Safety And Risk Success

Ever wondered what insurance companies really think about safety—or how they're shifting from merely covering accidents to actively preventing them?

I sat down with Robert Beesley from AXA XL to get the inside scoop on how insurers evaluate risk, support clients’ safety culture, and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions about their role in workplace safety. This conversation just might change how you think about the power of insurance in creating safer, healthier workplaces!

Episode Highlights:

• Role of a Casualty Underwriter: Robert’s view on managing risk by underwriting legal liability and partnering with clients for safer workplaces.
• Common Misconceptions: Breaking down the myths about insurance companies being solely reactive rather than proactive safety partners.
• Safety as a “Virtuous Circle”: How proactive safety measures contribute to both fewer claims and better employee morale.
• Assessing Client Safety Culture: AXA XL’s approach to evaluating a client’s safety standards using both data and direct interactions.
• Industry-Specific Risks: A focus on sectors with higher inherent risks, including construction, agriculture, and roles exposed to the public.
• Long-Term Safety Benefits: How a strong safety culture leads to fewer claims and fosters continuous improvement.
• Emerging Trends in Safety and Insurance: The rising relevance of mental health and its role in physical injury claims, alongside new technologies like AI in safety practices.
• Data’s Role in Risk Assessment: Utilising historical data to identify trends, with a critical approach to understanding the stories behind the numbers.
• Innovative Safety Program – AXA XL’s Casualty Risk Assist: A breakdown of AXA XL’s comprehensive program that supports clients through tools like incident logging, slip safety, and workplace wellness.
• Impact of Economic and Social Factors on Safety: Exploring how factors like financial insecurity and COVID-19 have influenced workplace accidents and claims.

Actions:

• Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/
• Connect with Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-beesley-5654b316/
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

Ever wondered how a sector like aviation, known for its high stakes and meticulous planning, manages risk and maintains safety?

Jim Holland, an industry veteran with decades of experience in both military and commercial aviation, reveals the secrets behind this complex world, offering invaluable insights for professionals across all sectors. This episode of the Safety and Risk Success podcast dives deep into the culture, practices, and challenges that make aviation a leader in risk management.

Highlights

• Balancing Operations & Safety: Military aviation is a high-stakes environment where operational success and safety must be intricately balanced.
• Risk Appetite is Contextual: Risk appetite isn't a personal attribute but a decision based on a clear understanding of the context and potential consequences.
• Aviation's Safety Culture: The aviation industry, due to the inherent dangers involved, has a strong safety culture built on continuous learning and process improvement.
• The Power of Openness & Honesty: A key to aviation's success is its willingness to openly discuss mistakes, analyze incidents, and learn from every experience.
• The Impact of Technology: AI and autonomous technology are transforming aviation, with the potential to further improve safety while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
• Global Collaboration: Despite national differences, aviation operates on a global scale, with a shared language and standardized practices that promote international cooperation.
• Learning from Others: Aviation's commitment to continuous learning and improvement can provide valuable lessons for organisations in all sectors.
• The Importance of a Just Culture: Shifting away from a blame culture toward a just culture, where errors are treated as learning opportunities, is crucial for fostering safety and innovation.

Actions:

• Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/
• Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holland-ja/
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

What if everything you thought you knew about mental health and resilience was about to be disrupted?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Safety and Risk Success Podcast, I sit down with mental health consultant, psychotherapist, and coach Petra Velzeboer. Together, we dive into Petra’s incredible journey—how her challenging beginnings ignited her passion for disrupting traditional approaches to wellbeing. From personal resilience to reshaping workplace cultures, Petra’s story is packed with insights that organisations and individuals alike can benefit from. Join us to uncover actionable strategies for building resilience, enhancing mental wellness, and driving meaningful change in any organisation.

Highlights:

• Petra’s Background: From a cult upbringing to resilience coach.
• Resilience & Mindset: Taking personal responsibility for mental health.
• Impact of Digital Health: Digital disruption’s toll on mental wellbeing.
• Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces: Cultivating environments of safety and openness.
• Suicide Awareness: Importance of normalising conversations on mental health.
• Workplace Inclusivity: Addressing ostracism and fostering belonging.
• Presenteeism & Productivity: Tackling the hidden costs of showing up without performing.
• Actionable Wellbeing: Simple, sustainable steps for mental health that everyone can adopt.

Actions:

• Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/
• Connect with Petra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-velzeboer/
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

What if the biggest obstacle to workplace safety isn’t the machinery, but the culture?

In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on the manufacturing industry with expert Chris Newson from Make UK. Discover the surprising truths behind safety in one of the UK's most high-risk sectors, and learn how the same strategies can transform safety in any organisation—regardless of the industry you're in. Ready to rethink safety from the ground up?

Episode Highlights:

• Chris's Personal Journey: How a significant incident 20 years ago sparked Chris’s passion for health and safety.
• Pressure vs. Safety: The delicate balance between meeting tight production deadlines and ensuring worker safety.
• Make UK’s Role: How this trade organisation supports manufacturing safety, including policy advocacy and consultancy services.
• Manufacturing Safety Stats: Key figures on manufacturing-related injuries and fatalities, highlighting where the sector stands.
• The Safety Culture Challenge: Moving beyond compliance to embed true safety culture within manufacturing environments.
• Leadership & Behaviour: The critical role of leadership in driving safety behaviours and fostering a proactive safety culture.
• Success Stories: Real-world examples of companies transforming their safety performance by focusing on culture and leadership.
• Emerging Technologies: How AI and automation are changing the landscape of risk management in manufacturing.
• Lessons for All Sectors: What non-manufacturing industries can learn from manufacturing’s process-driven approach to safety.

Actions:

• Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/
• Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-newson-beng-hons-cfiosh-piema-7b9a3734/
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

What if the way you think about risk is all wrong?

In this eye-opening episode of the Safety and Risk Success podcast, Christian Harris is joined by Carla Crocombe, founder of Safety Rocks, to challenge the way we perceive and manage risk. Discover why our instincts often fail us when it comes to safety and learn how rethinking risk perception can help you close the gap between awareness and action. Whether you're a safety professional or just curious about human behaviour, this episode will change the way you look at risk management forever.

Highlights:

• What is risk perception?: How individuals assess risk daily, often subconsciously.
• Fast thinking vs. logic: Why quick decisions can lead to misjudging risks.
• Human nature and risk: How stress, illness, and emotions distort our view of risk.
• Risk appetite in organisations: Balancing individual perceptions with organisational goals.
• The impact of complacency: Why repetitive tasks lower risk awareness over time.
• Social influence on risk: How group dynamics shape safety culture.
• Educating on biases: Helping people understand cognitive shortcuts and biases.
• Real-world consequences: The importance of making risk personal to improve engagement.
• Building safety culture: How trust and tenacity are key to influencing safer behaviours.

Actions:

• Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/
• Connect with Carla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-crocombe-833aa460/
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

Resources:

• The Monty Hall Problem/Dilemma: https://youtu.be/9vRUxbzJZ9Y?si=fGf9Z7jV6bsT9X34
• John Edward Terrell: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/mono/10.4324/9781003013761-5/great-human-high-five-advantage-john-edward-terrell-gabriel-stowe-terrell  (This is brilliant) Denying to the grave - why we ignore that science will save us - Sara E Gorman: https://academic.oup.com/book/41192
• Website: www.safetyrocks.co.uk
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SafetyRocksLimited?sub_confirmation=1

What happens when one life-altering decision changes everything?

In this emotional and powerful episode, Christian Harris talks to Jason Anker and his daughter, Abbi Taylor, about the ripple effects of a devastating workplace accident. Jason shares his journey from paralysis to becoming a leading voice in safety awareness, while Abbi reveals how the trauma impacted her family and fueled their shared mission. This episode is a raw and inspiring testament to resilience, recovery, and the importance of safety.

Highlights:

• The accident: Jason’s workplace fall that left him paralysed.
• Family impact: How life-changing injuries affect loved ones too.
• Coping mechanisms: Jason’s struggle with mental health and addiction.
• The turning point: Jason’s chance meeting that led to safety advocacy.
• Abbi's perspective: Growing up amidst tragedy and finding purpose.
• Proud to Be Safe: How Jason and Abbi are changing the safety culture.
• Emotional connections: Why sharing personal stories drives real change.

Actions:

•          Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/
•          Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonanker/
•          Connect with Abbi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbi-t-8b4121114/
•          Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

“We’ve always done it that way” 😱

 "It’s just common sense." 🥺

 "We don’t have time for this." 😨

 "It’ll be fine." 😡

 "We’ve never had an accident before." 😭

Safety is our number one priority" - Is that really true? Or are we just paying lip service?

We've all heard it countless times, but are these safety platitudes actually helping us create a safer workplace? This week, on the Safety and Risk Success podcast, Christian Harris and safety mythologist Carsten Busch challenge the status quo and dive into the most frustrating phrases safety professionals encounter.

Get ready for a lively roundtable discussion where we tackle common safety clichés like "Hold the handrail," "We comply with all the regulations," and "What we’ve always done," explore the psychology behind them, and discover how to promote a more proactive and effective safety culture. With real-life examples, audience participation, and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to move beyond the superficial and build a truly safety-conscious organisation.

Highlights:

• Safety Terrorism: Why “Hold the handrail” and “Reverse park” can be counterproductive and create a culture of overprotection.
• What We’ve Always Done: Understanding the comfort of familiarity and how to encourage growth beyond outdated practices.
• Compliance vs. Proactive Safety: The difference between ticking boxes and truly embedding safety into the organisation’s culture.
• Safety is Our Number One Priority: Unpacking the symbolic vs. substantial aspects of safety and how to avoid a superficial approach.
• Quantifying the Value of Safety: The challenge of measuring the impact of preventive measures and the importance of near misses.

Actions:

• Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/
• Connect with Carsten on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carsten-busch-64909517/
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

You can't drive performance through disciplinary action and a threat of punishment.

Terry McSween, author of the book, "The New Values-Based Safety", a must-read for anyone seeking to build a more effective safety culture. Terry is a veteran of the safety industry and shares his vast experience - from early days in the oilfields to the evolving landscape of safety leadership.

We explore the importance of values-based safety as a driver for change, the challenges organisations face in making safety a core value, and the pitfalls to avoid. Get ready for practical advice, insightful stories and a compelling look at the future of safety.

Highlights

1. Early days in safety: Terry's first safety project in the oilfields: a turning point
2. The importance of values-based safety: Safety must be a core value, lived by leadership
3. Leadership's role: Cascading discussions, accountability, and leading by example
4. Case studies: Successful examples: Tenneco Gas, Citgo Petroleum, and more
5. The role of technology: Future focus on engineering hazards out: collision avoidance systems
6. The importance of communication: Building trust and open communication at all levels
7. Key takeaway: A culture of care is key to lasting safety

Actions:

• Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/
• Connect with Terry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-mcsween-6394761/
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/

Slip accidents are a major concern for businesses and individuals alike. But what if there was a proven, scientific way to drastically reduce their occurrence?

Today, I'm launching my book, "Prevent Slip Accidents with Slipology," which provides a practical framework for preventing slips, trips, and falls.

Get ready to learn about the Five A's, the Chimes, and the Goldilocks Principle – the tools you need to create a safer, more productive workplace.

Highlights:

- Why Slipology? Christian's personal experience led to a passion for tackling slip accidents, a topic often overlooked in the safety world.

- Common Misconceptions: We often underestimate the complexity and cost of slip accidents, and this book challenges these assumptions.

- The Five A's: Christian outlines a five-step method for preventing slip accidents – Assess, Amend, Advocate, Assure, and Affirm – a practical framework to implement in any organisation.

- Chimes: Understand the six key reasons for slips: contamination, footwear, individuals, maintenance, environment, and the surface itself.

- The Goldilocks Principle: Learn why perfection isn't necessary for a massive impact, and discover the "just right" approach for a 57% reduction in slip incidents.

- Beyond the Book: Christian shares his vision for a future where safety is seen as a driver of profit and purpose, not just a cost.

- Special Offer: Listen in for a special offer to get a free copy of the paperback version of the book!

Actions:

- Order now in Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHJJBRFR/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&sr=1-1

- 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/

Imagine a slip accident costing your organization over £1 million. Not just in financial terms, but in the devastating impact on a life, a family, and your reputation.

This is the reality of slip accidents, and in this episode of the Safety and Risk Success Podcast, we're diving headfirst into the slippery world of slip safety, with a preview of the first five chapters of Christian’s new book, "Prevent Slip Accidents with Slipology".

Highlights:

- The £1 Million Slip: A real-life case study reveals the devastating cost of slip accidents, not just financially, but also in terms of human suffering and reputational damage.

- Slipology: This revolutionary method offers a scientific approach to tackling slip accidents, providing a clear roadmap to achieving significant reductions in risk.

- The Slip Problem: Unpacking the common misconceptions that hold us back from making real progress in slip safety:

1. Slips are simple: The reality is that slip prevention is subtle and requires a deeper understanding.

2. Slips are low cost: Insurance only covers a fraction of the true cost, including human suffering and potential criminal fines.

3. Slips are impossible to prevent: Numerous case studies showcase the effectiveness of a systematic approach, achieving 50% plus reductions in slip incidents.

4. Slips are paltry: The human impact of slips is undeniable, ranging from minor injuries to life-altering disabilities.

- Beyond the Basics: This episode is your call to action to move beyond the traditional and often inadequate slip prevention measures.

Join Christian on the 18th of September for a special Safety Roundtable episode dedicated to the launch of "Prevent Slip Accidents with Slipology".

Event Link: https://www.linkedin.com/events/booklaunch-preventslipaccidents7237192116316049410/

You'll have the opportunity to learn more about the book, ask questions, and discover how you can start implementing Slip-ology in your own organization.

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/