Today we have Remy Wierenga, Group Safety Director at Refresco as our guest and we dive deep into Human Performance Principles and how AI will become an increasingly powerful support tool in keeping people safe. And both for these make for a fascinating episode.Remy shares his insights on the evolution of safety practices, emphasising the significance of focusing on human and organisational performance, and the transition from a blame-focused culture where we set ourselves for failure if we frame the worker as the main control system, to one that seeks to understand and mitigate error through well-designed systems and controls.His experience demonstrates the critical role of leadership in fostering a safety culture that prioritises learning and improvement over blaming; recognising that human make mistakes and once we understand and accept that, things can change in the right direction.Remy specifically delves into the intricacies of incident investigation and the importance of separating error from event, advocating for a shift towards understanding the human element within organisational safety.He discusses the challenges of addressing safety with traditional methods that fail to accommodate human error, and the potential of technological advancements, such as AI and robotics, to significantly reduce incident rates by improving control systems.And these insights underscore a broader shift towards more adaptive, resilient safety measures that account for human variability, which is both our failing and our strength and uniqueness.The conversation also explores the future of safety in the workplace, considering the rapid advancements in technology and AI and how powerful this will be.Remy highlights the need for safety professionals to evolve their skill sets and embrace new methodologies that align with these changes; emphasising again learning and continuous improvement as key elements of safety management.He advocates for a more holistic, principled approach to safety that integrates human performance principles; wrapping the conversation up with thoughts on the importance of controls in managing risks effectively, pointing towards a future where safety management is deeply intertwined with technological innovation and human-centric design.Follow his journey on Linkedin.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

In this engaging episode of the podcast, our host Mousa Yassin sits down with Graeme Lannigan, passionate about the field of safety learning and the Global HSSE Learning Manager at bp.The conversation this week focuses on a specific topic surrounding safety training and learning and is full of personal experiences, giving some great insights into the essential role of training as part of the general HSE space within an organisation. With a career spanning 20 years, starting as an apprentice seafarer at 16, Graeme shares his journey to becoming a pivotal figure in safety training. He discusses the evolution from traditional classroom settings to dynamic, technology-driven learning experiences that cater to the modern learner's demands for efficiency and engagement. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in e-learning, the power of immersive learning technologies, and the role of big data in shaping the future of safety training. Graeme shares his insightful perspectives on leadership, the importance of a people-first approach in safety, and offers valuable advice to aspiring HSE professionals. This episode not only highlights the transformative power of innovative learning technologies but also underscores the critical role of empathy, active listening, and genuine care in effective leadership and safety culture.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

This week, Mousa Yassin talks with Esil Mertoglu, Senior EHS Manager at Adient, and explores her journey as an environmental health and safety leader. Esil's extensive experience spanning over 18 years in multinational manufacturing companies reflects her profound passion for advocating safety as well as championing diversity and inclusive initiatives, especially around women's rights. As a dedicated leader, Esil shares her insights on shaping strong leadership within the HSE community, emphasising the importance of leading with purpose and empowering individuals.We get to dive into Esil's career trajectory, uncovering pivotal moments that shaped her commitment to safety and the transformative changes she witnessed in the HSE domain over the years.Esil discusses the evolving landscape of health and safety, highlighting the shift towards a zero harm culture and the emphasis on proactive risk prevention and employee engagement.It also goes into the challenges faced by safety leaders in fostering a culture of care and effective communication to ensure employees' well-being and safety remain at the forefront of organisational priorities.Esil talks about the crucial role of leadership in integrating digital tools and technologies to enhance safety processes and drive continuous improvement, as well as underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in safety practices, emphasising the need for inclusive approaches that engage all stakeholders and promote equity within the workplace.This episode encapsulates Esil's aspiration to influence organisational change, empower individuals, and foster a culture of safety and inclusivity in the pursuit of a safer and more sustainable future.Follow Esil's journey on Linkedin.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

In this episode, we dive into the multifaceted world of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) with guest, Claus Rose, Senior Executive, EHS Separation Management Officer at GE Vernova.With over three decades of groundbreaking work, from his early days in the armed forces to leading initiatives in renewable energy, Claus shares his journey into becoming a visionary in the EHS realm. His work in spearheading the Global Wind Organisation and transforming safety practices showcases his deep commitment to advancing the field.\Claus underscores the vital importance of diversity of experience in EHS, the transformative power of learning from incidents, and the pivotal role of empathy in leadership. He also emphasises how hands-on experience and understanding front-line challenges not only build trust between leadership and operational staff but also drive more effective safety cultures.Claus advocates for simplifying safety procedures to prevent mistakes too, highlighting that complexity can be an adversary to safety and articulates the significance of collaboration within the industry on safety standards, as demonstrated through his involvement in the Global Wind Organisation. This collective approach to safety, leveraging shared knowledge and practices, underpins the advancement of safer working environments across sectors. The conversation illuminates the essence of continuous improvement, innovation in EHS, and the empowerment of front-line decision-making as key levers for enhancing safety and sustainability in organisations.Connect with Claus on Linkedin.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

In this episode, host Mousa Yassin engages in an insightful conversation with Davide Scotti, Corporate Head of HSE Culture, Communication & Training at Saipem.Davide shares his journey from his early career beginnings in the oil and gas industry to becoming a pivotal figure in health and safety culture, within his organisation but also across Italy. Working for Saipem for over 18 years, he has been instrumental in evolving their safety culture through innovative programs that blend emotional engagement with effective leadership training, making Saipem a model for safety performance in the industry. Davide delves into the intricacies of the Leadership and Safety Program he helped develop, which is recognized for its unique approach to cultivating a mature safety culture within organisations. This program, marked by its strategic workshops and training sessions, emphasises emotional intelligence and behavioural change, aiming to transform organisational leaders into safety champions. Davide's passion extends beyond corporate borders as he discusses the influence of safety practices on broader societal well-being, underscoring the universal applicability of emotional and behavioural cues in safety leadership across different cultures. The episode wraps up with Davide reflecting on the global impact of safety leadership and offering valuable insights for leaders aspiring to integrate health and safety values into their management approach. He encourages embracing intrinsic values alongside extrinsic motivations, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration that transcends workplace boundaries to influence societal safety norms. Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

Today we have Gokhan Yildiz, Managing Director of DSSD Consultants and we learn about his remarkable transition from a long tenure at Shell, a global giant where he was recognised for his innovative approach, to embracing the dynamic and uncertain world of startups and eventually founding his safety and sustainability consultancy.Throughout his journey, Gokhan emphasises the importance of continuous learning and the value of stepping out of the comfort zone. His executive education at Harvard Business School heralded a pivotal shift, particularly in appreciating the potential of AI and digital transformation to enhance safety and operational efficiency.Gokhan's story brings a plethora of insights into the inner workings of health and safety leadership, and leadership as a whole, suggesting that nurturing leadership skills could be a transformative step for professionals in the field;but also covers some fascinating concepts and programs such as the Hearts and Minds program and the 5 steps of organisational maturity.And how immersive technologies can engage employees more effectively than traditional methods, marking a significant shift towards adopting new tools for better compliance and safety outcomes. His experience implies a broader application and necessity for innovation in safety training within various industries.Dive in, you are in for a treat.To follow Gokhan's journey, you can find him on LinkedIn.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

This conversation with Thomas Burgdorff from Uniper offers a comprehensive look into the multifaceted world of HSSE. Thomas articulates the safety function as inherently people-oriented, focused not just on ensuring one's own safety but on monitoring and supporting others to make safe choices. His emphasis on the importance of selflessness, risk awareness, and the capacity to make a positive impact aligns with broader discussions on the value of safety within organisational structures, countering perceptions of safety as merely a cost centre. The dialogue also unfolds around the importance of creating a culture of sharing within companies, where shared experiences and practices contribute to collective learning and improvement; initiatives like the 'care moment project' and systematic sharing of good practices across Uniper, as an example, are aimed at developing a proactive, caring culture that transcends mere compliance with safety regulations. The conversation then goes on to the idea of integrating exchange and collaboration both within and beyond company boundaries, illustrating a broader vision of safety management as a collaborative, evolving field. This episode with Thomas Burgdorff presents a nuanced exploration of the health and safety space, highlighting the critical role of diverse experiences, a caring approach, and the importance of continuous learning, sharing, and collaboration.The discussion offers valuable takeaways for professionals across industries, reinforcing the idea that health and safety are not just regulatory obligations but integral to the well-being of workers and the long-term success of organisations.To follow Thomas' journey, find him on LinkedIn.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

Maite Garcia Lacuesta, Global Environment, Health and Safety Director at Perfetti Van Melle, a multinational confectionery and gum company shares her journey into safety, driven by personal experiences and a desire to make a difference. The discussion delves into the impact of workplace accidents, the importance of a positive safety culture: “the good contaminates the good”, and the global perspective on workplace safety. Maite emphasises the role of empathy, understanding, and collaboration in creating safer work environments; the importance of operations learning, and really including the shop floor in conversations. The episode also highlights the need for holistic safety approaches in organisations, where safety is integrated into all aspects of operations. Maite's insights on curiosity, learning from others, and the long-term importance of prioritising people's well-being provide valuable lessons for building a safety-conscious culture as an integral part of and not in isolation from every other goal within an organisation.“How can we do this? But also doing it safely!”To follow Maite's journey, find her on LinkedIn.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

This week, we get to listen to a rich conversation with Dr. Ralf Franke, a leader in environmental protection, health management, and safety with a very unique background. Starting as a medical doctor to his pivotal role at Siemens, Dr Ralf Franke emphasised the integration of environmental protection, health management, and safety, and the impact on empowering people beyond the obvious safety measures and really fostering a culture where mental, physical wellbeing, prevention, and an all-encompassing caring package can lead to not only creating safe workplaces but efficient organisations.He discusses the significance of empathy in leadership and leveraging his unique background as a medical professional to foster understanding, compassion, and leadership skills. He also highlights the need for management involvement and responsibility, a local approach to environmental and people protection, and the impact on product development and business performance. Through personal stories and experience, Dr Franke shares his vision of risk assessment and incident investigation, the need to rid of bias, and the psychological impact of serious incidents in the workplace.Finally, he leaves us with some sound advice around the importance of remaining curious, resilient, and embracing new technological advancements like artificial intelligence for enhanced people management.To follow his journey,  connect on linkedin.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

In this week’s episode, we are talking with Thorsten Müh, Head of process and plant safety at Bayer.Thorsten shares many insights around the importance of safety leadership and management in organisations “having a seat at the table” and supporting HSE managers in their work.From personal safety examples bringing light to the function in its most basic form to embracing safety across all functions, the conversation covers aspects around leadership roles in safety, practical insights for implementing safety, and the challenges of recognition in safety functions. Thorsten emphasised the need for proactive safety measures, avoiding complacency, and understanding the holistic approach to safety management. The episode once more highlights the critical role of safety leaders in fostering a culture of responsibility and the continuous pursuit of improvement in safety practices.To follow his journey, connect on linkedin.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

In this episode, we are fortunate to have Clinton McDonald, VP Process and Operational safety at BP.Clinton discussed the complexities of risk management, stressing the importance for anyone working within high risks settings to understand the 'why' behind any set of rules to encourage buy in, and to implement the “how” with fit for purpose set of controls. Clinton also touches on how standardisation across the Industry presents a powerful advantage; by simplifying the vast array of risks into key activities and focusing on the key risks that pose the greatest threats to employees, we remove the noise and empower workers to really understand the activities, controls, and rationale behind risk management measures, making it easier for them to prioritise safety in their daily tasks.And from personal insights on accidents and their emotional consequences to encouraging young professionals looking into making safety leadership their career, this conversation is bound to leave you inspired.Follow Clint's journey over on LinkedIn.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking to Mandar Phadke from Topsoe about the importance of a safety culture that is evolving well beyond simple compliance.Mandar shares one of his pivotal safety concepts around the necessary shift in mindset from 'have to' to 'want to', and taking it a step further to “love to”; as we prioritise the health and safety of our teams, families, and friends, demonstrating a true care culture.He discusses the profound idea within Topsoe that everyone is a “zero-harm leader” in their own right, transcending traditional hierarchies and what it means in today’s safety space and work landscape. And as we recognise this, we drive our actions with a personal commitment, emphasising the collective obligation we share in safeguarding the health and safety of those within our sphere of influenceJoin us as we discuss the collective responsibility we all hold for the safety and well-being of those around us, whether at work, home or in the community and how embodying these principles can drive a culture of care and personal commitment to creating a zero-harm environment.If you want to connect with Mandar, check out his LinkedIn profile.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

In this episode, we're joined by Marcus Peters,Global Head of Offshore HSE at RWE offshoreMarcus discusses his journey, starting with his transition from the British Navy to the world of offshore  energy. He explores the unique challenges faced by the renewables industry, the intimate and team-oriented nature of operations, and the significant cultural shift central to its foundation. Strong of 30 years experience and some “HSE dark days” as he put it, he believes strongly in “safety by design”, the power of conversation, and encouraging people to speak up and be part of the change towards a safer workplace within this complex and demand-driven renewables industry and the need for result within organisations.An insightful conversation unveiling the inner workings of the renewable energy sector and its path towards safety, sustainability, and global impact.Follow Marcus' journey on LinkedIn.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

Kenza Akesbi, a seasoned professional with two decades of experience in the health, safety, and environment sector, discusses her journey through multiple industries like mining, F&B, and the dairy industry and shares her insights on proactive safety measures, the impact of major incidents on safety perception, the role of leadership in safety, standardised safety practices with flexibility, and the integration of EHS in operations. Kenza emphasises the importance of understanding the psychological safety and role of leaders in making a healthier and safer workplace, encouraging leaders to adopt a proactive approach towards incident prevention by asking the right questions before important decisions, creating a safety-focused culture. Kenza also shares her experiences with incident investigation and the emotional toll it can take; Don't miss out on Kenza's valuable expertise and journey in the field!Follow Kenza's journey on LinkedIn.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

In this episode, we are speaking with Dr Marcin Nazaruk, an expert in human and organisational performance; Marcin takes us through his journey, starting from his psychology background to becoming a leader in the field of safety and human factors. He emphasises the significance of mindset, skillset, and toolset in transforming safety practices and highlights the need for a proactive mindset that goes beyond blaming individuals for unsafe behaviour;and instead focuses on learning from mistakes. He also talks about the importance of developing the necessary skills, such as active listening and effective questioning, to foster a culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, Marcin discusses the role of tools and frameworks in systematising the application of these principles. One key aspect that we touched on too is psychological first aid, which Marcin believes is essential in response to incidents. By looking beyond simple cause and effect, and instead exploring the context and underlying challenges, organisations can take proactive measures to prevent accidents before they happen. A very different conversation with learnings that are applicable and useful way beyond the realm of the safety space. Follow his journey on linkedin, learn more on his website, and access also his free email course.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

In this interview, Don Blumenthal, a district HSE manager at PCL, a global construction company, shares his journey and insights into the safety aspect of the construction industry. Don shares about his experiences, including a life-altering incident that marked a significant turning point in his perspective on safety. He also talks about his role in mentoring and developing his team, the importance of empathy and personal leadership in safety management, and the challenges of enforcing safety initiatives across regions and segments.He underscores the importance of seeing every aspect of safety as critical, maintaining an impeccable safety record for construction companies, and striving for continuous improvement and growth with no place left for complacency.And he also shares the emotional impact of incidents on workers and their families, reinforcing the importance of empathetic safety approaches as much as aiming to keep everyone safe at all cost.Follow his journey on Linkedin.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

This episode is going to hit quite differently!Britt Howard is a gifted leader, mentor, and passionate advocate for safety and is journey is inspiring.His path from aspiring law enforcement officer to the Group Director Assurance at Worley is a testament to his dedication and resilience. Not just about safety procedures and regulations, it is about the human connection and the deep-rooted belief in safety serving a purpose larger than just rules. Britt's journey into safety is unique and personal; he defines it as 'divine intervention'. In this episode, Britt shares insights on fostering a 'Work Family' culture, his philosophy of 'serving others is serving thyself', and his unwavering commitment to safety and service. “safety does not happen by accident. It happens on purpose” - Britt Howard.So many nuggets are weaved into this conversation, touching on the essence of safety, empathy & sympathy, leadership, resilience, and serving others. It is a captivating episode that bridges the gap between safety protocols and our shared human experience.Follow Britt Howard on LinkedIn!Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

We have Chet Brandon on the podcast today. Chet is an experienced sustainability and EHS executive known for his exemplary work across different industries The conversation covers Chet's personal journey, exploring his inspirations that led him to working in Safety, his work ethics, and his approach to ensuring sustainability and safety within organisations. He emphasises the importance of assembling excellent sustainability teams, engaging employees, and the significance of these aspects in business success. This sets the stage for an insightful discussion, hinting at the key role of safety measures in maintaining industrial success. Amidst all the jargon related to safety procedures and standards as most would know it, Chet highlights a crucial element often overlooked—human nature. He navigates the complexities of creating systems that align with human nature while ensuring occupational safety. This part is a subtle prelude to the significance of understanding the workforce in achieving a safe workspace, a concept which is later expanded in greater detail.The concluding part of the conversation goes into Chet's personal experiences with safety, and includes a powerful story of a severe occupational accident that greatly impacted him. He discusses the life-altering impact of such incidents, emphasising how they serve as stark reminders of the crucial role safety measures play in workplace; foreshadowing the learning and transformation such incidents can spark among safety professionals, driving them towards a more conscientious application of their role.With an emphasis on personal responsibility and empowerment, the discussion provides valuable insights into the journey of implementing safety standards, facing challenges, and inspiring a culture of safety within organisations. Follow Chet's journey on LinkedIn and X.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

Carole Smets, a strong advocate for sustainable and safety practices in businesses, shares her career journey deeply aligned with a strong set of values and her firm belief that sustainability, safety and business success go hand in hand.From the very first strong statement to the last emotional story, we are treated with a series of invaluable insights, nuggets, and clear passion for the safety and sustainability space.As the Health and Safety Director at Pernod Ricard, Carole champions safer, healthier and more environmentally conscious corporate landscapes. From the need for holistic leadership in sustainability, where leaders embody these values and thus, create safer environments for their teams to thrive to encouraging organisations to move from a reactive to a proactive stance, enhancing their overall safety performance, but also embracing diversity within all safety leaders for better collaboration and ideas development, Carole also encourages everyone, regardless of their role, to 'Be the One' - a Pernod Ricard initiative that fosters a sense of individual empowerment in implementing health and safety actions. This mindset, she believes, will drive a shift towards greener operational practices and a safer working environment where profit and growth can also directly benefit from this.Follow Carole's journey over on LinkedIn.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.

In this episode, Matt Cox, the deputy QHSC director for Veolia in the UAE, discusses his inspiring journey in the safety industry and the factors that motivated him to pursue a career in safety. Matt emphasizes the importance of considering the human condition in safety, treating everyone as human beings regardless of their position or hierarchy. He highlights that the primary goal of health, safety, and environmental protection is to preserve life and prevent injuries and illnesses.We then hear about major challenges faced in implementing safety measures, particularly in regions with a multicultural workforce. Matt shares stories that highlight the cultural differences, language barriers, and varying risk perceptions that can affect safety practices in the workplace.Matt also discusses the evolution of safety professionalism in the region, from a lack of inbuilt competence to the standardization of qualifications and the focus on overall competence. He emphasizes the need for open reporting, treating failures as learning opportunities, and the importance of management credibility in promoting a strong safety culture.The conversation touches on best practices in the field, including adopting a competency-based recruitment model, leveraging tools and technologies like virtual reality for upskilling, and promoting collaborative communication and teamwork. In conclusion, Matt expresses his desire to see honesty and transparency become the norm in safety practices, and emphasizes the importance of never stopping learning and asking questions in the pursuit of safety excellence.Send us a message! If you like this podcast episode make sure to give it a follow to not miss upcoming episodes.-For more resources and updates, find us on LinkedInAnd connect with our host Mousa Yassin.