businesses to be adaptable'

'If you can get to the bottom of that, you're going to be of value'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Communicate With Empathy

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks about the importance of understanding int he workplace, and how we can better communicate with empathy to help us to build better relationships.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

When we engage in a conversation, we must remember that it is a two-way street. Remember that the person may have things they wish to talk about, or points to get across.
Communication ids also the art of making the other person feel as though they are being heard and understood.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's important to think of the person you're trying to communicate with'

'The most important message is the one that's coming back - the inbound message'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Take Ownership

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0000

One of the most important things in safety, is that we do not spend time apportioning blame, or pushing away accountability. Instead we must seek to take ownership of issues whenever possible, as it is through this that we can more swiftly rectify and move on.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

If an issue arises, we should be looking at ourselves, the part we played in why, and how we can make things better from now on.
Self-reflection and examination is incredibly important. If we point the finger and turn away, we cannot learn.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's far too easy to blame other people'

'I want to challenge you as individuals'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

www.projectmollitiam.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Effective Event Safety - with Craig Mathie

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks to Craig Mathie, the managing director of Bournemouth 7s, an event that combines sports and music, about the approach he takes in ensuring large-scale public events like this take place smoothly and safely.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

COVID is a challenge we must all face, but it also risky to centre our entire business operation around it. Assess the risks, look for the challenges, and overlay COVID on top of this.
We must take ownership when issues arise. Leadership is far more effective, and challenges can be better overcome when we face the problems and take responsibility.
Events such as these take forward planning, and the dedication of a small, but focussed team, who realise the importance of safety at all times.
One of the biggest risks in event planning these days is that it may fall into disrepair in the wake of COVID. We must ensure a lifeline is provided in order to see this valuable sector survive.

BEST MOMENTS

'I want to make the events industry a better and safer place to be'

'The UK events industry is world-leading in its approach to safety'

'Don't lose sight of the hazards and the risks'

'Events are great for people and for culture. These things are immeasurable'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Craig Mathie LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmathie/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

How Technology Is Changing Us

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0000

In this week's show, Colin asks you to think about the ways in which technology is changing us as a society, and how we can use it to its best advantage.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

There is so much information and content out there , which is forcing us to make decisions far more quickly than we're used to.
We must seek to discover ways to make people engage and embrace our messages of safety in the same, attractive ways as employed by social media.

BEST MOMENTS

'How do we embrace technology to get the people in our organisations to embrace our messages?'

'Change the way that we're working and engaging'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Learning From Work As Done - with Steven Shorrock

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0000

In this week's show, Colin talks to Steven Shorrock, editor of the Hindsight Magazine and the senior specialist of safety and human factors for Eurocontrol, supporting Air Navigation Service Providers throughout Europe with human factors, safety investigation, systems thinking and practice.

Steven and Colin discuss learning from Work As Done, and how analysing work in high pressure areas of the business sector has led to a greater understanding of how this practice impacts safety as a whole.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Hindsight is a democratised platform, featuring input and articles from those at the sharp end of the business, which provides a far more valuable set of insights.
Air traffic levels have dropped to around 50% of their former operations, but many do not realise that the pandemic has seen system-wide effects, including reduced revenue, which impacts resourcing.
Skill-fade has become a challenge, as skills do fade from mis-use, especially in the aviation industry. This has led to an increase in off-site training, including simulations.
Wellbeing presents a unique challenge, especially in human factors and ergonomics. It is constantly trying to find a balancing act between wellbeing, safety, productivity and efficiency.

BEST MOMENTS

'In some cases it's like you're on a permanent night shift'

'There are issues of wellbeing which in some cases are intangible'

'The safety risks remain, regardless of traffic'

'The workload and the risk are not positively correlated'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Steven Shorrock LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveshorrock/?originalSubdomain=fr

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

With Passion And Care, Knowledge And Safety Will Come

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Colin discusses the importance of caring passionately about what we do, and how by doing so, we can gain knowledge along the way and make the world a safer place for all.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Every time we try to create something beautiful, we have a chance to make it more magical by pouring our passion and our care into the project.
If we come from a place of love, caring and attention when it comes to safety, and truly care about people first, we will always learn, grow and create a safer world.

BEST MOMENTS

'If you believe in health and safety, and you care about the people you serve, your actions will learn so much more'

'I can't say enough about how important it is to love what you do'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Engage Positively To Make A Better World - with Paul Clark

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0000

Paul discusses the ways in which we can empower ourselves on a daily basis, and by doing so, ensure that the world is a little bit better each day.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Affirmations should form a part of our everyday practices. This can help with positive reinforcement, and can serve to improve our environments each day.
Whatever we do, and whichever form it takes, the world needs more love. It is our job to make sure we perpetuate this loving input whenever possible.
It is part of our nature to pass judgment on others, but this only ever leads to guilt and pain. We must acknowledge the need for acceptance, and allow others to exist without comment.
Be consciously aware of everything and anything that takes place - good and bad. The good is an opportunity to be grateful, and negative experiences all contain lessons and opportunities for growth.

BEST MOMENTS

'it's about looking around at the family you have and people you have, and recognising the value there'

'We always feel better when we take control'

'As humans we are very judgmental of other people'

'You can always be aware of the experiences that you've had'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

HSE Global Series - https://hseglobalseries.com

Paul Clark LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulclarkbsw/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Problem With Being A Gatekeeper

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0000

In all walks of life, and in most sectors of business, we sometimes find ourselves presented with gatekeepers - those who are reluctant to move with the times and grow through development. In this episode, Colin talks you through the dangers of being a gatekeeper, and why progress is always a positive thing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Many people in safety a gatekeepers in terms of preferring traditional methods of practice. But as the world changes, so too must the methods of keeping it safe.
Newly-developing ideas around safety are creating fascinating and varied perspectives on why and how we can do better.

BEST MOMENTS

'You don't get it right all the time'

'They're not allowing themselves to be influenced, or allowing themselves to look at things in a different way'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Working Within a Just Culture with Garry Crosby

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin is in conversation with Garry Crosby, ex-Royal Air Force operative and business growth specialist, about the ways in which organisations can engender honesty, openness and trust among their workforce, and how this can benefit productivity and safety in the long run.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Everyone has a different viewpoint and perspective about what success looks like. Finding that perspective is key to creating a great culture in our organisations, by allowing our people to achieve their own vision of success.
Introducing culture into a workplace is not an instant thing. It requires dedication and patience. The time taken will be well rewarded in the long run.
A blame culture does not help anyone to improve. It merely breeds fear and disrespect, and goes some way towards making sure that people do not act as part of a team.
Admitting we can learn from errors of misjudgments is the key to learning and moving forwards. This can represent a deep cultural shift for many, but it is the key to being better.

BEST MOMENTS

'Everyone has a different definition of what success is'

'The better you get, the harder you have to work'

'It's narrow-sighted to look at the individual and make them the scapegoat'

'I like to see business owners reflect when things haven't gone wrong'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Garry Crosby LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrycrosby/?originalSubdomain=uk

Action Coach UK - https://actioncoach.co.uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

It's Great To Be Back!

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0000

It's a new year, and it's great to be back with you all!

In this short, sharp welcome to the new year, Colin looks with hope towards the challenges and opportunities ahead.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Success for this year will require a positive outlook and an ability to spot the opportunities when they arrive.
Consistency and doing the right thing will be the best tools to get us through the challenges we may face in the near future. But hope is on the horizon.

BEST MOMENTS

'The only way you can be really successful is to stay positive'

'One of the most important things is to talk to people'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Back To Work

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0000

How's your head...?

Colin welcomes you to a new year, and an exciting outlook for the Interesting Health And Safety podcast, as we begin the year anew, with fresh challenges and hopes for 2021!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

When returning to the workplace, try to hold some kind of session in order to welcome your people back, and get them thinking about their welfare, and that of the people around them.
Think about your objectives and do your best to involve your people whenever possible, so that we all remain safe and informed throughout the challenges of 2021.

BEST MOMENTS

'Work your way through the process of getting things up and running!'

'Talk about what it means to work in your business'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Well That Was A Tough Year, But Let's Look Forward

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0000

Colin reflects upon the tumultuous year gone by, but also looks with positivity and confidence towards the opportunities that lie in the year ahead.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

There have certainly been darker moments, but there are always positives and benefits in their wake. It's up to us to focus on the things that matter.
2020 has shown us what the worst-case scenario looks like for our businesses. It's also provided us with a determination to never be in this position again.

BEST MOMENTS

'2021 is going to be such a better year'

'It allows us to focus on the things that are really important'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

What's In Your Stocking?

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0000

Christmas is a time for children and family, but we must remember to take time out for ourselves. Colin's here with a festive message to remind you all to take good care of yourselves over the festive period, and why it's okay to give yourselves a treat after a most trying year.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Colin's own gift to himself this year is a far healthier outlook, having lost over 4 stone. The results have seen him develop hitherto untapped levels of energy and optimism.
It is okay to give yourself some care, both mentally and physically, if you need it. Treat yourself to some self-care, and make sure you're fit and ready for the challenges of 2021.

BEST MOMENTS

'I've got some real discipline into my life'

'My gift to me this Christmas was to get myself in a better place'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Importance Of Ethics And Morals - with Simon Cassin

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0000

Colin is joined Simon Cassin, a director at OUCH Training, who believe that a safe working environment benefits everyone. Simon joins Colin to discuss the ever-more prescient topic of ethics and morality in the health and safety sector.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In order to truly take safety forward, we must fully consider what it is we believe in. We must question the paradigms. We must question all assumptions.
Health and safety professionals must ensure that we are working to prevent harm to people. Secondary to this is to prevent harm to the business.
Perfecting the right language allows us to build the correct framework. We must have a structure against which is built the framework of safety, clearly defined by the right terminology.
The most important consideration in the ethical and moral side of safety is to keep the conversation going. We must never discount a viewpoint, and must remain open to working with everyone to ensure a fair and balanced landscape.

BEST MOMENTS

'If I can't say why that's a good decision, then maybe I ought not to make it'

'We need more definite understanding of what we mean by harm and safe'

'If you go all one way, or all another way, you're going to come across problems'

'We are heroes before the accident'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

OUCH Training - https://www.ouchtraining.co.uk/the-ouch-oracle/simon-cassin/

Simon Cassin LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-cassin-frsph-cmiosh-miirsm-gife-60506846/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Taking A Break For Christmas

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0000

Just a brief greeting this time to let listeners know that during the Christmas break, the show will be slowing slightly, with one episode per week, until the New Year, when exciting plans are afoot!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

This years has seen its share of trying moments, but ultimately it has also provided rewarding moments. The show has grown in popularity, and energy is high for 2021!
During the Christmas Holidays, the Interesting Health And Safety podcast will be released once a week, but will ramp back into production with new content and all new interviews in the New Year.

BEST MOMENTS

'We've got some absolutely amazing stuff coming up...'

'Stay safe over the period!'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Your Inner Chimp

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0000

Colin talks about the chimp we have inside us all, how it can manifest itself in emotional bursts, and how we can tame the beast from time-to-time, especially in the workplace.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Often we react emotionally to a situation, without the element of reason to guide us. This is our raw, primal personality emerging, or our chimp!
The moment we feel ourselves becoming upset or emotional, do your best to recognise what's happening, and endeavour to calm down before you do something you'll regret.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's your chimp that's screeching'

'I can remember losing it!'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Going Beyond Safety - An Interview With Tanya Hewitt

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0000

This time round, Colin talks to Tanya Hewitt, a specialist in Human and Organisational Compliance, who has been working with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission for many years, and who has recently set up her own consultancy, Beyond Safety Compliance.

Tanya discusses the concept of human and organisational compliance and what it truly means, as well as the importance of respecting the voices of those who rely on us to help when it matters.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We must follow the path that makes us happy, not necessarily the path that makes us wealthy. Sometime it's far better to embrace the subjects we're passionate about, than chase the dollar.
It is incumbent upon us to ensure that reporting is fair and accurate, and that it is always listened to with faith. If someone raises a concern, we must treat this concern with respect.
Everybody makes mistakes, including ourselves. Everyone also must have the chance to apologise and make things right. It is a requirement of leaders to give our people the chance to put things right, and to learn.
It is far better to nip a problem in the bud, than wait for it to bloom into something far more serious before we tackle it. Listen to the voices advising us, and look for their concerns. It can save us much time in the long run.

BEST MOMENTS

'I passed my A-levels with ease - I got two E's!'

'What an incident reporting system essentially does is give workers a voice'

'We all have strengths, and we need to work collaboratively to get to something better'

'I'd rather know about the problems when they're small, than be surprised by a catastrophe'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Tanya Hewitt LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-hewitt-55804529?originalSubdomain=ca

Tanya Hewitt Twitter - https://twitter.com/hewitttanya?lang=en

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Creating Diversity in Safety; Award-Winning Health and Safety Leader Jessy Gomes

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 17:19:00 -0000

Colin talks to Jessy Gomes, an award-winning safety leader and member of the IOSH council, with a proven track record of commercial success and development, including management of construction design, health and safety, processes, communications and people.

Jessy discusses the importance of challenging the safety sector when it comes to crucial issues such as diversity, especially in the construction industry, the importance of mentorship and guidance, and how she visualises the future of safety in the workplace.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

As safety professionals we must always be learning, but more importantly, we should also work to build upon the lessons we have been taught so far. Refine our knowledge and we build our skills.
Construction is renowned as being a male-dominated sector. It will take a creative female perspective in order to disrupt this balance, but the benefits will be enormous.
We need a far more holistic view when it comes to the safety industry. Effective safety is built upon better communication and better collaboration. Organisations must not be complacent.
We must make ourselves uncomfortable in order to learn more. When we step outside of our comfort zones, our sense become heightened. Therefore, we must challenge ourselves regularly in order to maximise our potential.

BEST MOMENTS

'This is where I really learned about the safety culture'

'Learning is such an important part of life'

'We must understand that we can change the landscape of health and safety'

'The safety industry is huge number of individual cogs that make up a bigger machine'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Jessy Gomez LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jessy-gomes

IOSH - https://iosh.com/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

3 Months in Review!

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0000

In this special 150th edition of The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast, Colin takes time to reflect upon the incredible highlights of the last six months. As Colin discusses, even though the world has been turned upside down, there have still been moments of opportunity, and valuable lessons learned from connections made.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Sometimes health and safety is a case of marketing. Perfecting the message is one thing, but marketing it effectively can help it spread.
Willpower solidifies the mindset we need in order to make positive, lasting impact. We may not always succeed on the first attempt, but we must endeavour.
As professionals we are always learning. The best way of learning is to talk, and especially with the people in the sharp end of the business, those who recognise the real safety needs.

BEST MOMENTS

'We need to continually push new ways, new boundaries, and engage with people'

'Keep on the ball. Keep on pushing for what is right'

'Spend more time out in the workplace talking to the people who are doing the job'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Special Forces And Risk Management - with Jem Hills

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0000

Colin is joined this time by special guest, Jem Hills, an international keynote speaker, who specialises in helping companies to assess risk in shipping, and who now devotes himself to helping people to be the best versions of themselves.

Jem discusses his incredible life and career, the fascinating world of risk assessment on the seas, and the importance of visualising success, setting achievable goals, and how to perform at our peak.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The shipping industry is one that is prone to attack from outside sources. In certain zones, piracy is still very much rampant, as is the threat from terrorists. Careful risk assessments are necessary and required before any routes can be finalised.
Jem has been on the vanguard of creating a structure and framework of how shipping risk is assessed. An instrumental role was played in standardising shipping risk and making it something quantifiable for generations to come.
Contingency planning is essential. We can never know every variable, but we can examine each outcome and do our best to provide contingencies. These eventualities may tessellate with resulting outcomes and help to provide a rapid response.
Life is built upon choices. If we are not happy in a certain area of our lives, then we must use our free will and change the outcome. Careers are very much built this way. We must not settle for second best. Make good choices and follow the instincts that guide us.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Let’s get the risks out on the table and then look at how we mitigate those risks’

‘Risk assessment is likelihood and consequence’

‘When something does go wrong, you need the right people already lined up’

‘Find something in life that you enjoy doing. A lot of people end up in a place they don’t enjoy'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Jem Hills LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jem-hills-78249511

Jem Hills - https://www.jemhills.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Challenging Inductions

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0000

One of the main areas of focus when new staff arrive, is the time taken to instruct them on the health and safety aspects of their role. But as Colin discusses in this week’s show, should we be challenging the need for this instruction at the outset, and how can we improve the experience?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A better approach to inducting new staff, could be to simply ask them to go out into the workplace and talk to the people who work there already.
We can gauge our own happiness with our safety measures by asking ourselves if conversations with new employees would be beneficial, productive, and welcome.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Are there better ways of inducting people in the things that are really important?’

‘If you’re comfortable and confident with letting conversations happen, then you’re in a great place to be’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Creating Environments That Make People Flourish - with Ron Gantt

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0000

This time, Colin is joined by Ron Gantt, owner and operator of Reflect Consulting Group and the vice-president of SCM Safety, providing safety and health consulting and training to a wide variety of organisations on topics ranging from safety management and leadership, system safety, human performance improvement, and regulatory compliance.

Ron discusses the importance of establishing a working environment that makes people flourish, as well as the positive benefits of drift, and how we can better align our business goals to create harmony.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Safety professionals must seek to define their roles in terms of what it truly means to society, and how it benefits society. If this ethos can be better communicated, then it will be more interesting to people.
Many different pressures are put upon may different workers in differing ways. This can lead to friction and a more diverse set of goals. It’s important for management to step back and not just mediate, but facilitate, aligning goals to ensure we are running more smoothly and as a team.
Drift is often seen as a negative thing, but we need to alter our perspective. We need to understand that people change the way things operate because they seek to improve things.
We need to make it easier for people to do things the right way, and difficult for people to do things in the wrong way.

BEST MOMENTS

‘We always have a conception of what’s happening in our workplace. I help them see a little bit more of what’s going on on the ground floor’

‘Improving the world is thing that a lot of companies are into, and if we can align health and safety more firmly, it’ll be more interesting’

‘We have to think of this as a living thing. Think of it as a doctor giving a prescription to a patient…'

‘If we better identify what we’re tryin to achieve, then it helps you think outside the box'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Ron Gantt LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-gantt-7a1b7741/

Ron Gantt at Safety Differently - https://safetydifferently.com/author/rongantt/

SCM Safety - http://www.scm-safety.com/team/ron-gantt-m-eng-csp-arm-cet/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Share Your Successes

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 00:01:00 -0000

Sometimes we focus far too much on the things we haven’t achieved, when we should be talking about the areas in which we’ve found success. In this episode, Colin talks about why, especially when it comes to our safety achievements, we should be taking time out to celebrate the positive effects we have.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A success we share is a success that empowers. By lionising our achievements, we energise ourselves, and others, to do better.
If we mark out achievement, we inspire others to push further. The rewards of success are the driving force behind further success.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I’d like you turn things on their head a little bit and really look at the things that are going well’

‘Good practice fosters more good practice'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Focus On Better, Not Bigger

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 09:29:17 -0000

After being recently inspired by a volume of philosophy, Colin reflects upon the importance of value over growth, and of quality over quantity, and why we should always base every decision upon ensuring we provide the most value.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Solving your clients’ problems, and making sure we add value at every opportunity, should be the number one focus at all times. It’s the same in health and safety.
Spend more and more time out in the business, talking to the people who make your business work, and better understanding how we can put the right measures in place.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s about offering the best service you possibly can to your clients’

‘Being better is actually better than being bigger!’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Psychology Of Safety- An Interview With Dominic Cooper

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0000

With much controversy in today’s safety world regarding the many systems being implemented in order to change the culture of safety, Colin is joined by Dominic Cooper for a wide-ranging, insightful conversation about why the culture of safety needs to change, the principles behind some of safety’s most lauded systems, how the psychology of safety affects the sector, and why any shifts in thinking require a set of change management processes to ensure that any significant change initiatives are rolled-out in a controlled and systematic manner.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In the pioneering days of safety, initiatives were based around conversations and looking at things from the worker’s perspectives. In many regards, these concerns are still at the heart of any system.
Treating people as equals, and nurturing a partnership with safety leaders must be at the bedrock of any safety conversation in a company. Encourage conversation, dialogue and collaboration.
The fundamental safety issue is that the way in which companies manage safety doesn't entirely fit into any safety system’s mould. Many in business see their people as the problem.
Mental health issues are increasingly being cast into the remit of safety officers, which is fundamentally wrong. Safety professionals have an entirely different skill-set, and no specialist training in such a sensitive area.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Behavioural safety worked! If you did it properly, it worked! And it’s still the same today’

’Let’s not have a culture of fear. Let’s treat people as human beings’

‘It’s not about having any controls. It’s about having the right ones’

’They say people are the solution and traditional safety says people are the problem, which I disagree with'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

B-Safe - http://www.behavioural-safety.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Safety In A Diverse And Creative Environment - with Ruth Denyer

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0000

Today’s episode is a decidedly showbiz affair, as Colin talks to Ruth Denyer, the group head of health, safety and insurance risk management at ITV, and soon to take up the safety mantle at Netflix, about the many challenges faced in the creative industries, and how diversity and artistry have an effect upon the decisions made in the entertainment sector when it comes to safety.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The main challenge of safety in the arts, is that ideas take form in all sorts of (occasionally) wild ways. Visions require experimentation and consideration. Safety’s role in this is to find a safe way to express these visions.
We cannot always communicate our concerns with raw data. Sometimes we need to find more creative ways of expressing the hazards we face. It’s about tailoring the information to the person.
Safety teams must be seen not as policers, but as enablers. We are there to help creativity flourish in a safe environment, and to help the business to be successful as a result.
It’s important for people to own the risks they take during any activity. This may manifest itself in creative ambition or making a profit, but whatever success looks like to you, consider the risks that you are willing to take, and own those risks.

BEST MOMENTS

‘What I’m passionate about is always learning’

‘We’re trying to make creative visions happen, and give people the tools to think about things themselves’

‘We need to take away the jargon and talk in a way that’s concise, clear, to the point, and really engages with people’

‘Let’s not be someone who goes and checks the controls are in place. Let’s help design and think about, and manage that risk at the very early stages'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Ruth Denyer LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-denyer-82641130/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Safety Short - Fire Safety

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0000

After recent developments in the news, Colin discusses the need for greater stringency when it comes to fire safety and evaluation in this critical area of every business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In a recent news story, a fire assessment officer was prosecuted for not having the correct qualifications, despite the fact that he had served as a fireman for many years.
Competent, qualified professionals are a crucial requirement for your business. Don’t take on the responsibility unless you are fully qualified and accredited. The consequences can be disastrous.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Fire safety is such a critical aspect of your business and premises’

‘Don’t treat fire safety lightly'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Power Of Learning Teams - with Brent Sutton

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0000

In this week’s show, Colin talks to author, safety advocate and fellow Safety FM podcast host, Brent Sutton, about his fascinating new book devoted to Learning Teams, and how they can be used to great effect in order to drive improvement and create impact in our own organisations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Safety investigations have the unfortunate duty to put people back into the centre of the event or accident. This can lead to a re-traumatising effect,, which is very unhealthy.
Accountability in the wake of an event, is crucial in not just moving past the event and working through any improvements required, but also in reinstalling a vital sense of trust that an event may cause to be lost.
Learning teams encourage functional diversity. It encourages people to explore their view of something. This leads to narratives taking on new meanings as it is experienced through new perspectives.
As adults in the process of learning, development comes not in the form of layered learning, but through the piecemeal process of filling gaps in our learning. We must first recognise the gaps before we can take on the learning.

BEST MOMENTS

‘A lot of investigations put people back at the centre of the event’

‘Because of our fixation on prevention, we actually create a bias’

‘A hazard doesn’t have emotion’

‘It’s “Why” than can make a difference between life and death'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Brent Sutton LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentsuttonnz/?originalSubdomain=nz

Safety Associates - https://www.safetyassociates.co.nz/our-people.html

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Radical Truth And Radical Transparency

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 23:00:00 -0000

There is true power in transparency. After being inspired by others recently, Colin talks this week about how openness, honesty and transparency can empower our organisations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

There is real power in creating not just truthfulness, but openness. Having a transparent approach will show this to the world.
Negativity deserves to be transparent. We can’t hope to grow and move on from the things we do badly, unless we’re honest about them.

BEST MOMENTS

‘You’ve got to be prepared to be able to see and listen to the bad news’

‘Having transparency will allow you to problem solve a lot easier'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Using Insurers To Help Challenge Big Industry Issues - with Andrew Barrett

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Colin is joined by speaker, coach and podcaster, Andrew Barrett, about the fascinating subject of the ways in which health and safety is managed within high profile industries, and how insurance companies are helping his quest to challenge the issues being found.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Leveraging investment is all about finding the similarities between industries and employing proven solutions, allowing for less capital investment - always an attractive proposition.
One of the greatest opportunities for relieving the burden of illness and disease is in agriculture, and yet the sector contains very few safety professionals.
Critical controls work well in technical systems. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that critical controls work any better than other risk management approaches.
Individual business should be looking at their businesses and examining the areas in which there are risks, and then talking to insurers about how these problems can be solved.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I say that I’m a reformed health and safety professional’

‘What we realised is that we actually have to ask better questions’

‘Don’t take my word for it that it’s good - treat it as a hypothesis’

‘I’m a connector of the different parts of the system and experts in order to try and answer those questions'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Safety On Tap - https://www.safetyontap.com

Andrew Barrett LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-barrett-58a1071b/?originalSubdomain=au

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Value Of Helping People

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Colin shares the ways in which we can empower others to make small, achievable improvements each day, and by doing so, improve our organisations in incredible ways, and how we improve people themselves by employing the same technique.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We allow growth to flourish in people if we tell people to make small, achievable improvements each and every day.
If all the people in our organisation strive to make one small improvement every day, then our business improve in countless ways each day, week, month and year.
If we seek to help someone in a small way each day, we encourage others to do the same, and empower people across our organisations.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Every single day do just one thing to make an improvement’

‘What can you do tomorrow, next week or next month, to consistently try and improve and help people?'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Practical Application of Safety Differently With Josh Bryant

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Sidney Dekker’s Safety Differently principles cause a stir when they arrived, calling for a halting or pushing back on the bureaucratisation and compliance of work. The movement sees people not as a problem to control, but as a resource to harness.

But exactly how do organisations begin to implement such a groundbreaking methodology? In this week’s show, Colin discusses the practical applications of Safety Differently with Josh Bryant, the general manager of Mitchell Services.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Procedurals should be the first thing to be examined through the lens of Safety Difference. Following this, the language we use needs to change. People should not be seen as the problem, but the answer to any problem.
Incident communication always changes in the wake of an accident. People fear reporting incidents due to the fact that procedures and practices alter irrevocably afterwards. This encourages reluctance.
We must spend time with our teams in order to see what they go through, and to truly understand the frustrations they encounter daily. It is not enough to simply ask for feedback. We must investigate in a comprehensive way.
Far too often, we only examine the aftermath of a negative issue. We should also investigate the reasons why things go well. As a business, we will benefit immeasurably by learning about positives, and sharing the insights across the organisation.

BEST MOMENTS

‘As a leadership team we thought “How do we Safety Difference the sh*t out of this?”'

‘Instead of people being the problem, people should be the solution’

‘People have some amazing ideas'

‘You need to take on board that your business isn’t perfect'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Josh Bryant LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshbryant1/?originalSubdomain=au

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Being Consistent

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Consistency breeds trust - that’s the message from Colin this week, as he talks you through why consistency is a value we should all embrace, and how it can help to instil trust in an industry where it’s needed most.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The people in our organisations will develop a greater sense of trust and faith with leaders if they feel as though they matter. Spending time with them consistently will help to engender this.
We must consider how well we stand up to our own messaging. Are we standing up for the values and beliefs that we aim to instil in our organisations?

BEST MOMENTS

‘He spent much more time listening then he did talking’

‘My challenge to you is to really up your game in the amount of time you spend going out there, talking to the people that matter’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A Chat With Podcast Host & Safety FM - Chief Safety Officer - Jay Allen

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 23:00:00 -0000

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast has joined the community of shows featured on the new Safety FM broadcasting collective.

This week, Colin talks to performance consultant, speaker, safety evangelist, and founder of Safety FM, Jay Allen, about the ambitions for this innovative safety broadcaster, as well as his journey in safety so far, and how he sees the safety sector of today.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

There is no one-size-fits all when it comes to safety. We become richer professionals by listening to a multitude of different ideas and viewpoints.
The format that works best is an organic conversation. Biographies are all very well, but are ultimately redundant. And the product must never get in the way of any conversation.
The role of a safety professional is about so much more than simply implementing measures and restrictions. It is about enabling people to be the best that they can be.
Many safety professionals are promoted into their positions, and yet they feel that they can walk into an area and tell a veteran how to operate in safety. These professionals need to learn from the people with experience.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I didn’t hear a lot of podcasts that sounded like radio’

‘I can bring you the gospel, but you have to interpret it yourself’

’The end goal is to make sure that people make it home safe’

‘You’re responsible for the ideas and how to get them moving'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Safety FM - https://safetyfm.com

Jay Allen LInkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjayallen/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Welcome to Safety FM!

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 23:00:00 -0000

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast has become a part of the Safety FM Network, and Colin couldn’t be more delighted to tell you all about how this incredible event has happened, and what the station’s purpose is.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Safety FM is a collective of specially curated shows, all based around Safety, that acts as a one stop station for those in the know, and those who want to know more!
The goal of such a valuable resource is to help spread the safety message, globally. This relies on each contributor putting out the best possible content - 24/7!
Being a contributor to Safety FM also allows each host to continually develop and learn in order to become even better.

BEST MOMENTS

’We’re striving to get some of the greatest speakers and guests that we can find'

‘We’re looking to get the safety message out!’

‘I’m a better individual, because of the people I’ve spoken with'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Safety FM - https://safetyfm.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Read & Eat Properly To Become A Better Health And Safety Professional_

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 23:00:00 -0000

How can we please our customers more?

That’s the question being asked today by Colin, as he examines the ways in which we can not just surpass the expectations of those in the industry, but disrupt the way things are done, and it starts with improving ourselves.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Satisfying the needs of our customers is not just a goal, but a requirement, but it requires us as professionals to be adaptable.
Success is all very well, but we must never lose sight of the fact that we are first and foremost trying to stop people being hurt. It’s a simple, yet crucial mission.
Improving our physical health leads to an improvement in mental wellbeing. By doing this, we improve our creativity, our imagination, and our ability to surpass expectations.

BEST MOMENTS

‘He encourages his people to manage on the edge of chaos’

‘Efficiency can limit flexibility’

‘Gain as much information as you can and flood yourself with it'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Leading The Safety Industry Into A New World - with Mark Stallard

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks to safety consultant, Mark Stallard, the founder and operator of Safety Horizon, one of the leading providers of health and safety training, supporting businesses across the South-West of England.

Colin and Mark discuss the importance of “selling” health and safety instead of policing the concept, moving back into normality after the effects of the pandemic and what that means for safety in general, and how to be the most effective leader you can be.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We can engage people to do more in safety is we “sell” instead of “police”. If we sell the benefits, then people will actively try to adhere, going above and beyond to be the best.
As we move back into normality, it’s useful to examine each of our processes, and drop the ones that make no sense. There areopportunities for efficiency everywhere. We must seek them out.
The people at the sharp end of the business are acutely aware of all of the safety risks, and how they can be improved. A good leader will consult and investigate with them effectively, instead of leading blindly.
Checks and balances can help when it comes to metrics and measurement, but these processes must also be refined in order to reach the essence of what really matters. There can be far too much extraneous material when it comes to measures.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s all about decision-making and how you can influence people’

‘We’ll adapt, we’ll modify, because that’s what we do. We’re professionals and we’re leaders in our field’

‘Coaching and mentoring is going to be important, moving forward, as we evolve’

‘Let’s focus on the key stuff. It’s getting that dialogue. The more people that talk about it, the more chance of getting some improvement'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Safety Horizon - https://www.safetyhorizonsw.com

Mark Stallard LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrstallard/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Getting Better Doesn't Start at Perfect

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Improving and developing is a continual, ongoing process. No one ever starts at perfection. In this week’s show, Colin talks about the importance of perception when it comes to not just our goals, but our starting points.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Performance and improvement are exactly that - they are about continually striving to become better. Everything is relative.
What happened yesterday isn’t always important. The best way to realign and develop is to mark where you are today, and move forwards.
Don’t strive for perfection. Strive instead for incremental, ongoing improvements. You will fail if you believe that you have to be perfect every day.

BEST MOMENTS

‘We often judge ourselves on where we’d like to be, rather than where we are’

‘Today is your new starting point’

‘If you can strive for that, then you’ll be going a long way towards the results you want to achieve’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Graham Wailes - Doing Safety Properly

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 23:00:00 -0000

This time, Colin talks to Graham Wailes, one of the foremost proponents of safety in the workplace, and a man whose rich and varied career has seen him assigned to many roles and many responsibilities.

Graham talks about his career, the highlights of his time in the field, the many lessons learned, and how he envisions safety going forward.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Safety figures can often be driven by “scorecard pressure” instead of real positive forms of impact. We must see past box-ticking exercises and look for opportunities for real change.
Going from impossible to possible is a state of mind. Apply positive thinking, surround yourself with empowering influences, focus on your goal, and anything is achievable.
Whatever KPIs we ask people to adopt, it must be underpinned by a desire to change, in positive terms, the way that business is done.
As leaders, we must seek to change the very perception of safety. We can achieve this if we spend time in the environment in which we ask our workers to operate. We can only manage the things we monitor.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s all quantity-driven, with no qualitative element to it'

’People needed to take a tiny step from it being impossible to possible'

’The people who do the hazardous activities aren’t encouraged to think much about it at all’

’What gets monitored gets managed'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Graham Wailes LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-wailes-b0897b41/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Safety Short - Mistakes

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Taking inspiration from the philosophy of Bruce Lee, Colin reflects upon the importance of forgiveness, especially when it comes to honest mistakes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

If someone in our business makes an honest mistake, how do we deal with it? We must ask ourselves how our response affects their outlook.
By instilling a culture of openness and honesty, we create a work environment where people will be far more open about telling you how things really work.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them’

‘Reflect about how you react when mistakes are made'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Do You Have Routine And Discipline In Your Life?

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 23:00:00 -0000

After making some personal changes in his own life, Colin reflects upon not just the importance of discipline and routine in our lives, but the revitalising, empowering effects it can provide in both business and life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

By installing new routines in our lives, it gives the purpose behind these disciplines added meaning.
Setting small, achievable, incremental goals in life can provide us with quick-fix rewards that only add to our sense of wellbeing and achievement.
Goal-setting and routines can impact our business life in equally beneficial ways. By structuring our days around goals and routine, we drastically raise our productivity levels.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Discipline and routine has reignited my interest in getting fit and healthy’

‘I want to become the best version of me that I can be'

‘Getting discipline, getting routine - for me it’s fundamental'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Mindset Is The Key To Success – with Extreme Swimmer Ed Williams

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks to marathon swimmer and public speaker, Ed Williams, a man who constantly rises to extreme physical challenges in order to achieve incredible feats.

Ed and Colin discuss the mindset needed in order to achieve such accomplishments, how mental preparation is equally as important as physical, and how these valuable lessons can be applied to all areas of life and business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Mental resilience is key when engaging in extreme sports such as marathon swimming. Circumstances beyond our control are routine, and arise at random. The great ones learn to come back if they fail.
Stepping out side of our comfort zones, and putting ourselves into the path of new possibilities, opens up a whole new world of challenges and opportunities.
The creativity and resources in our minds are the best source of guidance when it comes to traversing issues and barriers in business and life.
There are always risks, both physical and mental, in everything we do. Extreme sports contain more risks than other pursuits. But these risks can always be mitigated by careful preparation.

BEST MOMENTS

‘You can’t control all circumstances’

‘Making sure you’re in a good headspace is very important’

‘When the unexpected happens, it’s exactly the same as swimming the channel’

‘It’s described as the Mount Everest of the swimming world'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

www.eliteswimmingacademy.co.uk

Ed Williams - https://www.edwardwilliams.org.uk

Ed Wiliams LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-williams-72096427/?originalSubdomain=uk

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Do You Like To Receive Positive Feedback? Well How Much Do You Give It....

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 23:00:00 -0000

We all like the empowerment that comes from receiving positive feedback, but we can often lose sight of the fact that we are sometimes in the position to provide this feeling in return. In this week’s show, Colin discusses why we should always look for opportunities to give praise.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Positive feedback is very inspiring, and can spur us on to do better. But we must seek to return this feedback where possible, as it can have the same effect on others.
By ensuring that we return the feedback back into the business, we create a much more positive environment, and improve our business on a fundamental level.

BEST MOMENTS

‘You’re a little bit like the Parkinson of the health and safety world…'

‘If you can start to spend more time positively with people in the business, you’re going to be in a much better place as a business’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Keeping The Safety Conversation Alive – with Andy White

Sun, 30 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Andy White, a Lecturer of Health & Safety at Victoria University in New Zealand, joins Colin on the show today to discuss the importance of diversity in approach, why the subject of health and safety is far more exciting than people realise, and how to make sure we're learning instead of blaming.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

There are differing opinions about how safety should be approached in the sector, right now. The most important thing is that the conversations are being held.
Working in the health and safety sector means that you can become part of every discipline in an organisation. For that reason, it is a far more diverse and fascinating pursuit than many realise.
It’s easy to drop into the blame culture, and look past the lessons and learnings in favour of apportioning blame. We do well to pause and reflect on each situation as it occurs.
Procedures and method statements are far better devised when created “on the ground” with the teams who will be working with them. They can instantly communicate any restrictions that may hamper their ability to work, or add insights where needed.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It only takes someone to start thinking differently for people to start engaging with it’

‘What everyone is striving for right now is to be acknowledged’

’There’s great opportunities for research, there’s great opportunities for innovation’

‘Learning, rather than blaming, is so fundamental'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Andy White LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-white-11203023/?originalSubdomain=nz

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Using Simple Technology to Engage With The Workforce

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, Colin talks about the special ways in which we can creatively engage with our workforce, and boost our productivity and safety.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Social media groups are a great way to create engagement, so long as we use it for positive means, and encourage creative input.
Safety must be recognised as a priority at all times, but with such powerful technology in everyone’s hands already, the use of it to better engage our staff should be encouraged.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I thought it was a simple, straightforward, cost-effective way of using technology to engage better’

‘If people have got the technology with them, then why not use it in a positive way?’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Effecting Real Change In Safety Begins With Trust – with John Green

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0000

John Green, who has worked closely with the likes of Sidney Dekker on bringing the Safety Differently approach into prominence, and is currently working with SNC-Lavalin as their Global Vice President in HSE.

John joins Colin today to discuss the importance of empathy when making change, why we must listen to previously unheard voices while doing so, and why trust may be the component that can make all the difference.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Most organisations, particularly those in construction, are rather more traditional in their views on health and safety. But this has led to a dissatisfaction in the sector, as the direction seems to be missing.
We need to employ empathy when hoping to effect change when it comes to safety. Many companies have spent years developing and nurturing their own forms of safety. To disregard these careful measures only creates hostility from the get go.
We first must ensure that the vision and values we seek to grow are present in our organisations. If we couple this purpose with trust in our workforce, then we engender natural interest in safety.
It’s so easy to become complacent, but we must actively seek to challenge the status quo. Safety should not be a box-ticking exercise. We must seek out the complacent and challenge it to be better.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Many think that safety is stale’

‘You need to be empathetic and careful about how you go about changing organisations’

’If you’ve got trust in your organisation you can deal with these things as the potential grows’

‘Embrace the red - challenge the green'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Keeping On Top Of COVID Controls

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Over the past few months, businesses have worked tirelessly to make the environments safer for everyone. There may even be new controls and procedures in place. In this week’s show, Colin talks about how we can use questions to ensure that the workplace remains a safe and secure place for everyone.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Are the distancing measures that we have implemented, still being adhered to? Are the touch-points and sanitation devices still being maintained and cleaned? We cannot afford to be complacent.
Masks aren’t a new concept in the workplace. They have been providing respiratory protection for years. But now that masks are more prevalent, are we ensuring their use in other areas of the workplace?
We owe it to each other to keep our environments safe, clean, and acceptable for others, if not ourselves. We have a responsibility to society, to do all we can do stop the virus if we can.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Okay, you’ve put new controls in place, but how are they working? How effective are they?’

‘People need to maintain the discipline that you’re looking for'

’That must be the cleanest keyboard you’ve ever had!'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Health, Safety and Resilience On A Global Scale - with Kevin Furniss

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks to Kevin Furniss, the head of Corporate Safety for Maersk shipping, and what it’s like to head up safety for such a large, global concern.

Kevin talks frankly about the need to be adaptable to the ever changing needs of the business, the importance of looking at health and safety from the customer’s perspective, and why personal investigation matters so much.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Safety for a concern like Maersk happens at the ground level and extends upwards. Kevin’s remit is to design a team that works on developing the theory of safety, the rationale, and turn it into something that the brand of Maersk itself can turn into living practice.
Safety began as the pursuit of keeping workforces safe, but along the way it became something of a bureaucratic automaton, keeping all but professionals on the periphery. It is now upon the industry to make it more all-encompassing.
We gain credibility with our teams by not delegating entirely, but by joining the fight at the heart of the business, and investigating the work and environment for ourselves.
One of the toughest challenges at the higher end of safety, is that we are forced to become a part of the executive teams, which requires us to leave behind some of the skills and talents that launched our career in the first place.
We must always ensure that our reasoning comes from a place of wanting to help others, not simply ticking boxes in order to meet quotas.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I’m trying to make the world of work a healthier and safer place to be’

‘Why don’t we put people back at the centre’

‘You have to have “kahunas”. You have to have courage in order to go out there and do that with people’

’Skill-sets coupled with adequate knowledge give you a better result’

‘We’re here to serve everyone else, not serve our own egotistical fantasies'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Kevin Furniss LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinfurniss/?originalSubdomain=dk

Kevin Furniss for IOSH MAgazine - https://www.ioshmagazine.com/kevin-furniss-apm-terminals

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Asking Better Questions

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Through recent conversations, Colin has been inspired to think about the art of questions in safety, and why we ought to consider doing our best to make each question better!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We should consider removing all negative connotations from each question, stripping it of the blame factor, and making it a more investigative query.
When we begin to look at events and incidents, better questions will yield better answers, which is always the point of investigation.
Each question needs to be approached without hindsight bias, and with no agenda. Only then can we arrive at the truth.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s great to think about things in a slightly different way’

‘It’s so easy to make some poor calls’

’Start asking smarter questions'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

An Innovative Perspective On Safety - with Dr David Provan

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Dr David Provan is the co-founder of the Safety At Work podcast, as well as the director of Forge Works, who provide support to businesses around the globe, focusing specifically upon interaction between people in the workplace, adhering to the maxim that people are the solution and not the problem.

In this week’s show, Dr Provan talks about the importance of open communication, and why we must always ensure that we value the work itself as much as the workplace.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Judgment helps no one. We are at the point in our journey as a result of how far we’ve travelled so far, not despite of it. We should seek to elevate others without reservation.
Safety professionals always seem to approach their view of the workplace through safety itself. We need to consider the job that people are trying to do. We need to make sure that the job does not become obscured.
Open communication must be the main thing that companies improve. If we remove barriers in this way, then the flow of information increases dramatically, and our workplaces become exponentially safer.
Metrics that measure implementation of safety measures are ultimately of little value. Operational information and insight are the real markers of where our attention should be focused.

BEST MOMENTS

‘We meet companies where they’re at and help them to take the next step forward’

‘Our business is to be the sort of people that we always wished we could talk to when we were on the other side of the table’

‘Our starting point as safety professionals needs to be to understand the work’

’Necessity becomes the mother of all innovation'

‘It’s inspiring to think that you can go and help organisations to make that difference'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Dr David Provan LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-provan-forgeworks/?originalSubdomain=au

The Safety Of Work Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-safety-of-work/id1487405500

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

You've Got to Consider 1st AND 2nd Victims

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In the aftermath of an accident, we are often left with a potential explosive situation that can spiral into blame and accusation if we are not careful.

In this week’s show, Colin discusses the importance of empathy, understanding, and of using the right language in these sensitive situations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In the wake of any incident, our first thought must always be with the first victim, and potentially their family. Who are they, and what are their needs?
The second victim is the one who may not be considered as such, but for whom the trauma may be all too real; the perpetrator who did not set out to be the cause of misery.
The real work comes from involving participants in the actual process of investigation, instead of simply allowing them to share the outcomes.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I’d like you to think about the person who’s suffered the loss’

‘Everybody in life is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all’

’The event has happened, and now we must be there to support them'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Pivoting A Safety Programme In A New World – with Christian Harris

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks once more to Christian Harris, the founder of Slip Safety Services, experts in slip testing and anti-slip treatments,, about the ingenious ways in which he has pivoted his business model in the wake of the COVID outbreak, and the challenges and victories he has experienced along the way.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Part of the reason for the successful transition between business models has been not in finding new ways to work, but communicating the other, more appropriate services that are already in place.
The most effective way of ensuring our workplace is COVID resistant, is to first achieve a high level of cleanliness, and then work to maintain it at all times.
Cleanliness now must be rooted not in aesthetics, but in scientific certification. It is not enough for an environment to merely look clean.
Cleanliness needs to be measured using a “3D” approach:
- How does it look/feel/smell?
- Are the hygiene levels suitable?
- Think carefully about slip resistance. Danger can be invisible.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s about knowing you’re doing the right thing and looking yourself in the mirror'

‘You can’t go back to business as usual when it comes to cleaning’

’The definition of what’s reasonable when it comes to hygiene - I think the bar has been raised’

‘We need to be careful about our words when it comes to this'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Slip Safety - https://slipsafety.co.uk

Decontamination Cleaning - www.decontaminationcleaning.co.uk

Christian Harris LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Learnings In The Last 6 Months

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Colin reflects upon the last six months, and upon the success of the podcast itself, which has seen him meet and discuss safety measures in a multitude of ways, and which has brought together such a varied number of perspectives and such a valuable and insightful bank of knowledge to the world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We should never chastise someone just for trying to find a solution. Asking questions and finding answers is the way in which we can make sure that health and safety remain relevant.
Blame is seen as a solution, and this is unfortunate. Blame doesn’t make the problem go away,. Discovering the root cause can ensure we don’t fall into the same trap twice.
Learning from accidents and nurturing a better culture, ensures our safety, and that the workplace is far more pleasant.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I see this is a real honour, to be able to spend time talking to some of the most amazing people around the world’

’There’s a real benefit to thinking about new approaches’

‘Don’t be afraid to wrap up health and safety differently. Inside is the chocolate'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

System Overviews and Health Checks

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Colin talks about system overviews and health checks, and how by focusing on both, we can increase the efficiency and safety of our workplace through investigation, and the three crucial ways in which you can make checks more powerful.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Health checks are more effective when you get out there into the company and get a real on-the-ground feel for how things are being run. This should be done in small increments, and performed more frequently.
A system overview is an investigation into procedures and systems, to see if they really do have a place in your business. You can make your business far more expedient by removing unnecessary systems.
We must involve our workers when performing either of these checks. By gaining a fresh perspective, you gain new solutions.

BEST MOMENTS

‘You could be implementing a really bad system really well, and that’s no good to anybody’

‘Often they’re not done very well. Often they’re not done at all…'

‘What is the point in reviewing systems and procedures if you’re not involving the people who are doing the job?’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A Chat With Flight Safety Specialist Adam Johns Part 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In a two part conversation, Colin talks to flight safety expert, Adam Johns, who with over a decade of experience in commercial aviation industry, has marked himself out as one of the world’s foremost specialists in people safety.

In this second instalment, Colin and Adam discuss a more collective approach to problem solving, and why the aviation industry may be in need of a complete reboot when it comes to safety regulations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Aviation is an industry classed as high risk, and therefore it comes with a more restrictive and severe set of regulations when it comes to safety. Accidents were more proliferate to begin with, so this is not surprising.
Policy can longer be built around aviation, based upon the concerns and failings of the past hundred years of its history. It has now reached a point where it is a uniformly safe industry, and requires new thinking.
Safety failings in aviation are made more dramatic by the way they are presented in the media. It has forced the industry’s safety to grow faster than any other.
We learn how to prevent, and how to consider the needs of people, not just by focusing on what went wrong, but what goes right.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Regulations on the safety side were developed as a result of accidents'

‘Imagery and metaphor is incredibly powerful’

‘We’ve had to grow up fast’

’There is an opportunity here to take stock of safety in our business’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Adam Johns LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjohns730/

Adam Johns at Safety Differently - https://safetydifferently.com/contributors/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A Chat With Flight Safety Specialist Adam Johns Part 1

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this first part, Adam talks about the effects of lockdown upon the aviation industry, how to ensure that skills are not eroded over time, and how appearing as a safety coach my prove far more effective to your workforce.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Lockdown has seen some airlines reduced to around 10% of their normal operations. It will take perhaps 3 to 4 years for the industry to fully recover.
To prevent skill-erosion, it’s important that airlines endeavour to keep training their staff. Simulators are still used today, and are still effective.
There is a large disconnect between the way we think things are being done, and the way they are actually being done. We need to give people credit, but also try to measure more effectively.
By acting more in a coach/facilitator capacity, we grant autonomy and encourage others to improve safety and quality.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s aerospace engineering for people who didn’t want to do so much maths!’

‘Making sure that planes stay in the sky, but making sure that the people who work on them are safe as well’

’There might have to be a bit of a revolution in how pilot training takes place’

‘Our job is to bring new ideas into organisations'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Adam Johns LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjohns730/

Adam Johns at Safety Differently - https://safetydifferently.com/contributors/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Going back to work safely...

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 23:00:00 -0000

This week, Colin talks briefly about some of the things you should be considering as you return to work after the COVID lockdown, from people and commuting, to safety measures and remote working.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Working from home may well be a far more viable option for your business, going forward. Consider carefully, whether allowing your staff to work remotely is something you can permit from now on.
Safety measures at work are necessary, but it’s also incumbent upon us all to show respect and care for those we work alongside. If we feel unwell, raise this concern and make sure you’re not putting others at risk.
Consider the safety measure you’re putting into place. Remember that some measures may make others feel more at risk, so consider wholesale changes when it comes to guidelines.

BEST MOMENTS

’There’s a lot more trust now amongst the workforce’

‘It’s about people having their own personal commitment to the people they’re working with’

’This is a fantastic opportunity for people to have a but more pride in their workplace'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A chat with Jeannette Linfoot - Travel, diversity and trust

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Jeannette Linfoot is one of the UK’s most experienced and trusted mentors, property investors and consultants. With a business journey that’s taken her to the top of the corporate world, and now into independent ventures, there are few who know more about the ins and outs of business life.

Jeannette has joined Colin today for a candid discussion about the importance of health and safety in all business sectors, the impact of COVID-19 upon the travel industry, and the empowering ways in which we can increase diversity in the workplace.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Health and safety is a particularly core aspect of the travel industry. The burden of care is often upon those responsible for organising holidays, and even the tiniest elements of travel and accommodation must be accounted for.
Trust, openness and honesty, are key to making sure our customers feel secure and comfortable. But it’s equally as important to nurture those values for our workforce.
Coronavirus has demonstrated to the world that health and safety is of crucial importance to all aspects of our lives. Never has safety in the workplace been under more scrutiny.
Increasing diversity of any kind is an incremental process, and must be steadfastly maintained, built upon the core value of ensuring that diverse role models are visible and respected.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I’m fascinated by how you can bring the corporate aspect to the entrepreneurial world’

‘If you’re buying a business then you need to know what’s in it. You need to get under the bonnet’

‘Good health and safety is about communication and interaction’

‘It’s about making diversity and inclusion a real strategic priority'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Jeannette Linfoot Associates - https://www.jeannettelinfootassociates.com

Jeannette Linfoot LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Changing The Health And Safety Language

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Conversations about health and safety are all very well, but it’s also crucial that we focus upon the very language we use. Even the most minor of inflections and choices of vocabulary can turn words into something far more powerful.

With this in mind, Colin today talks about why we should always endeavour to make conversations around safety as empowering and positive as possible.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Designations and descriptions are unfortunately often loaded with negative connotation. We must seek to alter perceptions where we can by changing the lexicon itself.
We should be "enabling and learning", instead of "investigating and blaming”. We are, after all, always trying to make things better.
Positive affirmations instead of negative overtones will help you to change the face of your business, and also the face of health and safety.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I want you start thinking differently about some of the basic words that you’re using’

’They’re really going to open up if you’re using that kind of terminology’

’These are opportunities to make the workplace better'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A Half Dozen Things About Safety And Training – with Pete Rushmer

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Pete Rushmer is the founder of Flagship, a specialist training and consulting business with a particular focus on external transport management and compliance. He is also the host of the A Half Dozen Things Podcast, focusing on frank business conversations.

In this week’s show, Pete joins Colin to talk about his outlook on safety, the value of teams, and the meaning behind his Half A Dozen Things mantra!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

There is a school of thought that says if we focus on the half dozen things we can do well, and always do our best at them, then it can bring about wealth and happiness.
We can only achieve true greatness in business if we take the ideas and goals we formulate, and allow others to help us realise them.
Zero target safety is not a measure that Pete is keen for anyone to implement, as it negatively influences the culture of a company, who may begin to hide accidents or concerns rather than report them.
The most important part of any effective first aid training course is not the materials used to teach, but the ability to carry out practical activities when the training is required.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I’ve spent a long time trying to see how I can excel’

‘If you want to be really successful, you’ve got to get the right people to help you shape the future’

‘We do want to know what’s going on, because then we can put the processes in place to manage them’

‘As a training company we are presented with challenges'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Pete Rushmer Twitter - https://twitter.com/peteflagship

Pete Rushmer LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterrushmer/?originalSubdomain=uk

A Half Dozen Things Podcast - https://ahalfdozenthings.podbean.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Getting Structure To Your Diary

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 23:00:00 -0000

The lockdown has provided much disruption, but also a wonderful opportunity for reflection. In this week’s show, Colin discusses the importance of structure and routine, and how forward planning can be beneficial in bringing back balance to our lives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The lockdown has thrown many routines into chaos, but with the end in sight, structure in our personal and working lives may help to guide us back to sense of normality.
Structure in our lives, and concentrated bursts of focussed work, can make us more efficient, and far more effective.
Structure also allows us to realise what is, and what isn’t important in our lives. It provides clarity about the importance of time well spent, and who we spend it with.

BEST MOMENTS

‘We need to think about a better way of moving forward’

‘I’ve had to get some real structure to my diary’

‘We work so that we can spend more quality time with the people we care about'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Principles Of Health & Safety – Part 2 – with Simon Bown

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In the second of a two-part conversation, Colin talks to Simon Bown, formerly in charge of health and safety at Luton airport, and now overseeing safety at Keolis Amey Docklands light railway. It’s an insightful, thought-provoking conversation that’ll inspire and empower all health and safety practitioners.

In part two, Simon and Colin discuss the metrics that Simon uses in order to measure success, why aiming for “Zero” in some cases is desirable, and the ideal future of health and safety in the workplace.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Target Zero and Zero Harm systems are slightly unrealistic, but the zero approach should be pursued in terms of loss-of-life or serious maiming of the workforce. In these cases, zero is, of course, the aim.
One of the most troubling aspects that Simon has noticed, is that in terms of mental health, workers sometimes feel unsupported. Changing this perception is a case of altering a company’s culture.
Traditional safety practices have led us successfully to this point in time. It now takes creative thinking to help move safety on even further.
The aim for the future should be to make specific safety measures almost invisible, in that they become the intrinsic way of working, and do not requires an extra level of jurisdiction or supervision.

BEST MOMENTS

’No business should kill or seriously maim someone’

‘If you made an honest mistake, do you feel like the business would support you?’

‘It’s about leaders, leadership, and how people are leading organisations’

‘What are the craziest things you need to do in order to be successful?'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Simon Bown LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-bown-a6225a36/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Principles Of Health & Safety – Part 1 – with Simon Bown

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In the first of a two-part conversation, Colin talks to Simon Bown, formerly in charge of health and safety at Luton airport, and now overseeing safety at Keolis Amey Docklands light railway. It’s an insightful, thought-provoking conversation that’ll inspire and empower all health and safety practitioners.

In part one, Simon discusses the principles of good health and safety in business and the importance of disruptive thinking in the health and safety sector.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Over the past few years, many influential thought leaders have sought to disrupt the traditional way of thinking, and dare to be different in terms of approach.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for health and safety. Solutions that work in one environment will not necessarily work in another. It takes creative thinking and passionate people.
By broadening the conversation around safety, we achieve a far greater understanding of what good safety looks like, not just in each sector, but as an expansive discipline.
A good business is one that has the ability to hear bad news, and who takes responsibility for making changes without according blame or dwelling on the negatives.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I never say never now’

‘You have to be curious, because you explore and learn different things’

‘You can’t off-the-shelf this stuff’

‘Everyone perceives risk differently'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Simon Bown LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-bown-a6225a36/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Think Consistency and Frequency

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 23:00:00 -0000

It’s impossible not to consider the impact and effects of COVID upon our society. But we should also take time to reflect upon the positive ways in which this downtime has given us the opportunity to pause and observe.

This week, Colin reflects upon the ways in which the experience has affected him and his business personally.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Working remotely has become the norm, but it’s also allowed many businesses to streamline operations and channel their efficiency.
Remote operations will never completely take the place of face-to-face business, but it has demonstrated that a blend of remote work and on-site work, can be just as effective as operations pre-COVID.
If we can make sure that consistency and frequency are key foundations of our business, then we’ll be successful going forward.

BEST MOMENTS

’This has given people the opportunity to sit back and reflect’

’Work with more frequency and you’ll find that you’ll soon be making some big differences'

‘We’re now getting a blended approach to how we work'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Look At What You Gain Not What You Lose

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Colin talks about the three reasons why you should always focus upon what you gain from a health and safety perspective, instead of what you lose.

Far too often in business, the focus lies on the wrong areas of implementation, and in this week’s show, Colin explains why.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Target zero and similar systems drive people to silence. Why would we encourage an element of business that prevents people from speaking out?
When you introduce blame into your culture, and into the way you rectify an issue, it forces people to be even quieter.
Get out there into the workplace immediately and see how the work is being done. You’re sure to be surprised, either positively or negatively, by the reality of your own workplace.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Good health and safety performance isn’t in the lack of accidents. It’s the presence of control’

’The measure that you use in order to get that result, doesn’t have to be the obvious one’

’The minute you start blaming is the minute you stop learning’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Environmental Health: Empower Others To Empower Yourself – with Phil Clarke

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this week’s show, Colin talks to Environmental Health Officer, Phil Clarke of Nuffield Health, a firm proponent of a more holistic approach to safety, and whose responsibilities see him daily overseeing the wellbeing of gyms, hospitals, and almost 15,000 workers across around 400 sites nationwide.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Health and safety is too often categorised as simple risk assessment, when the reality is much broader and all-encompassing, stretching from ground-level concerns, all the way through to the core drivers and motivations of a workforce.
By surrounding yourself with the best team you can find, you increase the potential of your effectiveness. Empowering others grows your capabilities.
Quarantine has demonstrated the effectiveness of remote meetings, and allowed businesses to see that much time can be saved by employing technologies in order to increase communication capabilities.
Development of our people, and health and wellbeing in general, should be planned well ahead, with firm goals set in attainable increments But we must also attempt to visualise the long-term future of what we hope to achieve.

BEST MOMENTS

‘If you empower people, they’ll be able to make your decisions locally’

‘We need to get key people involved in understanding health and safety’

‘You need to have short term strategy, but you need the long game goals, too’

‘It’s not a them-and-us situation. We’re all in this together'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

Nuffield Health - https://www.nuffieldhealth.com

Phil Clarke LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipjclarke/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Learning Learning Learning!

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 23:00:00 -0000

There are a handful of areas in each business that require a constant learning process. This week, Colin offers a brief discourse upon the simple things we can all do to make sure our businesses are running to their full potential.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

It’s all very well to take lessons from the negatives, but we should always endeavour to focus primarily upon the areas in which we are succeeding, and learning accordingly.
Blame and lack of accountability from those in more senior roles, will only ever lead to a lack of motivation and inspiration among your workforce.
It’s in our interest to ensure to constantly ask how we can enact positive change in our businesses. Every small incremental positive change helps.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I want you to talk to people and find out about how work is done well’

‘What better use of your time can there be, than going out and talking to people?’

‘You’re going to feel great because you’ve made a difference'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Nerding Out About People – with Sam Goodman

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Has Health & Safety become a nerdy subject? When is it okay to truly “nerd out” about such an important subject?

Well perhaps that day has come, as Colin meets Sam Goodman, otherwise known as “The HOP Nerd”, a specialist in Human & Organisational Performance, who joins the show to discuss the most important part of any business: people!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

There is a thriving community of health and safety advocates in the world right now. People seem more than willing to put aside egos in favour of spreading the message.
One of the main challenges for anyone in a senior position who wishes to implement change, is that they must allow themselves to be vulnerable. This is a real issue for those who have been inherently taught that seniority equals infallibility.
Our mission is to make the world a better place in which to work, but we need to also ensure that we, as frontline safety advocates, are safe in the first place.
By engendering an atmosphere of honesty and open communication, we naturally encourage more voices to feel comfortable enough to speak out. This in turn leads to positive, overwhelming change from every area of a business.
The formula for bridging the divide between the preconceptions that executives and workers have for each other, is to alter the image that each believes about the other.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s been transformational in terms of my thinking’

’Executives don’t realise how visible they are’

‘We need to create an environment where honesty is possible’

‘If honesty is possible, then learning is possible'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

The HOP Nerd - http://www.thehopnerd.com

Sam Goodman Twitter - https://twitter.com/thehopnerd1

Sam Goodman LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-goodman-03a95391/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A Huge Thank You, Listeners, Guests and the Back Team

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 23:00:00 -0000

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast celebrates a true milestone this week, with the release of its 100th episode. It’s been a fascinating and insightful journey over the course of the past year; one that has taught its host, Colin, many invaluable lessons, and one that has left in its wake one hundred pieces of empowering, perceptive content.

To mark the occasion, Colin is in a reflective mood, and is using this landmark show to thank the many people who have made the show a reality, from the team behind the show’s production and the numerous guests who’ve made the show what it is, to the most important component: you the listener.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The show would be nothing without its audience, who have supported and grown along with the show itself. They have taken magnetically to the astounding content provided by the show’s marvellous roster of guests.
Focus is a skill that requires all-round thinking. It is the art of keeping your attention fixed not just upon the target ahead, but the world around you.
Collaboration between health and safety advocates is crucial in order to spread the message and further the industry as a whole.
One of the most empowering things we can do as health and safety professionals, is to ensure that those with something to say are able to have their voices heard.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s been really great to hear people who are so passionate about making this industry better’

‘Collaboration is really important’

‘I am THE work in progress!’

‘Let’s just call ourselves learners and enablers'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449

The Progressive Property Podcast - https://www.progressiveproperty.co.uk/podcast/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A Window Cleaners View - With Max Merritt

Sun, 31 May 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Colin talks to Max Merritt, who has not only recently founded a window cleaning company in Lincolnshire, but a podcast series documenting the entire process.

Max joins Colin today to talk about many topics, such as the nuts and bolts of building a business from scratch, the hazards of being a window cleaner, and how the lockdown has affected the startup process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The best way to grow a business is to scale it to the point at which it becomes autonomous without the founder. It requires putting in place an effective team, and setting dynamic systems and processes in place.
Health and safety isn’t just about a document. It’s about common sense. It’s about being proactive, and reacting dynamically and with awareness to your immediate environment.
Once you have five or more people working for your company, the law states that you must become far more structured in terms of recording information and filing documentation.
Implementing new systems and processes can be a disruptive experience. The best companies are the ones who understand this, and instead collaborate integrally with their workforce, consulting and communicating effectively to bring about positive change.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Health and safety and window cleaning: it’s absolutely massive!’

’Considering what’s going on around you is more important than ticking a box’

’The most successful businesses are the ones who do it collaboratively’

‘I’ve got to walk before I start to run'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Apprentice Window Cleaner - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-apprentice-window-cleaner-max-merritt-wJ_B1VrZUCu/

Lincs Window Cleaning - https://lincswindowcleaning.co.uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Should We Ditch The Term 'Health And Safety'?

Wed, 27 May 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Interesting Health and Safety Podcast, Colin reflects on the last 99 episodes in preparation for the big 100th episode milestone!

In this episode Colin discuss if we should ditch the term ‘Health and Safety’. Looking into how the word ‘safety’ has greater use and meaning than ‘health’ in the industry and distilling what our industry covers to understand how it may evolve in the future.

Is it time to start thinking about Health and Safety differently? And how can we move our industry forward in the future?

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A chat with Anna and Phillipa - SHE apprenticeships

Sun, 24 May 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this week’s show, Colin chats to Anna Gaughey and Philippa Breckon of Penshaw View, a family-run company delivering high quality health and safety training and consultancy nationwide.

Anna has recently become the first person to become a safety, health and environmental apprentice. Along with Philippa, they discuss the ways in which this new qualification is shaking up the industry, tailoring better-suited skills to individual organisations, and thereby enhancing the effectiveness of H&S across the country.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Many of the qualifications out there are not tailored to each individual workplace. With the apprenticeship, skills and qualifications can be better tailored to each organisation, and the results are remarkable.
The apprenticeship is very much project-based, and under constant review to ensure the knowledge is the latest available. By employing a one-to-one training method, each candidate can better prepare for the assessment.
The apprenticeship has opened up new channels of communication, and has rapidly expanded Anna’s knowledge base, leading to a greater sense of confidence. We cannot achieve this element without practical, on-the-job experience.
Many young people seem to be drawn to the health and safety sector. Seeing the next generation taking such an interest gives hope to the future of safety in the workplace.

BEST MOMENTS

’So far we’ve got a 100% success rate’

‘It’s allowed us, as a business, to grow, and to continue to grow’

‘It’s given me the foot in the door that I never would have got’

‘Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Penshaw View - https://penshawview.co.uk

Anna Gaughey LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-gaughey-185267153/?originalSubdomain=uk

Philippa Breckon LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-breckon-0851b481/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A Better Definition of Risk

Wed, 20 May 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Interesting Health and Safety Podcast, Colin gives shares with us a better definition of ‘Risk’. Colin asks us to consider the true meaning of ‘Hazard’ and ‘Risk’, a Hazard being something that can cause you harm. A ‘Risk’ is how CLOSE you are to the hazard. Calculating risk has been seen as a linear process for too long, risk needs to be seen as dynamic and ever changing. Risk assessment needs to be a constant evaluation through all stages of business.

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Don't Think of Them as 'Accident Investigations'. Call it Learning From Our Investment

Sun, 17 May 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this podcast, Colin has been reflecting on interviews and books by Sidney Dekker; more specifically his take on Incidents.

“ An incident is an investment that you’ve already made”

So if you’ve already made the investment, reclaim your asset and get the most out of what you’ve already done. To get the learning, it is not about ‘pointing the finger’ and finding blame; dismissing the individual who may be responsible is also dismissing any chances to learn the most from the incident after the fact.

It's important to think about what they were thinking and doing, how did we get to the situation and avoiding viewing with hindsight.

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Too Many Rules Can Create a Culture of Risk Secrecy

Wed, 13 May 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Interesting Health and Safety Podcast, Colin talks about RULES! Through Colin’s experience with various businesses, he has come to learn that ‘golden rules’ mean NOTHING! Having too many rules, regulations and standards in place can lead to unnecessary complications and a ‘risk secrecy’ culture in the workplace. Creating a more simplistic environment for your workers can lead to a more open and honest work ethic. Simply communicating with your employees to create a shared understanding of the company’s ethos and guidelines can create clarity and increased safety throughout!

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Clive Lloyd - Psychological Safety and Trust

Sun, 10 May 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Colin is joined by Clive Lloyd, a specialist in psychological safety and how to build and maintain trust in the workplace.

Clive has joined Colin to discuss the many ways in which companies can engender trust, and by doing so increase aversion to risk in their own workplaces.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

There are no better predictors of workplace safety than trust and mistrust, and yet most companies do not embrace it, as they see it as too vague and indistinct.
By opening our minds to new ideas and input from those around us, we awaken perceptions to which we may not otherwise have had access.
When it comes to health and safety, we should rely less upon opinions and entirely upon data and fact. There can be no room for conjecture.
If we have successfully implemented a culture by where people feel comfortable enough to raise concerns and speak out, then safety becomes a natural byproduct.

BEST MOMENTS

’Trust is still viewed as touchy-feely psychobabble stuff’

‘We’re all entitled to opinions, but what we’re not entitled to are our own facts’

‘I focus on doing work well, and doing work reliably’

’The effective use of questions is one of the most powerful tools we have'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

GYST Consulting - https://www.gystconsulting.com.au/clive-lloyd/

Clive Lloyd At GYST - https://www.gystconsulting.com.au/clive-lloyd/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Returning To Work with Covid-19

Wed, 06 May 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Interesting Health and Safety Podcast, Colin discusses the prospect of returning to work from lockdown. How to you manage and protect your workers to keep them safe as the country recovers. This is not just the physical aspects of safety such as equipment or distancing, but also the psychological aspects of safety. Most people will have been through an incredibly tough time during lockdown and may be anxious to return to work.

Your business may have transformed during lockdown, it’s important to look at the key tasks that require doing, bringing back the most essential people first. Having a gradual induction back into the business is key to getting the business back onto its feet.

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Karl Simons talks Senior Commitment, Health & The Supply Chain

Sun, 03 May 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Colin is joined by Karl Simons, the Health, Safety, Security and Wellbeing Director for Thames Water, who was recently named as SHP’s Most Influential Person In Health & Safety 2019.

Karl and Colin discuss the importance of culture upon change, and the vital role that senior management play in determining the direction and message of health in the workplace.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Health and safety is a team effort. Through combined creativity, imagination and drive, we can embed a culture of compassion and care.
The two reasons why people fail to challenge are lack of empowerment and fear of reprisals. Only by establishing a culture of openness and trust can we engender faith and care.
Change can never truly be attained unless those in the higher echelons of business recognise its importance.
It is not our job to judge a person based on the nature of their absence. It is our job to ensure and enable their return to work, and to see to it that they thrive.
It’s not disability that prevents people from thriving in the workplace. It is the work environment itself. It is incumbent upon us to get the best out of everyone.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It reflects the energy and effort that people across the organisation have put in’

‘Behaviour is external. We can see it’

‘You’ve got to create that culture of safe environment’

’There are always steps we can take to make sure people have a fulfilling life at work'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

Karl Simons LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-simons-35b58ab8/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

3 Things to Consider about your health during Lockdown!

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Health and Safety Podcast, Colin has 3 things that he wants you to consider during lockdown!

The Fridge – STOP SNACKING!! It’s so easy to be tempted into eating a bit more than you usually would! Find ways of controlling what you are eating and spend less time in the fridge.

The Drinks Cabinet – A cheeky glass every once in a while isn’t a bad thing! However day drinking is something that should be avoided during lockdown! Monitor how much you are dinking (it will save your belly and your wallet!)

Get Hot and Sweaty! – Not just in the bedroom ;) You can actually get hot and sweaty in any room in the house. Sit ups, squats, running, anything that gets the blood pumping is a great way to keep your body focused and happy!

Follow Colin’s golden rules to stay active, sane and sensible during lockdown!

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Todd Conklin - challenging the future direction of health and safety

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Todd Conklin is the host of one of the world’s most popular podcasts centred around Health & Safety - The Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast - and through his tireless efforts in promoting the cause, he has been called to speak and mentor around the globe.

Todd joins Colin to discuss the world of health and safety, how it’s changed now that COVID-19 has taken its toll, and what the sector will look like going forward.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The current crisis comes in three sections: disease, economic and psychological. It is highly likely that working life will change forever in its wake.
Too many in the health and safety industry are tackling the challenges the wrong way round. We need to concentrate more on the higher echelons of business, which will cause a ripple effect downwards.
Despite views to the contrary, workers at ground level are very good at keeping themselves safe, and are constantly trying to be safer.
Rules shouldn’t be things we penalise people for breaking. Rules should be the jumping off point for studying practices that need improvement.
In life in general, we do not consider the element of risk. We are driven by the absence of controls. In the workplace we are far too interested in what not to do, instead of how we can do things better.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Workers aren’t the problem. Workers are the solution’

‘We created efficiencies. We’re going back to workplace that’s going to be built on resilience’

’The most important tool we have is generosity’

’Nobody comes to work wanting to have an accident'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

Todd Conklin LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-conklin-64b8a8a/

The Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast - https://preaccidentpodcast.podbean.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Two Simple Things You Can Do In Lockdown!

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0000

This time on the Interesting Health and Safety podcast, Colin tells us two things that we can do during lockdown to make the most of our time and to improve out health and safety business! The first is to look at the statutory things that you are required to do in your business (for example electrical systems, fire extinguishers) keeping on top of these elements and getting them tested is still paramount during these difficult times. Colin has some amazing tools to help you with this if you need help!

The second thing is to do a good review of all the tasks that are happening within your business and to make sure that you have all of the necessary risk assessment documents. Make sure that these documents make sense and are thorough enough! Doing this will allow you to be able to make really effective risk assessments for all future tasks within your business!

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Finding Opportunity in Adversity

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Interesting Health and Safety Podcast, Colin explains the importance of finding opportunity out of adversity. During this corona virus pandemic, people are forced to live their lives differently. Some people still have to go to work and be exposed whilst others are locked down in their own homes. Colin reflects on how he has been making the most of lockdown and how he is done more work than usual without even leaving the house. Colin has even created new business practices through technology that he plans to keep implementing after the pandemic is over!

Colin encourages us to challenge the ways that we work to allow ourselves to free up more time for the important things in life. How can you take this opportunity to better yourself and create new habits that will improve your life during and after the pandemic.

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

A chat with James McPherson – Rebranding Safety

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0000

James McPherson has been described as the “hip young gunslinger” of Health & Safety after launching his hugely successful Rebranding Safety podcast in December of 2018.

As a podcasting contemporary, Colin is in informal mode today with James, where they discuss the impact that podcasting itself is having on safety awareness, their shared love of sport and the message and purpose that connect them.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Podcasting is turning into a supremely effective way to connect with likeminded Health & Safety disruptors, and a great method of spreading awareness in a fascinating way.
The skill behind being a truly great host is the ability to recognise the structure of a conversation ahead of time. It is the art of moving the conversation forward.
Health & Safety is not a competition. No-one should feel that they cannot spread the word for fear of treading on someone’s toes. The more voices out there, the safer the world will be.
The safety industry is unfortunately beset by a certain arrogance. There are those who feel as though they have learned all they need to know. But there is always more to know. Learning should be a continuous, evolving pursuit.
Different voices provide different perspectives. The greater number of voices, the greater perspectives we will have.

BEST MOMENTS

‘If the person’s interesting, you’re never going to run out of things to ask’

‘If we’re genuinely passionate about what we do, then we should give it away for free’

‘If you’re doing a job that you genuinely love doing, then it’s not a job’

‘I’ve acknowledged that I have room to grow, too’

‘Health and safety is like chocolate biscuits'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

James McPherson Twitter - https://twitter.com/jamesmacpherso8?lang=en

James McPherson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmacpherson1/?originalSubdomain=uk

The Rebranding Safety Podcast - https://anchor.fm/rebrandingsafety

Rebranding Safety on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeSzxgNnZ8QE0bdZRIxf8eA

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

My Experience Being a Mentor During Corona-Virus

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Interesting Health and Safety Podcast, Colin talks about his experience in mentoring a brand new starter in the health and safety industry. Colin talks about the difficulties getting experience in the field of health and safety as a new starter and how YOU could build a plan to improve your experience and employability. This unprecedented time is a perfect excuse to get out the books and start learning about whatever you want to get into, Colin teachers us how we can improve ourselves and succeed in life.

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Interview with James Thorne - Institute of quarrying CEO

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Colin is in conversation with James Thorne, the CEO of The Institute Of Quarrying (IOQ).

James has marked himself out in the industry as a man determined to push practices forward, and coupled with his dynamic thinking and methodologies. James joins the show today to talk through some of the innovative ways in which he hopes to lead The IOQ into tomorrow’s world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Future-proofing plans for the IOQ revolves around ensuring that their members are supported through education, best practices, and implementation of new technologies to support this.

The outbreak has caused much of the world to be brought to a stand-still. But businesses are being urged to carry on where they can. If we do keep going, we must be aware of the mental strain this places us under.

It’s not just about having the technical competence to understand the issue. The ability to listen, to communicate and to act on what you’ve heard.

Fluid, coherent responses to team’s needs has led IOQ to harness new, accessible technologies, resulting in new and dynamic ways of relaying information and practices to its members. It’s a model that should act as a lesson to all institutes of learning.

Capability is an extension of competence. By adding skill-sets, efficiency and communication to an already competent body, we create capability.

BEST MOMENTS

‘We need to control the controllables’

‘Get the basics right, and the rest of it will look after itself’

‘If we don’t understand it, and we don’t measure it, then how can we make sure we’re dealing with it in the best way possible?’

‘It’s not just about competence. It’s about capability’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

James Thorne LinkedIn

The Institute Of Quarrying

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Look after your wellbeing whilst in lockdown

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In this special two-part conversation, Colin chats to sisters, Elaine Crewe and Sharon De Caesteker, the founders of Wellbeing4Life, who offer a range of holistic wellbeing services that encourage individuals and businesses to use creativity, courage and imagination in order to achieve happiness, health and joy.

In part two of their conversation, Sharon and Elaine discuss the challenges of working from home during this trying period, the psychological implications of suddenly finding ourselves with time on our hands, and the positive opportunities of quarantine.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

For those working at home now, it can be quite a difficult transition. This is mainly due to the fact that when we’re in the workplace, the beginning and end of a working day are clearly visible. These lines are blurred when we work at home, and our personal lives are closely intertwined with out professional lives.
Structure is an essential component of our days. Even for those who may not be able to work at the moment, it’s vital that we inject some kind of framework into our time, in order to give ourselves purpose.
Some basic structural tips for your day should include:
- Good food and dietary consideration
- Physical activity
- Space and time for mental rest
- Creative achievement
This period of inactivity is a wonderful opportunity to engage with “Project You”; a means to developing yourself in all kinds of incredible ways, either physically or mentally.
For Sharon and Elaine, the quarantine has given them the opportunity to put new systems into place, allowing them to hold bootcamps and classes online, which are having a transformative effect upon their clients remotely.

BEST MOMENTS

’The dogs have never had so many walks!’

‘I was only 1hr 20 minutes away from the world record…'

‘For that one hour, coronavirus doesn’t exist’

‘We can finish what we’ve started. But just avoid the things we’ve started in the drinks cupboard...'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

Wellbeing4Life - https://www.wellbeing-4-life.com/about-us/

Wellbeing4Life On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Wellbeing4LifeUK/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Wellbeing with Wellbeing4life's Sharon and Elaine

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0000

In part one of the conversation, Elaine and Sharon discuss their backgrounds and purpose, the incredible healing power of laughter, the impact of culture on the wellbeing of the workforce, and how to implement changes that can empower your workforce into becoming a happier, more productive team.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Laughter releases endorphins, which immediately promote a better physical and emotional feeling. Laughter Yoga is the practice of encouraging our bodies to release these endorphins through practised laughter techniques.
Changing your mind-set can be achieved through simple, incremental steps, such as changing your diet, your routine, and your exercise regime.
So many people are attuned to society’s route through life. We choose a profession, work each day and potentially progress along that career path. By altering our mind-set, we can see the possibilities outside of this path through life, and hopefully endeavour to choose a more fulfilling journey.
A healthy, happy workplace is a productive workplace. By ensuring that we lead from the top and identify our workplace culture, we increase engagement, creativity and motivation.
Enhancing our workplace culture must never be approached as a box-ticking exercise. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. It needs to be a fluid, bespoke, and ever-evolving process of learning and adapting.
Simple things, such as making sure take a proper lunch break, can increase productivity by a staggering 41%. We need to dismantle the notion that “powering through” is some kind of badge of honour, as not taking care of yourself can actually be detrimental to the entire company.
Openness and honesty, coupled with connection, are the best ways to deal with overwhelm. We need to make sure that confidence is a value that’s held across the business in order to make this conversation possible.
Companies thrive when they allow their staff to step up to the challenge. Trusting our workforce to do the best job possible is infinitely more empowering than treating them as subordinates.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I didn’t recognise the signs’

‘It’s transformed the way that we live, and we love seeing that transformation in our clients’

‘Wellbeing is all about experimentation’

‘It’s absolutely crazy to be still living with these archaic ways!’

’We do adapt and we do respond'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

Wellbeing4Life - https://www.wellbeing-4-life.com/about-us/

Wellbeing4Life On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Wellbeing4LifeUK/

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Interview with Jonathan Dempsey (Part 2)

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Jonathan Dempsey is the director of Red Laces, a relatively new consultancy focussed on providing strategic delivery, inspections, audits and incident management. Jonathan is an MBA graduate and Fellow Of The International Institute Of Risk And Safety Management, known for his progressive approach to business.

In this second of a special two-part conversation, Jonathan talks about why health and safety needs to be rebranded, the dangers of blame, and the creative value in health and safety interpretation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

If we keep things at a document level, and fail to consider the people, you will create risk, create incidents, and by doing so, incur costs.
There should never be blame in any organisation. Compliance and a fear of the regulator causes blame to appear.
There’s a real perception out there, that Health and Safety is a boring subject. It’s up to the innovators in the industry to change that view.
The route to effective health and safety isn’t always black and white. There is room for interpretation, so long as the frameworks are adhered to.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Target zero keeps that definition of safety very narrow’

‘It’s the “S” in Health & Safety’

‘It’s the adaptability and the agility that comes from these things’

‘It was all about that shift in perspective’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

Red Laces - https://www.redlaces.co.uk/blank-page-1

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Slow things down when things get tight

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0000

This time on The Interesting Health and Safety Podcast, Colin reports from a shopping centre in Woking whilst he waits to go on a site inspection. Colin discusses how the Corona virus is going to impact workplaces, giving some key advice on how you should look after yourself during this pandemic.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

Red Laces - https://www.redlaces.co.uk/blank-page-1

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Interview With Jonathan Dempsey

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0000

In this first of a special two-part conversation, Jonathan discusses the need for disruptive thinking in risk, the operational opportunities in technology, and why the polar ends of all companies need to find more effective ways to communicate in order to minimise risk.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Red Laces are empowering businesses to improve profitability through more creative risk solutions, with a focus on people.
The perceptions of any business can be in stark contrast from one end of the business to the other. For example, innovation may be a driver at the executive level, but on the ground level, it may almost be invisible.
Risk and systems are often reduced to language. But risk is a people activity. Conditions change, and so do people. It needs to be an ever-evolving process that can easily adapt to fit the user and conditions.
Brands often assume that their culture pervades all the way through the organisation, But these large firms are often built on acquisitions, and may contain cultures within cultures that still work to legacy standards.
Social media and technology types are having a huge effect on the way we engage with our workforce. By embracing the creative opportunities in new platforms, we can better translate our values and core beliefs across organisations.
If you’re aiming for compliance, then you’re aiming for “bronze”. However, if you’re aiming for ”silver” then you have a far better chance of exceeding expectations.
Red Laces provide a comprehensive, holistic appraisal of the risk in all departments of a business, working alongside all departments, and also taking into account departments such as IT and cyber.

BEST MOMENTS

‘We’re helping to demystify risk, but take a more holistic approach to add more value’

‘What do we hear? What do we see? What do we feel?’

‘I’m not dancing yet!’

‘Unless we evolve and innovate, we’re going to be left behind’

‘Most businesses run on people as the energy’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

Red Laces - https://www.redlaces.co.uk/blank-page-1

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Office Safety Awareness

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0000

Welcome back to The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast!

Today, whilst waiting for a meeting, Colin is thinking aloud about office safety. Colin wants to cover 2 areas; People who manage offices & People that work in offices.

Whilst it is generally accepted that office-environments are low-risk, it is still important to be aware of potential hazards and risks to you and your colleagues/staff. Primarily things like;

Fire safety - appropriate risk assessments and ensuring everybody knows the protocols in the event of a fire (safety points, fire exits, where extinguishers or blankets are located)

Electrical safety - Making sure fixed wiring is inspected and tested, but also everything has the appropriate level of testing and safety risk assessment (Portable appliance testing for example).

Simple Risk assessment - you may have unusual equipment or non-standard setups that require specific assessments when approaching the job and environment from a hazard perceptive view. This needs to be applied across the office, equipment and jobs& tasks involved. This doesn’t need to be confusing or long winded, but just a simple guide or set of instructions.

Manual Handling - Moving paper, desks, chairs, boxes and so on all involve manual handling. Many jobs in an office will include some modecum of manual handling so it is imperative all staff are trained in the basic procedures involved to avoid injury and risk.

Regular Activities - Colin gives the example of moving hot drinks from the kitchen to their desk; does this journey traverse stairs? Is there a clear and safe path in and out of the canteen? There could be a fall or trip on the stairs as they are unable to hold on due to carrying cups of hot drink. Perhaps spilling the drink will create a slip risk for themselves or other people in the office? Is the canteen safely setup to avoid any accidents involving hot water? Is the equipment easy to use and is there simple instructions to explain how?

If you need any assistance, or have any questions, get in touch with Colin and IMG and they can gladly help with office risk assessments or office safety training!

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Are Your First Aid Processes Good Enough?

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0000

“First aid is there to make sure you’ve got the right things in place… if things go wrong”

In todays episode Colin is making sure you have adequate resources for first aid in your business and workplace(s). Make sure you have the best possible emergency plans and processes in place, should anybody ever need immediate help or further interventions (emergency arrangements and external help).

Colin has 6 points to consider!

Risk Assessment: You want to be doing a Risk Assessment about your workplace and environment.
- Is it local to a city or populated area?
- Does the remote location of the job affect how quickly you would receive help, should you ever need it?

It is about making sure you get the right level of support and processes in place before an incident occurs
Adequate Training: Colin notes that this could be part of the issue; Sometimes getting someone to volunteer to be first-aid trained can be the initial hurdle. They need to be comfortable should a situation arises but also confident to take appropriate action. Once you have identified who it is who is first aid trained, make sure they have adequate training (and relevant to the types of injuries that could occur, highlighted in your risk assessment). This also includes refreshing the training and expanding upon it.
Provide a suitable Facilities for First Aid: you need a clean and tidy environment highlighted as the place to take an injured person(s). This space obviously needs to be suitably clean, tidy and well located within reasonable distances on-site. There also needs to be appropriate provisions of PPE and first aid equipment, if any of this be required should an incident occur.
Have Good Quality Provisions in place: Make sure your first aid(ers) are responsible for the aforementioned PPE and first aid equipment and supplies;
Weekly or daily checklists to confirm it has all been checked, itemised and stocked appropriately. These systems make sure you are always prepared and you and your staff are aware of any used, missing or lacking in your provisions
Provide employees with the right information: Employees need the right information to act appropriately at the time of an incident.
-Who are the first aiders?
-Are they distinguishable by uniform (coloured vests or hard hats?)?
what are their contact details?
Where are the meeting points if a fire alarm is raised?
What should they do in the instance of an accident and what is the chain of responsibility?

All these need to be clear so everything seamlessly works and no further accidents occur and first aid is administered correctly, quickly and by the appropriate personnel
Make sure the arrangements are in place for all shifts and periods of annual leave: It is imperative there aren’t breaks in your ability to supply your systems, processes and first aid responses.
- Should your first aider go on annual leave, what would you do in an emergency?
- What are your plans if the first aider is the staff affected?

Make sure you have redundancies, and make sure they’re solid.

BONUS: IMG Provide services and training for first aid (appointed courses, emergency first aid and mental health first aid). If you are interested or need some support please get in touch with Colin or the IMG Team!

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Manual Handling and T.I.L.E

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0000

The majority of the times you need to consider manual handling, you will do this as part of the overall risk assessment. Manual handling will be just one of many hazards that are associated with the task (and you will manage it accordingly).

Colin wants to discuss specifically, those tasks that require much more manual handling (such as tasks where manual handling is essentially the biggest element of the job).

Look at your site as a whole; which tasks are on-going/ coming up? Which are you going to deal with as a standard risk assessment? And which are manual handling specific tasks?

Examples of manual handling specific tasks involve a lot of carrying, pulling, pushing and lifting. Bagging operations, goods-handling and product packing are great examples of this! Some of these will certainly contain multiple different manual handling tasks (lifting, lowering, moving, packing, bulk varieties of the previous)

Colin wants to bring attention to T.I.L.E. system;

T – Task. Consider the manual handling activity itself and consider the hazards and job involved. Does it involve a range of movement and a mix of carrying, lifting and repetitive motions?

I – Individual. Who is doing the task? Are they physically capable or perhaps they need assistance? Is their age or existing health a consideration?

L – Load. Specifically what is manually being handled? Is it a variety of objects? Is it bulky? Heavy? Difficult to grip? Is it a liquid? Maybe it's hot or cold?

E – Environment. What is specific about the space in which you are performing the task? Is the route you have to carry the item/s clear? Is there space suitable? How about even or uneven surfaces (stairs? Ramps?)? Is there is a risk of slippery surfaces? And is the room sufficiently lit?

This system is standard when considering any manual handling task. Think of the last manual handling task you undertook and apply the T.I.L.E. Method; is there anything you hadn’t considered? What would you do differently?

Get in touch and let Colin know! As always, be sure to subscribe& comment and find Colin on all the socials!

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Using New Media To Increase Your Engagement – with Richard Collins

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0000

In this week’s show, Colin chats to fellow podcaster, and health and safety expert, Richard Collins about the ways in which new media, such as podcasts, can be used to communicate with, and engage with, workforces.

Engagement is sometimes incredibly difficult to improve. Traditional forms of communication seem to be largely ignored, so maybe it’s time to think of new, more interesting ways of talking to our workforces. Colin and Richard’s conversation will certainly inspire you to think differently.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Podcasting is proving to be a valuable means of communication for firms looking to communicate in new ways to their workforce. This solves many of the engagement issues that companies seem to have.

Email blasts, newsletters, or notices on bulletin boards, are often ignored and sometimes actively avoided by staff. New forms of communication and engagement are essential steps forward for all businesses.

The prospect of truly helping people is a large driving factor in Richard’s constant desire to do better, and to improve.

The world of today is all about communication, and broadening our reach when it comes to networking. Both Richard and Colin have greatly increased their own knowledge by talking to people from all over the world, and from different cultures.

New media presents its own challenges. We need to find new ways of telling our stories, or there’s little point utilising these unique channels and forms of communication.

Dynamic advertising is a new system that allows for contemporary messages to be implanted into content that’s already been sent out into the wild, meaning that content is essentially evergreen.

Smaller businesses have tighter budgets, which means that H&S solutions must be more creative. Larger businesses tend to be more standardised in their approach.

Both Colin and Richard acknowledge the need to engage with a wide range of people in the business hierarchy for their podcasts. This gives a better overview of the way companies work, and the different needs of different sectors.

BEST MOMENTS

‘People are really interested to hear people they know, speaking’

‘Why wait for the accident?’

‘Communication os fundamental’

’There’s a reason why people weren’t opening the emails’

‘You create an environment that’s safe but challenging’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

Safeti Podcast - https://safeti.com/series/the-safeti-environment-health-and-safety-podcast/

Safeti - https://safeti.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

The Roles We Play In Changing The Industry For The Better – with Phil Redmond: Part 2

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0000

It’s another insightful conversation this week as Colin talks to Phil Redmond of the Institute Of Quarrying and formerly Hanson Aggregates, and who is now with Lehigh Hanson, and whose role is to make sure the company is the best it can possibly be. As such, Phil is supremely knowledgeable about health and safety issues, as well as other concerns and issues that can often hold a company back in terms of progress.

In the second part of their fascinating conversation, Phil and Colin discuss credibility, trust, competence, how to eradicate some of the more significant workplace hazards, and the cultural differences between Phil’s UK and US business life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

It’s incredibly important to create an environment where people feel comfortable enough to ask for change. Only by embracing the voices that we have trusted to keep our business running, can we truly effect positive change.

When dissecting the aftermath of a problem, we need to identify the root cause of what went wrong. It could be training, a personal issue, lack of understanding, or an interpretation issue. Only then can we decide upon accountability.

Change is coming swiftly these days, and it’s for the better. Even things like road safety for workers has been drastically improved.

Advances in safety have been rapid. Advances in health, too, are vital, and can only really move forward through constant collaboration and communication.

Phil notes that the positivity in the same industry in the US, and the “can do” nature of the workers and the industry there, are the main things that he would choose to import to the UK if he got the chance.

BEST MOMENTS

’You have to listen to what the business is asking for’

‘We are where we are, but it’s about where we’re going to go with it’

‘I never use the word “blame”'

‘Listening is more important than talking most of the time’

‘We can always learn'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

Phil Redmond LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-redmond-b6136927/?originalSubdomain=uk

Lehigh Hanson - https://www.lehighhanson.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Tips for Dealing With Stress

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0000

Colin talks Stress and Mental health awareness. As part of a Mental Health First Aid England programme Colin witnessed with a client, he saw some fantastic and simple key messages to help relieve stress in yourself and others in the workplace! Colin has summarised most of this information and shared with you as he feels it is important in your business to take care of you and your colleagues mental well-being

Coping Strategies and self-care-tips to help protect yourself against stress. This included things to try; and things to avoid!

Try!

Get Moving by doing activities like walking or sports!
Eat well; Healthy diet, healthy mind!
Having ‘you’ time; Setting aside time to have fun and indulge yourself (Having ‘you’ time)
Learning a new skill; Learning a new instrument, language or maybe a trade or useful skill.
Get Better at Sharing your feelings; its okay to ask for help& support. Don’t be frightened to help yourself.
Switch off from distractions

Avoid!

Overdoing it on sugar, caffeine and alcohol
Overworking; Leave work at work, don’t take it home with you
Don’t chase perfection; Be it in your own personal life and self image, or maybe work aspirations. Accept who you are and don’t apply excessive pressure on yourself with unrealistic expectations
Don’t Bottle it up; make sure you don’t bottle up your feelings, positive or negative. Make sure to talk about things and don’t let your feelings build and escalate.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

mhfaengland.org

ABOUT HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

This is the belief that Colin is passionate about and through his consultancy Influential Management Group (IMG) is able to spread into industry.

Colin works at a strategic level with company owners and board members. He helps business leaders establish and achieve their health and safety ambitions.

He has developed a number of leading competency improvement programmes that are delivered across industry and his strengths are his ability to take a practical approach to problem solving and being able to liaise at all levels within an organisation.

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, -an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

He is a Post Graduate Tutor at Strathclyde University and a highly sought-after health and safety speaker and trainer.

He has a Post Graduate Certificate in Safety and Risk management, an engineering degree and is a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)

The Roles We Play In Changing The Industry For The Better – with Phil Redmond: Part 1

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0000

In the first part of their fascinating conversation, Phil discusses how the industry is moving beyond physical conditions, the biggest changes he’s seen in the last thirty years, and the ways in which Phil and Colin have had a hand in helping the industry to grow and evolve.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

For Phil, the biggest change in health and safety since he began thirty years ago, is the move to be more collaborative between operatives and supervisory managers.

We should always lead by example. When people see positive change occur, they are far more likely to push for positive change themselves.

In all industries, but especially in the quarry industry, you can never entirely eliminate risk. Instead we should see it, embrace it, and try to make it a part of everything we do.

The ability to identify a hazard is a very personal skill. Familiarity is a dangerous buffer sometimes. A person who has worked in an environment for a long time may have become numb to the hazards all around them, and so when risk is determined by someone, it becomes a personal experience.

Communication is critical in the industry, not just in transmitting the hazards of quarrying to the workers, but also to communicate these concerns to the next generation of leaders, who will take the industry onward.

One of the biggest victories scored by the quarrying industry is that the working environment they have shaped and created is attracting new talent of all backgrounds and sexes, meaning that it has become extraordinarily progressive.

BEST MOMENTS

’The industry now is vastly different to the one we started in’

‘Can you imagine us thirty years ago having a conversation about mental health? It just wouldn’t have been on the agenda’

‘It wasn’t that I broke the rules. I was broken as an individual’

‘Many people will put their hands up because they see the outcome of consultation’

‘Experienced; not old!’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health And Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/training-competency-creating-effective-plan-process/id1467771449?i=1000452692837

Phil Redmond LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-redmond-b6136927/?originalSubdomain=uk

Lehigh Hanson - https://www.lehighhanson.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

Controls For Confined Spaces!

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0000

Not all workplaces will have confined space, but those that have need to have good controls in place for those who need to go into confined spaces to do any maintenance work or repairs. There are a few things you must consider before letting people go into confined spaces such as access, testing the atmosphere and if the area they’re going into is properly isolated so equipment won’t start. You also need to think of the job they are doing. If you’re just going in to do a check, there’s a small chance it will be dangerous, but if you’re going in to do maintenance or something that could affect the atmosphere then there needs to be more control put into place.

Confined space rescue

Confined space rescue is very important but is something that is rarely practised. There are a few things you could consider in order to be prepared. Firstly, have a plan for confined space rescue. Make sure that the people involved in the rescue are trained, competent and have a good understanding of the equipment they will be using. Finally, you need to make sure the equipment available is appropriate for the environment you’re working in.

Review your process
Every company will have a different confined space rescue plan that works best for them. But often, people tend to overlook small details that would actually make the rescue a lot harder. Plans may be done quickly and thought provoking questions may not be asked. This is important to ensure you have looked at the rescue from all angles and worked out what you would do for unique situations. So when doing your plan, ask yourself questions and what you would do in certain situations and then see if the plan is still viable. If it’s not, work out another way to do it. This ensures a safe and appropriate plan is created for any situation.
Look at confined spaces individually
Confined space rescue plans cannot be looked at with a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Each confined space should be reviewed individually and plans should be tailored to that space. Look at the access, look at how you’ll make the rescue, look at where you want to be positioning the rescue equipment, you should ensure individuals taking part are highly trained and finally, you should practice.

Most organisations will have a confined space rescue plan in place, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the most effective one. When going over a rescue plan, it’s important to ensure that in an emergency, you are able to get everyone out quickly and safely without adding extra danger and hazards. How do you ensure your rescue plan is the safest way to react in an emergency?

It’s really important that each confined space has its own rescue plan. Each space will be different and will have different access, will need different equipment and will need the rescue to adapt accordingly. Are all your confined space rescue plans the same or do you tailor them to each individual space?

Control in confined spaces in the workplace is very important. You need to ensure those going into a confined space are in safe working conditions. You need to look at what kind of job the worker will be doing whilst in there. If it’s a quick check, there is minimal risk that something will happen. However, they could be going in to do maintenance or something, where the atmosphere could change so more control, would need to be put in place. What sort of control would you implement in this situation?