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/