The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).

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.’ 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).