Episodes

  • Where Does Responsibility Lay?

    Where Does Responsibility Lay?
    Sep 8 2025
    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).
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    9 mins
  • What Works For You Doesn't Always Work For Others

    What Works For You Doesn't Always Work For Others
    Sep 1 2025
    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).
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    7 mins
  • From Likes to Lifesaving: How Social Media Can Transform Health and Safety Conversations

    From Likes to Lifesaving: How Social Media Can Transform Health and Safety Conversations
    Aug 25 2025
    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).
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Understanding Client Needs

    Understanding Client Needs
    Aug 18 2025
    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).
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    11 mins
  • We Put Death Down Far Too Easily

    We Put Death Down Far Too Easily
    Aug 11 2025
    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).
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    7 mins
  • Let's Try And Talk A Bit More Positively

    Let's Try And Talk A Bit More Positively
    Oct 6 2024
    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).
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    12 mins
  • Revolutionising Safety Practices with Technology

    Revolutionising Safety Practices with Technology
    May 5 2024
    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).
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    54 mins
  • The Safe Tribe

    The Safe Tribe
    Jan 1 2024
    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).
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    41 mins