Health & Safety Matters Podcast

Health & Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 48

In this episode, host Mark Sennett sits down with EcoOnline's David Picton. They discuss how risks have evolved since the introduction of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 was introduced and if it is still fit for purpose. They also chat about how"safe choices” have changed in a tech-driven world.

Mark also covers all the latest industry news including how the UK has recorded 8 million mental health sick days in 2026, how the HSE has announced a major package of measures to protect workers from the dangers of engineered stone dust, and how driving for work remains the single biggest cause of work-related deaths and injuries in Britain.

Mark also previews all you can expect to see at Health & Safety Matters Live, which takes place on 1 July 2026 at the Coventry Building Society Arena. It's the UK's biggest single-day conference and exhibition and free to attend. it's one not to be missed and you can register to attend at www.hsmlive.co.uk

Health & Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 47

In this episode, host Mark Sennett sits down with Dräger Safety Division Head of Marketing Adam Pope. Adam discusses the way we use technology and how companies are approaching their acquisition of safety equipment.

Mark also covers all the latest industry news including a new campaign from Arco highlight the growing threat of ‘silent killer’ silicosis to workers across the UK. Mark also discusses a recent rise in Legionella cases in London.

Mark also covered news that over a third of workers in Great Britain now work remotely or in hybrid arrangements, but not all employers realise health and safety responsibilities apply equally at home as in the workplace.

You can also join us on our upcoming CPD webinar Providing Confidence in RPE Programme Management, which takes place on 21 May 2026 at 10:00am (BST). You can register to attend for free at https://wbmwebinars.com/hsm-draeger/register

 

Health & Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 46

In this episode, host Mark Sennett sits down with NEBOSH Chief Strategy and Governance Officer Laura Wise to discuss the NEBOSH Social Purpose Programme.

Mark also covers all the latest industry news including IOSH warning against losing focus on building safety, burnout issues highlight urgent need for action, guidance to protect workers from climate-related risks, 8,000 people a day die in accidents worldwide. Mark also discusses the sad passing of Tony Bond who spent many years in the health and safety sector.

In addition, Mark also shines a light on what you can expect when HSM Live Leeds takes place at Elland Road on 12 March 2026.

Health and Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 45

In this episode, host Mark Sennett sits down with HSI CEO Jose Arcilla to discuss the strategic vision behind HSI's EMEA health and safety focus and also AI's role in workplace safety.

Mark also covers all the latest industry news including the recently published HSE figures on UK workplace fatalities, the new IOSH president-elect sets sights on profession ‘fit for future’, how new research highlights lack of drink-driving education, and all the information you need on the Safety and Health Excellence Awards 2026.

Health and Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 44

In this episode, host Mark Sennett sits down with the new BSIF CEO John Hooker who explains what he will bring to the role and the challenges he sees ahead for the health and safety sector and the BSIF.

Mark also covers all the latest industry news including the recently published HSE figures on UK workplace fatalities, how ACAS is helping resolve a record number of workplace disputes, a new campaign tackling the widespread confusion surrounding Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and previews all that will take place at Health and Safety Matters Live Scotland, which takes place on 27 November 2025 at SEC Glasgow.

Mark also sits down with Draeger Safety UK's Dave Head to discuss a number of key topics including if UK safety legislation needs updating and the key challenges facing the UK safety sector.

Health and Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 43

In this episode, host Mark Sennett sits down with BSIF CEO Alan Murray who reveals that SATRA CEO John Hooker is set to take over as his replacement at the Federation. Alan gives an insight into the recruitment process, looks back on his tenure as CEO and looks ahead for what is an exciting period for BSIF.

Mark also covers all the latest industry news including BSIF issuing an urgent warning to those responsible for procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety products following the results of its latest independent tests.

In addition, Mark talks about new research shows days off due to ill health rockets, and 2/3 of Londoners say they have been impacted by dust or light pollution from a construction site over the past year.

Health and Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 42

On this episode host Mark Sennett chats with Cromwell's Peter Smart about all things PPE.

Mark also covers the latest industry news including BSIF urges businesses to review PPE stock, IOSH calls for Government action to protect gig workers. He also shares his thoughts on the demise of Anticipate London/Safety & Health Expo and the Safety and Health Practitioner. 

Health and Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 41

In this episode, Mark Sennett looks at all the latest health and safety industry news. Including how new research has highlighted gaps in Building Safety Act knowledge, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is urging buyers and wearers of PPE to review their PPE stock and replace old and damaged items after a member survey showed outdated and poorly maintained personal protective equipment (PPE) is in use across UK workplaces.

Also, Mark discusses the findings of a recent survey that shows 45% of freelancers saw their mental health decline in 2024, after an incredibly challenging year in 2024, and only 6% felt supported by government.

Mark also gives an update on the Safety and Health Excellence Awards, which has extended its deadline for free entries until 14 February 2025. You can enter the SHE Awards at www.she-awards.com

Health and Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 40

In this episode, Mark Sennett sits down with What Else Events managing director Tim Else and hears all about Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live, which takes place on 2-3 October 2024 at Farnborough International. Tim shares with us some exiting new features of the show including a dedicated content stream from the Health and Safety Executive, he details some of the 40+ hours of CPD content on offer across the seminar theatres and provides an insight on what's on show from the 100+ exhibitors.

Mark also takes a look at the latest industry news, including the latest figures published by the HSE on work-related fatal incidents, calls for the Health and Safety at Work Act to be modernised after it celebrates its 50th anniversary, and also the response to a new documentary showing the dangers of substandard PPE flooding the UK market.

Health and Safety Matters Podcast - Episode 39

In this episode, Mark Sennett sits down with NEBOSH CEO Andy Shenstone to discuss details of the new NEBOSH strategy. 

Mark also covers the latest news in the OSH sector including stories on Employers failing to protect its drivers, No Falls Week and also the findings of RS' 2024 Health & Safety report Striving for Excellence.