Health & Safety Matters Podcast

In this episode, host Mark Sennett sits down with the new BSIF CEO John Hooker who explains what he will bring to the role and the challenges he sees ahead for the health and safety sector and the BSIF. Mark also covers all the latest industry news including the recently published HSE figures on UK workplace fatalities, how ACAS is helping resolve a record number of workplace disputes, a new campaign tackling the widespread confusion surrounding Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and previews all that will take place at Health and Safety Matters Live Scotland, which takes place on 27 November 2025 at SEC Glasgow. Mark also sits down with Draeger Safety UK's Dave Head to discuss a number of key topics including if UK safety legislation needs updating and the key challenges facing the UK safety sector.

In this episode, host Mark Sennett sits down with BSIF CEO Alan Murray who reveals that SATRA CEO John Hooker is set to take over as his replacement at the Federation. Alan gives an insight into the recruitment process, looks back on his tenure as CEO and looks ahead for what is an exciting period for BSIF. Mark also covers all the latest industry news including BSIF issuing an urgent warning to those responsible for procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety products following the results of its latest independent tests. In addition, Mark talks about new research shows days off due to ill health rockets, and 2/3 of Londoners say they have been impacted by dust or light pollution from a construction site over the past year.

On this episode host Mark Sennett chats with Cromwell's Peter Smart about all things PPE. Mark also covers the latest industry news including BSIF urges businesses to review PPE stock, IOSH calls for Government action to protect gig workers. He also shares his thoughts on the demise of Anticipate London/Safety & Health Expo and the Safety and Health Practitioner. 

In this episode, Mark Sennett looks at all the latest health and safety industry news. Including how new research has highlighted gaps in Building Safety Act knowledge, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is urging buyers and wearers of PPE to review their PPE stock and replace old and damaged items after a member survey showed outdated and poorly maintained personal protective equipment (PPE) is in use across UK workplaces. Also, Mark discusses the findings of a recent survey that shows 45% of freelancers saw their mental health decline in 2024, after an incredibly challenging year in 2024, and only 6% felt supported by government. Mark also gives an update on the Safety and Health Excellence Awards, which has extended its deadline for free entries until 14 February 2025. You can enter the SHE Awards at www.she-awards.com

In this episode, Mark Sennett sits down with What Else Events managing director Tim Else and hears all about Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live, which takes place on 2-3 October 2024 at Farnborough International. Tim shares with us some exiting new features of the show including a dedicated content stream from the Health and Safety Executive, he details some of the 40+ hours of CPD content on offer across the seminar theatres and provides an insight on what's on show from the 100+ exhibitors. Mark also takes a look at the latest industry news, including the latest figures published by the HSE on work-related fatal incidents, calls for the Health and Safety at Work Act to be modernised after it celebrates its 50th anniversary, and also the response to a new documentary showing the dangers of substandard PPE flooding the UK market.

In this episode, Mark Sennett sits down with NEBOSH CEO Andy Shenstone to discuss details of the new NEBOSH strategy.  Mark also covers the latest news in the OSH sector including stories on Employers failing to protect its drivers, No Falls Week and also the findings of RS' 2024 Health & Safety report Striving for Excellence.

In this episode, Mark Sennett sits down with Intelex's Trevor Bronson and discusses what’s changed in health and safety over the last five years, what should be the focus of OSH professionals leaders moving forwards and also the impact of technology on the world of health and safety. Mark also covers the latest industry news, which includes the BSIF identifying a number of non-compliant PPE products in recent tests it has conducted, new laws aimed at protecting retail workers, the worrying results of a recent poll showing that maintenance professionals are unsure on how to comply with the new Building Safety Act, and three new trustees are appointed at NEBOSH.

In episode 37, host Mark Sennett chats with Martor UK's Tom Turner about the importance of using suitable safety knives. He also explains how much of an impact safety knives have across UK business and the impacts of workers getting cut injuries using unsafe equipment. Mark also covers the latest industry news including the launch of No Falls Week, the first female CEO of RoSPA, and new research that reveals almost 1 in 3 employees (31%) have experienced at least one form of microaggression or discriminatory behaviour from their manager in the past six months.

In Episode 36, host Mark Sennett sits down with David Bishop, the event director of the Health and Safety Event, who explains why the event is now a must-attend for any OSH professional. Mark also covers all the latest industry news including Non-registered PPE providers failing BSIF tests, a new report shows poor mental health is having a damaging effect across the UK, news of BSIF Alan Murray announcing his retirement and much more.

In this episode, host Mark Sennett sits down with BSIF CEO Alan Murray to discuss the newly formed Occupational Safety & Health Stakeholder Alliance. Alan explains why it has been set up, who is involved and what are the Alliance's objectives. Mark then covers all the latest news including early findings from HSE’s Dust Kills campaign, frontline workers face monthly operational issues and the new IOSH President Elect outlines her aims for her new role.

In this episode, host Mark Sennett chat with 3M's George Elliott about how has the pandemic affected the respiratory industry in the UK and the importance of only using safe and compliant RPE. Mark also covers the latest news in the sector, which includes the Indefinite extension for the use of CE marking, £14million fine following the fatal Croydon tram crash and the shock findings of a BOHS report into women's health in the workplace.

In this episode, Mark Sennett chats with Intelex Vice President, Global Practice Leader - Safety and Health Scott Gaddis about ways to measure safety engagement, ways to improve safety culture and much more. Mark also takes a look at the latest industry news the latest UK workplace fatalities statistics, which have been published by the Health and Safety Executive. Also, Mark talks about NEBOSH appointing a new chair, the formation of the Occupational Safety and Health Stakeholder Alliance. He also covers HSE inspectors beginning a targeted inspection initiative focusing on manufacturing businesses where materials that contain silica are used. 

In this episode, Mark Sennett chats with RS Safety Solutions Senior Director Ryan Plummer about all things PPE and the importance of selecting quality PPE products. Mark also takes a look at the latest industry news including The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) warning those in charge of PPE and safety product procurement to be vigilant about substandard products, as its latest non-member product tests highlight the availability of high levels of non-compliant products. Also, Mark talks about an important survey on the state of the PPE market, while also comments on IOSH warning the Government about its amended plans to scrap EU laws.

In this episode, Mark Sennett chats with Dräger Safety UK Head of Safety Marketing David Head about the need for safety to be a key consideration in the UK’s energy transition, connected and digital safety and also what plans Dräger has for 2023 and beyond. Mark also takes a look at the latest industry news including The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) warning those in charge of PPE and safety product procurement to be vigilant about substandard products, as its latest non-member product tests highlight the availability of high levels of non-compliant products. Also, Mark takes a look at a new campaign launched by the Health and Safety Executive to raise awareness among younger people who work as plumbers, electricians and other trades, of the risks associated with asbestos.

In this episode, Mark Sennett chat with RS Safety Solutions Group Sales Director Rob Russell about the Protect What Matters Survey, which asks how have attitudes changed towards health and safety in your company? Are you optimistic for the future, or are there warning signs on the horizon?  Mark also takes a look at the latest industry news including the new impacts of the new Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, NEBOSH appointing a new CEO, British Safety Council reopening its offer to SMEs and micro-sized employers to apply to attend a free three-hour workshop to help them develop a wellbeing strategy, and IOSH responding to plans from Labour to get more people with health conditions and disabilities into work.

In this episode, Mark Sennett discusses how almost half of work-related illness is due to stress, depression or anxiety according to statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). He also talks about IOSH calling on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to reverse a decision made by his predecessor Liz Truss to exempt about 40,000 businesses from reporting requirements and regulations. Our guest on this episode is Safety Rocks founder Carla Crocombe who discusses the importance of health and safety training and how you can have fun while delivering it.

Episode 28 of the Health and Safety Matters Podcast is now live and features an interview with Arco Professional Safety Services technical director Ben Haughton. The HSM Podcast is sponsored by The Health & Safety Event, which takes place on 25-27 April 2023 at NEC Birmingham. In this episode, host Mark Sennett takes a look at the latest news stories in the sector including British Safety Council offering any organisation employing up to 500 staff the chance to get free support to improve the wellbeing of their workplace. Also, Mark talks about IOSH backing a campaign highlighting the role of psychosocial issues in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). In addition, Mark sits down with Arco's Ben Haughton to chat about standards relating to fall protection systems.

Episode 27 of the Health and Safety Matters Podcast is now live and features an interview with Protex AI CEO Dan Hobbs on how AI is successfully being integrated into the health and safety sector.. The HSM Podcast is sponsored by The Health & Safety Event, which takes place on 25-27 April 2023 at NEC Birmingham. In this episode, host Mark Sennett takes a look at the latest news stories in the sector including IOSH calling on the British Government to work with policy makers, regulators, employers and worker representatives to increase awareness about asbestos. Mark also shares the news on HSE refreshing the work-place silicosis guidance. In addition, Mark sits down with Dan Hobbs to discuss misconceptions about AI technology and explain how it can play a vital role in an organisation's safety culture.

EPISODE 26 of the Health & Safety Matters Podcast is now live and features an interview with British Safety Council chair Peter McGettrick. The HSM Podcast is sponsored by The Health & Safety Event, which takes place on 25-27 April 2023 at NEC Birmingham. In this episode, host Mark Sennett takes a look at the latest news stories in the sector including the annual UK workplace fatality figures, which have been published by the Health & Safety Executive. Mark also explores the dangers faced by workers during the UK’s record heatwave. He also explains to listeners what will be on offer at Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live, which is a free-to-attend event at Farnborough International on 28-29 September 2022. You can find out more information on the event or register to attend for free at www.safetyhealthwellbeing.live/ In addition, Mark also provides details on the recent announcement by The British Safety Industry Federation that it has signed a new multi-year strategic partnership extension with Western Business Media, which is the publisher of HSM. The main guest on this edition of the podcast is British Safety Council (BSC) chair Peter McGettrick. Peter took up the role a few months ago and shares his vision for the future of BSC, what he brings to the role and the challenges the organisation and the sector face in the coming years.

In this episode, Mark Sennett sits down with NEBOSH COO Dee Arp and discusses what we have learnt about mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic. There's advice for listeners on how they can get help for themselves or their colleagues if they are struggling with mental health. As always, Mark takes a look at the latest industry news, which this time includes IOSH explaining why delays pose a threat to the Employment Bill, an HSE safety alert on FFP masks, and also a sharp rise in the number of fatalities in the construction sector.