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
News
British Safety Council launches new monthly podcast and joins ‘Battery Breakdown’ awareness campaign
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:
NEWS
Experts launch national Asbestos Taskforce to challenge UK’s “manage indefinitely” strategy
By Belinda Liversedge on 28 April 2026
The chair of a new Independent National Asbestos Taskforce has criticised the UK’s strategy around asbestos as ‘dangerously complacent’, saying the time has come for evidence-based removal.
ILO report: psychosocial risks are now a critical occupational safety challenge
By Belinda Liversedge on 23 April 2026
More than 840,000 people die each year from health conditions linked to psychosocial risks, such as long working hours, job insecurity, and workplace harassment, according to a new global report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Public ‘toilet deserts’ in England: a growing health and safety risk for mobile workers
By Belinda Liversedge on 23 April 2026
Businesses need to play their part and ensure their mobile workers have access to basic facilities as public toilets continue to dwindle across the country.