News

British Safety Council launches new monthly podcast and joins ‘Battery Breakdown’ awareness campaign

By on

Want to hear more about the hot topics in health, safety and wellbeing from experts who really know what they’re talking about? If so, tune in to British Safety Council’s new podcast series, Health and Safety Uncut, and listen to our carefully selected guests as they dissect and delve into the subjects that matter in a straight-talking and thought-provoking format


The podcast launched on 4 November and listeners can download a new episode on the first Monday of every month. It is hosted by Dr Shaun Davis, group director of safety, health and wellbeing at Belron International, who will speak to a different guest each month with proven expertise in subjects ranging from the risk of lithium-ion battery fires to alcohol and drugs in the workplace.

 The podcast launched on 4 November and a new episode will be available to download on the first Monday of each month.

Health and Safety Uncut is a great way to get under the skin of health, safety and wellbeing issues,” said British Safety Council engagement director Paul Fakley. “Whether you’re looking for new insights and information from experts and specialists, want to broaden your knowledge, or simply hear something new and engaging about health, safety and wellbeing issues, this podcast is for you.”

Matt Humby, senior technical consultant at Firechief Global, was the podcast’s first guest, kicking off what promises to be an illuminating series with an informative and eye-opening discussion about lithium-ion batteries and the serious fire risks they present when not handled and stored correctly.

 Matt Humby, senior technical consultant at Firechief Global, was the podcast’s first guest. Photograph: Firechief Global 

With the number of lithium battery-related fires in residential buildings and workplaces rising, this episode provides timely and vitally important advice and information on how to minimise the risk and keep people safe.

Alongside launching the new podcast, British Safety Council has announced its support for the Battery Breakdown campaign by becoming the latest signatory to the initiative, which seeks to raise awareness of the risks from e-batteries and to improve their safety. The campaign is run by Electrical Safety First and championed by Matt Humby.

“As with all new and developing technologies, the increasing use of e-bikes and scooters has prompted a wave of new questions, considerations and challenges – not least for employers, as e-bikes and scooters have entered the workplace and are routinely charged at, or under, our desks,” said British Safety Council’s head of audit and consultancy, Phil Pinnington. “We are delighted to join other key supporters of this important campaign, and to work with Electrical Safety First to ensure that the future for e-bikes and e-scooters is both practical and safe.”

Later on in the podcast series, Dr Davis and his expert guests will leave no stone unturned as they dig deep into a wide range of topics, including neurodiversity in the workplace; the dangers of asbestos; the health risks of sedentary working; sustainability; indoor air quality; musculoskeletal disorders; and issues related to alcohol and drugs.

If you’re a health, safety and wellbeing professional with a thirst for knowledge that can help you to help make your workplace safer and happier, we invite you to make a date every month to put the kettle on and listen to Health and Safety Uncut.

To access the Health and Safety Uncut podcast, visit:

tinyurl.com/4n7s3hjr   

NEWS


Stressed Woman Burnout iStock PeopleImages

Poor-quality work “worse for health than being unemployed”, says report

By Belinda Liversedge on 13 March 2025

1.7 million workers in Great Britain suffer from health conditions caused or made worse by their job – higher than before the pandemic, a new report has found.



Parliament Manifesto iStock benedek

Zero-hours contract rights extended to agency workers under Employment Rights Bill amendments

By Kerry Reals on 04 March 2025

A ban on “exploitative” zero-hours contracts will be extended to include agency workers and statutory sick pay rules will be strengthened, as part of a series of amendments to the Employment Rights Bill tabled by the Government on 4 March.



Dubai Conference 2025 Prime Vision Studio

British Safety Council hosts successful Middle East Conference in Dubai

By Jay Ludditt, British Safety Council on 19 February 2025

It was a special day in Dubai on 11 February as British Safety Council presented its Middle East Conference 2025 – the organisation’s first live, in-person event in this part of the world for several years.