September 01, 2025

What Works For You Doesn't Always Work For Others

6 minutes

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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By Colin Nottage

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