Explore every episode of the podcast IOSH podcast

Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing decisions in the workplace, from identifying risks and analysing incidents to recommending actions that could affect workers' safety. But what happens when the technology makes a mistake? And who is accountable when the consequences are serious?

In the final episode of this special IOSH Podcast series, sponsored by safety and sustainability software provider EcoOnline, IOSH president Richard Bate is joined once again by AI advocate Cam Stevens and technology critic Cory Doctorow to explore the questions that become impossible to ignore as AI takes on a greater role in workplace safety.

Together, they debate responsibility, accountability and trust in an age of machine-assisted decision-making. From fatal incidents and system failures to concerns about job displacement and professional judgement, the discussion examines whether organisations can keep pace with the rapid development of AI and what safeguards are needed when technology becomes part of critical safety decisions.

The episode also looks ahead to the future of the profession, asking what skills safety and health professionals will need in an AI-enabled world, which decisions should always remain in human hands, and whether technology has the potential to make work more human – or less.

As the series concludes, one question sits at the heart of the conversation: when AI gets it wrong, who takes responsibility?

In this episode of the IOSH Podcast, sponsored by safety and sustainability software provider EcoOnline, Richard Bate is joined by AI advocate Cam Stevens and technology critic Cory Doctorow to explore one of the most controversial questions facing the profession: where is the line between keeping people safe and keeping them under surveillance?
The discussion examines workplace monitoring, privacy, trust, bias in AI systems and the growing influence of algorithms on decision-making. As AI takes on a bigger role in risk assessments, incident investigations and worker monitoring, the conversation asks whether these technologies will empower safety professionals, undermine professional judgement, or fundamentally reshape the relationship between employers and workers.
Can AI deliver safer workplaces without sacrificing trust and autonomy? Or are safety and surveillance becoming increasingly difficult to separate?

In the first episode of this new series, sponsored by safety and sustainability software provider EcoOnline, IOSH president Richard Bate is joined by AI advocate Cam Stevens and technology critic Cory Doctorow for a thought-provoking debate on the future of AI in occupational safety and health. 

Together, they explore whether AI can genuinely improve safety outcomes, the dangers of over-reliance on technology, the growing tension between protection and surveillance, and who we should trust when human judgement and machine intelligence disagree.

This episode focuses on the role of soft and transferable skills in health and safety, particularly for those navigating a move into a new industry. IOSH Future Leaders Jenny Storeham and Konstantinos Mermigkas explain that while technical knowledge is important, much of the role relies on listening, communication, and building trust. Their key message is reassuring: you don’t need to know everything on day one – your existing skills and mindset are what enable you to succeed.

IOSH president Richard Bate on how generational change is redefining communication and wellbeing in health and safety – from the analogue era to the age of AI. 

In this episode we catch up with IOSH President Richard Bate to explore the evolving landscape of agricultural safety – from unique farm hazards and the role of technology to the wider wellbeing and cultural shifts needed across rural communities.

In the first episode of a three-part series, we get to know IOSH president Richard Bate. From two decades on the front line to touring with The Chemical Brothers, this is a story you might not expect.

We sit down with Ruth Boumphrey, IOSH's chair of the board of trustees (IOSH), to explore her vision for the future of workplace health and safety. With a distinguished career spanning science, engineering and leadership – including her role as chief executive of Lloyd’s Register Foundation – Ruth brings a unique, evidence-based perspective to shaping safer, healthier, and more sustainable working environments across the globe. She shares her insights on the evolving world of work, the opportunities and challenges facing safety professionals today, and how IOSH can harness innovation and collaboration to create lasting impact for workers everywhere.

IOSH Future Leaders Julianne Shine and Tom Goddard tell us about their personal journeys into OSH: the challenges, surprises, and the opportunities for anyone thinking about working in this field.

Dr Chris Davis, IOSH's thought leadership manager, shares his insights from the World Expo on Safety, Health, and Wellbeing in Osaka – exploring global perspectives, the rapid rise of technology, the future of OSH metrics, and IOSH’s role on the world stage.

Join IOSH’s president Kelly Nicoll in her final episode of our Ask Me Anything series, as she shares candid reflections on leadership, legacy, and leveraging AI in health and safety. From pushing for fewer workplace fatalities to championing women in the profession, Kelly dives into the value of Chartered Fellowship, how she juggles high-level commitments, and the mindset that keeps her grounded. Inspiring, practical, and refreshingly honest – don’t miss it.

The Building Safety Act, offshore environments, the use of AI in safety – IOSH president Kelly Nicoll answers your questions on OSH issues and trends.

In this episode, IOSH president Kelly Nicoll answers questions from members about the organisation's operations and governance, and addresses concerns about negative and disruptive behaviour on social media platforms. 

From AI’s impact on training to maintaining professional growth, don’t miss the second episode of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series where Kelly Nicoll tackles YOUR questions on learning and CPD.

In the first episode of our new series, 'Ask Me Anything', IOSH president Kelly Nicoll tackles YOUR questions on membership and qualifications.

From recognising the value of real-world experience to recognition of certain qualifications, this episode is packed with honest answers, membership insight, and forward-looking views.

Kellie Williams hosts this episode discussing the professional development of future OSH leaders, featuring Ross Douglas and Nick Spencer. Ross, initially in construction, joined IOSH for professional growth, while Nick transitioned from research chemistry. 

Both emphasise the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new industries, as well as discussing the value of mentorship, the role of AI in OSH, and the need for global standards. Nick highlights the significance of simplification and automation in his role, while Ross advises young professionals to view opportunities rather than problems and both stress the importance of respect and curiosity in leadership.

In this thought-provoking discussion, IOSH's Dr Chris Davis explores the rapidly evolving skills landscape of the OSH profession: generational skills gaps, the growing importance of a well-rounded skill set combining technical expertise with personal and soft skills and the transformative role of technology to meet the complex demands of modern workplaces. The conversation reinforces a powerful message: in a field as dynamic as OSH, continuous learning and adaptability are not optional – they're essential.

Kellie Williams hosts IOSH future leaders Danielle Thorburn and Jessica Edwards. Danielle, with a background in veterinary science, transitioned into bio safety management at the Crick Institute, where she stayed for nine years. Jessica, initially in health and safety by chance, emphasises the importance of soft skills such as listening and empathy. For the next half an hour, listen to them discuss the rewarding yet challenging aspects of their careers, including navigating legal terminology and adapting to new roles, while highlighting the value of qualifications, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. Danielle aims to increase women's involvement in bio safety, while Jessica aspires to achieve Fellowship. Enjoy!

In the second episode of this new series on thought leadership, IOSH's Dr Chris Davis discusses the concept of worker engagement, its relationship with burnout, and the importance of fostering a positive work environment. 

He explores the theoretical background of engagement, its organisational benefits, and the challenges of measuring it, especially in hybrid work settings. 

The conversation emphasises the role of leadership and job design in enhancing engagement and the need for sustainable interventions to maintain worker motivation and productivity, with some key takeaways for OSH professionals.

In the final part of our interview, new IOSH president Kelly Nicoll explains why she's passionate about telling the story of the true value of OSH and why the profession makes for an excellent career choice.

In part 1 of our interview, new IOSH president Kelly Nicoll sits down with us to discuss why her presidential year will be deeply influenced by her personal experiences, which have shaped her priorities for the OSH profession.

In this episode, Dr Chris Davis discusses the multifaceted concept of workplace wellbeing, emphasising its importance in creating a supportive work environment. He explores the definition of wellbeing, the significance of psychosocial risks, insights from the OECD forum, challenges in measuring wellbeing, and the ethical considerations surrounding surveillance. The conversation also touches on the impact of hybrid working, future trends in workplace wellbeing, and the necessity for organisations to prioritise employee wellbeing to attract and retain talent.

Takeaways

• Wellbeing encompasses all aspects of life, not just work.
• Safety and health are core components of wellbeing.
• Psychosocial risks are crucial to address in the workplace.
• The OECD forum highlighted major trends affecting wellbeing.
• Measuring wellbeing is challenging but essential for progress.
• Surveillance can be beneficial but raises ethical concerns.
• Hybrid working has changed perceptions of wellbeing.
• Younger workers demand more from their employers regarding wellbeing.
• Wellbeing should be viewed as a fundamental right.
• Organisational culture plays a key role in employee wellbeing.

In this episode of the IOSH Podcast, two members of the IOSH Future Leaders Steering Group, Debbie Linzell and Abhijith Jose, discuss their career transitions into occupational health and safety.

Debbie, originally a dancer, shifted to OSH after an injury and now holds a NEBOSH certificate and is pursuing a Level 7 apprenticeship. Abhijith, a mechanical engineer, transitioned to OSH through safety training and now works as a full-time trainer.

Both emphasise the importance of qualifications and certification, and highlight the value of networking, particularly through LinkedIn and IOSH mentoring. They also discuss the diverse backgrounds entering OSH and the need to change perceptions of the profession. 

What does it mean to be socially sustainable in the the world of OSH?  What role do OSH professionals play when creating a work culture where social sustainability is at its core?  Hear from Kelly Nicoll, IOSH President-Elect, and Richard Bate, IOSH Vice President on their experiences around social sustainability.

Undoubtedly, adapting to climate change is becoming an increasingly critical factor within the realm of occupational safety and health (OSH). Inevitably, as our environment undergoes changes, it will have consequences for the safety and health of workers, which will result in new hazards or increased risks. Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy and public affairs at IOSH, and Mike Whiting, certification and compliance engineer at Newmac Ltd, look at the impact of climate change on OSH and provide insights on what we must consider at present to ensure the safety of our workers.

Former chief inspector Kevin Myers and staunch campaigner Janet Newsham debate the usefulness of the Health and Safety at Work Act as it reaches its 50th anniversary. Reflecting on the impact this legislation has had, we question its relevance and impact on today’s constantly evolving work environment.

In this episode, IOSH’s Future Leaders Alanah Campbell and Carly Hughes share their experience of mentoring, discussing the benefits and the pitfalls to look out for.

Professor James Brown, co-founder of ADHDAdultUK, stops by the IOSH Podcast booth at the Health and Safety Event in Birmingham to explain how employers can unlock the potential of workers with ADHD.

Algorithmic management is a technology that can be utilised to manage workers, but what effect does this have on work culture, especially where employees may see it as a threat to their psychological safety and autonomy? Special guests Andrew Mawson (EVCargo) and Tess Buckley (TechUK) explore the risks and opportunities of AI for worker management in the world of OSH.  

This interview explores the distinction between simple ethics and applied and professional ethics and how this can empower the profession to fulfil our ethical responsibilities. Featuring Leeds University's Jim Baxter and Simon Cassin from Ouch Learning and Development.

Special guests James Pomeroy and Bridget Leathley join us to discuss the challenges and opportunities the future world of work holds, and what this could mean for the OSH profession and the workforces it looks after.

Renowned technology expert Cameron Stevens visits the IOSH Podcast booth to tell us about the latest trends took look out for.

In this new series, recorded live at the 2024 Health & Safety Event in Birmingham, we speak to HSE specialist and IOSH future leader Fiona Fullerton and Phillip Muston, head of careers at recruitment firm Shirley Parsons, about maintaining workforce behaviours in a shifting workforce paradigm.

CEO series hosted by Stuart Hughes with special guest Katy Dowding, Skanska

Skanska CEO Katy Dowding talks to IOSH president Stuart Hughes about her long and varied career in the construction industry, and how important health and safety legislation is to her and her organisation.

CEO series hosted by Stuart Hughes with special guest Will Metcalfe, CBRE

IOSH president Stuart Hughes sits down with CBRE GWS UK’s vice president, Will Metcalfe, to discuss how the commercial real estate services and investment firm views the health and safety of its people.

CEO series hosted by Stuart Hughes with special guest Léann Hearne, LIVV Housing Group

Livv Housing group CEO Léann Hearne talks to IOSH president Stuart Hughes about turning the business around to keep both staff and customers happier and healthier.

CEO series hosted by Stuart Hughes with special guest Carl Ennis, Siemens

Siemens' chief executive, Carl Ennis, gives us an insight into how the technology giant looks after the health and safety of its 320,000 employees globally.

CEO series hosted by Stuart Hughes with special guest Gareth Rogers, Farnborough International

Farnborough International’s CEO Gareth Rogers shares his views on health and safety, in conversation with IOSH President Stuart Hughes.

CEO series hosted by Stuart Hughes with special guest Alex Vaughan, Costain

Costain’s CEO Alex Vaughan gives his take on safety and wellbeing at the construction giant.

Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, discusses the latest OSH pay figures and gives us an insight into the health and safety jobs market.

Construction remains one of the industries with the highest risks for worker health and safety. In discussion with Rita Zhang, Associate Professor at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, we unpack the broad issues in the industry, safeguarding for young and future construction workers, and approaches to international benchmarking.
Trigger warning: this episode includes discussion of suicide.

Martyn Hill, Founder of Outback Safety, unpacks the challenges of policy for high-risk work that fits outside the norm, digs into some stories that show off his unique Australian workplace experience, and explains how his learnings can be applied in a global setting.  

Occupational health is a matter as much controlled by businesses themselves as it is by the geopolitical, social, economic, and cultural influences around them. In discussion with Dr Yogindra Samant, chief medical officer at the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, we look at how the world of work is changing through the lens of working groups like migrants, and modes of change such as digitalisation.

iCare's Emily McGuill provides an understanding of the basic challenges faced by all parties when an individual is returning to work after injury, the nuances for individuals dealing with psychological injury, and the practical steps that need to be made to get the best for all involved. 

Chia-Chia sat down with podcast host Kellie Williams to discuss how to define wellbeing from an evidence-based approach and where are we are seeing movement to create effective behaviour change.

The state of Social Security globally is troubled; only 50% of the global population has access to some form of social security. ISSA is dedicated to improving this statistic with a goal to make social security for all a reality. In discussion with Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, Secretary General, International Social Security Association, we dig into the challenges of policy and legislation for worker rights, explore ISSA’s approaches to their goal, and delve into the importance of major events like the World Congress.

Thuthula Balfour, head of health at the Minerals Council South Africa, provides some nuggets on how South Africa’s mining industry has achieved a dramatic drop in occupational diseases – and what more can be done.

IOSH Future Leaders

Nishma Mistry, Charles Fidler and Tor Bennett-Williams

During this conversation with the Ministry of Manpower's Siong Hin Ho, we dig into the ways in which Singapore has changed its approaches to worker health and safety, and tease out how it can be applied in other contexts.    

In conversation with Ockert Dupper, global programme manager of the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Vision Zero Fund, we unpack the challenges of global supply chains, explore how the ILO aims to improve the lives of many workers, and dig into stories that best depict the need for OSH measures at every step of the way.