
Show Notes
With the changing of the seasons comes a change in the challenges we may face. This week, Colin talks about the value of preparation, and why being that extra bit more attentive could spare you an extra degree of stress during the winter period. KEY TAKEAWAYS Having a robust set of checks in place, and being more attentive than usual, can help to alleviate any extra stresses caused by the challenges of colder weather. Factors such as lighting can need to be re-examined due to changing natural light. The same can be said for heating systems. Ensure any timers are updated. Walkways and steps must be well maintained, gritted, and clear of spillage. Again, early preparation is key to reducing danger for your people. BEST MOMENTS 'We can significantly reduce the potential for accidents by becoming more attentive' 'Now's a really good time to hone in on this' 'Take breaks in warm places' 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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Colin challenges the perception of health and safety as a passive noun or mere set of documents, reframing it as an active "verb"—something you must consistently do in your business. He introduces a comprehensive set of "doing" activities for health and safety specialists and business leaders, focusing on learning from near-misses, improving competency, integrated planning, and direct engagement with the workforce
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