Safety And Risk Success

Christian Harris

Bring the benefits of proactive safety and risk management to life, through insights, experiences and stories. Every week, host Christian Harris - the UK's leading slips, trips and falls specialist - presents a new episode, typically with expert guests, to discuss: - Safety - Health - Wellbeing - Insurance - Risk management - Claims defensibility

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Make 2026 the Safest Year Yet

    There's a hard truth many of us don't like to admit we're incredibly busy in safety, yet not always as effective as we could be. This conversation is the panel session from an online event I co-hosted, bringing together some sharp minds in the field including Louise, Carla and Davy, where we challenged what really moves the needle in safety and risk. Not more paperwork, not more audits for the sake of it but sharper thinking, better conversations, and a relentless focus on what actually works. If 2026 is going to be your safest year yet, it starts with questioning some uncomfortable habits and getting back to what truly matters.   Highlights: Risk assessments without action: paperwork over performance  Data without follow-up: insight lost, no improvement  Manual handling myths: outdated training still widespread  Busy but ineffective: activity not equal to impact  Speak to people: real understanding starts on the ground  Slow down to speed up: reduce reactive overload  Leadership language gap: align with boardroom priorities  Safety role shift: generalist thinking over specialist silos   Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ Connect with Louise on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisehosking/ Connect with Carla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlacrocombe888/ Connect with Davy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davy-snowdon-mbe/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    33 min

  2. 3 APR

    Why Safety Systems Fail to Change Behavior, With Eduardo Blanco-Muñoz

    There's a question that sits right at the heart of safety performance, and it's one that frustrates a lot of us. Why do well-designed, technically sound safety systems still fail to change behaviour in the real world? I sat down with Eduardo Blanco-Muñoz to unpack this properly, and what followed was a fascinating exploration into perception, bias, culture, and the uncomfortable truth that people don't behave the way our systems expect them to. This is a conversation that challenges the traditional, rule-based mindset and opens the door to a more human, more realistic way of thinking about safety. Highlights: Why systems fail: Humans don't behave as rational models expect  Perception limits: We miss more risk than we realise  Overconfidence bias: People overestimate their ability to stay safe  Culture link: Values and beliefs drive behaviour at every level  Leadership impact: Behaviour matters more than policies or posters  Measurement traps: Focusing on KPIs can distort real safety progress  From control to influence: Move beyond command and control approaches  Practical tools: Turning theory into actionable safety strategies   Resources and actions:  Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ Connect with Eduardo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardoblanco/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    45 min

  3. 27 MAR

    Why Is Workplace Noise Still Poorly Managed?

    Workplace noise is one of those risks that quietly chips away at people over time, often unnoticed until it's too late. Yet despite nearly two decades of regulation, it's still being misunderstood, underestimated, and poorly managed in far too many Organisations. This episode, taken from a Safety Roundtable session, features Gill Cussons sharing practical insights on why noise risk still isn't being handled well and what we should be doing differently. What really stood out is how often we confuse "not sounding that bad" with "not being harmful" and how everyday habits, both inside and outside of work, are compounding the issue.   Highlights: Noise risk underestimated: long-term exposure often ignored  Hearing aids misconception: not a fix for damage  Compliance mindset problem: action stops after assessment  Exposure matters most: not just loudest source  Everyday noise impact: cumulative across work and life  Overprotection risk: reduces awareness and compliance  Poor implementation gap: reports without real change  Start with basics: fix sources before relying on PPE   Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ Connect with Gill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillcussons/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    47 min

  4. 20 MAR

    Ensuring Trust in the Age of Data and AI, With James Robson

    Trust with data is becoming one of the defining challenges for modern leadership. We hand over personal information every day, often without a second thought, yet expectations around how that data is handled have never been higher. My conversation with James Robson explores what happens when data protection, AI, politics and public confidence all collide. James brings a rare perspective from working across research, governance and political environments, and shares why trust is no longer just a compliance issue but something that directly shapes reputation, decision making and long-term business resilience. We also get into where many Organisations are getting caught out with AI adoption, why transparency matters more than ever, and how leaders can avoid creating unnecessary risk while still making progress. Highlights: Trust in data starts with public confidence: people need clarity before they share information Political data use relies on legal frameworks: public interest often overrides standard consent routes Privacy notices still matter: transparency must be understandable, not buried in jargon AI can deepen echo chambers: algorithms increasingly shape opinion and behaviour Shadow AI creates hidden exposure: staff may introduce tools without oversight AI impact assessments are becoming essential: risks need reviewing before deployment Data protection officers are evolving fast: technical AI knowledge is now increasingly valuable External expertise can reduce risk: trusted specialists help Organisations move safely Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-james-robson/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    20 min

  5. 13 MAR

    Looking into the AI Safety and Risk Management Mirror, With CJ Clarke-Joell

    Artificial intelligence is moving faster than most leaders can comfortably process, and that is exactly why this conversation matters. Speaking with CJ Clarke-Joell at Risk Europe opened up a much deeper discussion than technology alone. We explored what happens when AI starts reflecting our own biases, behaviours and decision making back at us, and why the real challenge is not simply understanding the tools, but understanding how we show up when using them. CJ brings a powerful human lens to digital disruption, cutting through the noise around AI ethics and reminding us that leadership, empathy and critical thinking matter more than ever as regulation, responsibility and rapid change continue to collide. Highlights: AI as a mirror: reflects our biases and behaviours Human oversight: expertise must stay above automation Multiple AI tools: compare outputs to expose bias Zone of disrupted identity: uncertainty affects decision making Ethical leadership: empathy, mindfulness and purpose matter Human scaffolding: support people through digital change Regulation is coming: businesses need policy and staff awareness Practical support: private AI clarity sessions through CKC Cares Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ Connect with CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chavonjoell/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    21 min

  6. 6 MAR

    The Rise of Ethical Hackers: How Gamers Are Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity, With Fergus Hay

    A teenager in a hoodie hacking systems in a dark bedroom has become the cultural stereotype. But what if that picture is completely wrong? What if the world's next generation of cybersecurity defenders are actually sitting in front of Roblox, Minecraft or Call of Duty right now, developing the exact skills governments and organisations desperately need. My guest Fergus Hay, co-founder and CEO of The Hacking Games, believes we are witnessing a massive shift in how cyber talent is discovered and developed. Millions of young gamers are building problem solving, pattern recognition and creative thinking skills every day. The challenge is not whether this talent exists, but whether we guide it towards protecting society rather than exploiting it. We talk about the real risks young people face online, how criminal networks actively recruit talented teenage hackers, and why parents, educators and employers need to rethink how they view gaming, neurodiversity and talent. Fergus also shares how The Hacking Games is identifying young ethical hackers and connecting them with opportunities in cybersecurity, defence and technology. Highlights: Ethical hacking explained: using creativity to break systems and improve them Gaming and cyber skills: puzzle solving, pattern spotting and teamwork The scale of gaming: 3.3 billion gamers globally, 93 percent of Gen Z play Recruitment risk: cybercriminals targeting talented teenagers online Parenting in the digital world: engage with children in their gaming environments Neurodiversity advantage: pattern recognition and creative thinking in cyber roles Alternative career paths: cybersecurity apprenticeships beyond traditional university routes The Hacking Games mission: identifying and directing young talent into ethical cybersecurity careers. Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ Connect with Fergus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fergus-hay-013a41/   Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    21 min

  7. 27 FEB

    Psychological Safety in Risk Leadership: Culture, Inclusion and Change, With Sharon Sharples

    Psychological safety gets talked about a lot in risk circles, but what does it really look like when you move beyond policy documents and into real culture change? A conversation with Sharon Sharples at Risk Europe sparked a refreshingly honest exchange about inclusion, leadership, and the human side of risk. From employee resource groups to speaking up processes and the reality of hybrid working pressures, Sharon shares practical insight shaped by years inside a heavily regulated financial services environment. What stood out most was the reminder that risk professionals are not here to block progress but to enable better outcomes for people, customers and the wider Organisation. If you care about culture, collaboration and building workplaces where people feel safe to contribute, there is plenty here to reflect on. Highlights Risk as opportunity: balancing protection with business growth Psychological safety culture: people first, not just compliance Employee resource groups: building belonging and inclusion Staff surveys and listening groups: tracking early warning signals Hybrid working challenges: supporting carers and working parents Risk leaders as partners: adding insight rather than blocking Test and learn mindset: piloting ideas before full investment Collective progress across industries: sharing initiatives openly  Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-sharples-44829b21/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    19 min

  8. 20 FEB

    Why All Safety Professionals Should Be in a State of Chronic Unease, with John Barclay

    What if the real risk in safety isn't what you see, but what you assume is already under control? This conversation challenged some deeply held beliefs about leadership, risk and effectiveness. John Barclay joined me to unpack why activity doesn't always equal impact, why experienced organisations still face serious incidents, and why a little healthy discomfort might be exactly what keeps people safe. From exposure thinking to trust, curiosity and making the safest way the easiest way, there's plenty here to reflect on if you genuinely want to move beyond surface-level safety and focus on what truly prevents harm. Highlights Chronic unease: absence of harm doesn't mean presence of safety Exposure focus: manage risk sources, not just injury numbers Control effectiveness: present, understood, effective, followed Workforce involvement: design safety with people doing the work Leadership curiosity: ask what makes processes difficult Trust and honesty: high trust drives safer decision making Safety investment: reduce waste and reinvest in engineering controls Make safety easier: safest way must be simplest way to work Resources and actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/ Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-barclay-13359b1a/   Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    47 min
See All (266)

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Bring the benefits of proactive safety and risk management to life, through insights, experiences and stories. Every week, host Christian Harris - the UK's leading slips, trips and falls specialist - presents a new episode, typically with expert guests, to discuss: - Safety - Health - Wellbeing - Insurance - Risk management - Claims defensibility

Information

  • Creator
    Christian Harris
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    266
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Christian Harris
  • Show Website
    Safety And Risk Success

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