Safety And Risk Success

Christian Harris
Safety And Risk Success

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

    Challenging Safety Norms and Embracing Human Performance, With Georgina Poole

    Real progress in safety starts when we cut the jargon, stop pointing fingers, and focus on understanding how work actually gets done.   In this high-energy, honest conversation, I sit down with Georgina Poole, mining safety veteran, human performance champion, and podcast host, for a wide-ranging chat about pushing safety beyond tick-box culture and embracing the messy, human side of the job.   We talk about uncomfortable truths, unexpected beginnings, and why changing the system sometimes means changing yourself first. This one’s packed with insight, challenge, and a good dose of Aussie grit.   🎧 Episode Highlights: Georgina’s safety origin story: From teaching to mines to leadership The real driver of Australia’s vibrant safety scene: Passion, not policy Challenging “male, pale, and stale” safety stereotypes: Why diversity matters Rethinking safety rituals: Are meeting safety shares doing anything? Embracing human and organisational performance (HOP): It’s a mindset, not a metric Decluttering safety: Ditching paperwork that doesn’t protect people Why we blame: Emotional comfort vs operational value Accountability ≠ Blame: Understanding the difference that changes everything Personal branding in safety: Not just for consultants Georgina’s podcast and book "Random Noise": Shaking up metrics obsession Advice for new podcasters: Forget perfect—just get going   Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/  Connect with Georgina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georginapoole/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    48 min
  2. 11 APR

    Vision 2030 and The Safety Triangle, With Liam Simpson

    The future of safety is evolving rapidly and we explore exactly how to get there. I sat down with Liam Simpson, Head of Safety at Wilson James, for a wide-ranging conversation that spans leadership, mindset, data, culture, and tech. With roots in the military and years in the private security sector, Liam brings a unique and refreshing perspective on evolving from tick-box compliance to meaningful impact. If you’re curious about where safety’s headed and how to bring people with you on the journey, this one's a must-listen.   🔍 Episode Highlights: Moving beyond compliance: Safety as mindset, not just minimums The Safety Triangle model: Governance, culture, and performance Vision 2030: Human-centred, data-informed, and embedded by design Safety's PR problem: Why dropping the word “safety” can help Near misses as free learning events: Shifting from blame to opportunity Winning hearts and minds: Co-creating safety initiatives with frontline teams Measurement that matters: From data noise to actionable insights The tech horizon: Real-time data, wearables, and AI-driven decision-making Leadership and trust: Why systems alone won’t build culture Practical steps: Making processes simple, feedback visible, and change personal   Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/  Connect with Liam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-simpson-04a5a954/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    44 min
  3. 28 MAR

    Practical Tips for Identifying and Reducing Slip Hazards

    Slips are one of the biggest causes of workplace injuries, yet they’re also one of the easiest risks to manage, if you know what to look for and how to fix it. Chris Budd and I get straight into the practicalities of slip prevention, breaking down the key risk factors and the simple, effective measures you can take to reduce them. Whether you're responsible for health and safety in your organisation or just want to understand how to create safer environments, this episode is packed with actionable insights.   Episode Highlights: Biggest causes of slips: Why slips happen and the surprising statistics behind them. The slip assessment formula: Understanding how surface, contamination, and footwear interact. High-risk areas: Where slips are most likely to occur and why. Testing your floors: The role of slip resistance testing and why perception can be misleading. Practical prevention measures: Quick wins for reducing slip risks in any environment. Common mistakes: What businesses often get wrong when tackling slip hazards. Legal and financial impact: The cost of slips to organisations and how prevention pays off. Mindset shift: Why safety isn't just compliance—it’s about protecting people and performance.   Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/  Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-budd-b18776128/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    29 min
  4. 21 MAR

    Mapping the 2025 Health & Safety Legal Landscape, with Kevin Bridges

    Regulations are tightening, fines are increasing, and businesses are under more pressure than ever to get safety right. With new laws on the horizon, from tougher construction product rules post-Grenfell to the looming Protect Duty and shifts in workplace health responsibilities, staying ahead is non-negotiable.   Kevin Bridges of Pinsent Masons, breaks down the legal landscape for 2025, what’s changing, and how to stay compliant without the headaches.   Episode Highlights: 50 years of the Health & Safety at Work Act: Why it’s still the gold standard. Government crackdown on workplace health: What employers need to prepare for. Post-Grenfell regulations: Tougher rules on construction products and building safety. Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law): What businesses must do to combat terrorist threats. Hillsborough Law & public inquiries: The new duty of candour and its impact. Bigger fines for safety breaches? Changes to sentencing guidelines and their effect on large companies. Post-Brexit divergence: How UK safety laws may evolve differently from EU rules. AI & workplace safety tech: How to use it wisely and avoid legal pitfalls. Mental health & safety: Why this is becoming a legal priority.   Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/  Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-bridges-689b9230/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    53 min
  5. 14 MAR

    Ethics, Risk, and Responsibility: Why ESG Matters Now, with Denise Taylor

    A wolf marking its territory, a six-hour road trip with a stressed-out bear, and the unexpected link between conservation and corporate sustainability, Dr. Denise Taylor’s journey into ESG is anything but ordinary. But what does any of this have to do with business risk, responsibility, and ethics? A lot more than you might think.   From wolf conservation to supply chain sustainability, Denise shares hard-hitting insights on why ESG is no longer optional for businesses. Whether it’s legislation tightening, supply chain pressures, or consumer demand for ethical business, ignoring ESG could cost organisations dearly. More than just a compliance tick-box, ESG done right creates opportunities, resilience, and competitive advantage.   Highlights: Wolves, Bears, and Business Ethics: How Denise’s background in wildlife conservation shaped her ESG expertise. Risk and Sustainability: Why safety and sustainability are more connected than most people realise. Beyond Net Zero: ESG isn’t just about carbon why businesses need a broader, strategic approach. The Cost of Doing Nothing: Contracts lost, reputations damaged what’s at stake for organisations ignoring ESG. Greenwashing Dangers: How to prove genuine sustainability without falling into misleading marketing traps. Supply Chains Under Pressure: Why aerospace giants like Rolls-Royce are demanding ESG compliance from suppliers. The Opportunity Side of Risk: How ESG can drive competitive advantage, funding opportunities, and even awards. Small Steps, Big Impact: Practical first steps for businesses to start their ESG journey today.   Actions: Take the ESG Journey Assessment: https://score.wyldeconnections.co.uk/esg-journey-assessment Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/  Connect with Denise on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisetaylor-wyldeconnections/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    53 min
  6. 7 MAR

    Psychological Safety vs. Safety Controls: Which Matters More?

    Imagine stepping into a workplace where everyone feels empowered to speak up about hazards but the physical environment is still full of risks. Now flip it: a workplace packed with safety barriers, yet no one dares to report an issue. Which matters more psychological safety or physical safety controls? That’s the big debate in this safety roundtable discussion, and the insights might just change the way you think about workplace safety forever.     Highlights: The Big Debate: Poll results show a divide—should we focus more on psychological safety or physical safety? LinkedIn vs. Live Audience: A surprising contrast in opinions between the podcast listeners and safety professionals online. Environment Dictates Performance: How elite athletes and business leaders prove that the right environment is key to success—including safety. Leadership’s Role in Safety: Why many organisations still see safety as the sole responsibility of professionals rather than a company-wide effort. Physical Controls First? Some argue that without solid physical controls, psychological safety can’t thrive—others see it the other way around. The Cost of Safety: How budgets influence decisions and why getting the balance right between physical and psychological safetys is crucial. Over-Reliance on One Side: The risks of going too far in either direction—whether it’s complacency from too many controls or inaction from focusing too much on culture. Lessons from High-Risk Professions: What the military, first responders, and frontline workers teach us about balancing psychological safety and physical risk management. The ‘Zero Harm’ Debate: How focusing too much on avoiding incidents can lead to underreporting and hidden risks.   Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/   Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

    48 min
  7. 28 FEB

    IOSH President Kelly Nicoll’s Year Ahead in Safety

    Leading the world’s largest health and safety organisation takes more than just expertise, it takes passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to protecting people. For IOSH President Kelly Nicoll, that commitment is personal. After witnessing the devastating impact of workplace accidents, she’s on a mission to drive meaningful change and reshape how we think about safety. I sat down with Kelly to discuss her vision for the year ahead, including her top priorities: tackling the risks of working at height, promoting coaching as a key leadership skill, and addressing the well-being of safety professionals themselves. The conversation also covers the unique challenges of the leisure industry, how safety can shake off the “fun police” reputation, and why connection and shared learning are vital for success in the profession. Episode Highlights: A life-changing moment: Kelly shares the personal experiences that shaped her approach to safety. Working at height: A major focus for IOSH this year—tackling one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities. Coaching over compliance: Why great safety professionals act as coaches, not just rule enforcers. Self-care in safety: The often-overlooked well-being of safety professionals—who looks after those who look after everyone else? Leisure industry challenges: From ice rinks to swimming pools, managing unique risks in the sector. Changing perceptions: How safety can be seen as a positive enabler rather than a blocker. The power of networks: Why connection and shared learning are essential for progress. Actions: Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/   Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-nicoll-cfiosh-5775b8117/ Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/ Participate in the survey: The State Of Safety in 2025: https://lnkd.in/e-jmqsnb

    1 hr

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

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