The HSE People Panel
The HSE People Panel is made up of individuals who provide our network with their insights and experiences in order to grow as a community.
Jonathan Dempsey – Expert in Risk
Antonio Pedna – A View from Overseas
Christian Harris – Slips, Trips and Falls
Brendon Ireland – Food Safety
Euan McRobie – Construction Safety
Mike Scotland – Mental Health in the HSE Industry
Darcie Jaremey – Ergonomics
Paul Nicholas – Development and Implementation
Kelvin Blackburn – Offshore Safety
Kevin Robins – Occupational Health
Neil Fisher – Rail Safety
Scott Crichton – Safety in the Public Sector
Tom Baines – Safety in the Middle East
Euan McRobie
What could 2022 bring?
Predictions for next year? Hopes for next year? I believe that 2022 will bring both new opportunities and challenges within the CDM arena; with the Building Safety Bill coming ever closer to gaining royal ascent, it will provide a hard stop when working through the several Gateways and so offers an opportunity for all Principal Designers and CDM Advisors to ensure that clear Health & Safety standard is implemented within both the design and the construction phase. As well as more challenges for people to undertake the roles of the main duty holders under the Building Safety Bill. I also believe that we as Health & Safety practitioners will also have to consider more than ever the environmental impact we have on the plant and how we implement sustainable practices.
What are the best HSE apps you use/can recommend?
I don’t use HSE apps, but I believe that both iAuditor is a great tool for undertaking audits, and then Airsweb is also a great data reporting tool for all areas of Health & Safety Management
Looking back over the last year what were your highs and lows?
Highs were able to gain more experience whilst working on various infrastructure projects. Lows, managing the ever-changing demand of various projects throughout the many stages of the project lifecycle.
What are your currently reading (work or leisure)?
John Grisham series (leisure)
Do you have a defining point in your career? Becoming a Chartered Member of IOSH.
Kevin Robins
What could 2022 bring? Predictions for next year? Hopes for next year?
I see a huge resurgence across business and commerce in general. Health and safety, wellbeing and environmental considerations will be at the forefront of many organisations strategies I’m sure, with the spotlight shining on these areas more so now than ever.
It will also be interesting to see how the hybrid working model pans out long-term, I predict more long-distance working which is something that I’ve felt could always work. Why should candidates that are perfectly suited to a role miss out before it’s not within an hours commute? I think many companies are coming round to this way of thinking now and opening up the geographic remit on their potential talent pool at their disposal.
Genuine hope for a reduction across the board for injury and fatality figures of course, which could be achievable, but possibly expected if there were lesser hours worked due to Furlough, redundancies and home-working. However, I fear that there will likely be an increase in stress-related absenteeism statistics.
What are the best HSE apps you use/can recommend?
I don’t actually know any useful HSE apps, so I’ll be sure to look out for other recommendations!
Who is your HSE hero?
I think all HSE professionals are ‘unsung’ heroes to be honest, there isn’t one that stands out more than any other personally. I had a good mentor in my first role when I moved into H&S/CDM consultancy, but ever since I’ve had to be fairly self-sufficient and not had the opportunity to work with many other senior HSE professionals.
Looking back over the last year –what are your highs and lows?
A big high for me last year was landing my HSQE Director’s role, which has been a great and refreshing challenge, with a huge amount of achievements and successes so far. I think from a ‘low’ perspective it is probably the same for many people, the pandemic and the fallout from that, at certain points it wasn’t clear if/when we were going to return to some form of normality. It was disappointing to see how it brought out the worst in some people.
What are your currently reading (work or leisure)?
I don’t tend to read too many work-related books, but for leisure purposes I’m still working my way through Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels via Audible at the moment though.
Do you have a defining point in your career? What was it?
Investigating a fatal incident for the first time, which really put everything into perspective for me and is the most wholesome reminder as to why our jobs are so important.
Scott Crichton
What could 2022 bring? Predictions for next year? Hopes for next year?
I think 2022 will bring more instability with the various changes we have and know are coming – Building Safety etc. Hopes for next year for me personally, is to become a Chartered Fellow of IOSH and start the journey towards Fellowship of IIRSM.
What are the best HSE apps you use/can recommend?
Kaido – whilst it isn’t a specific HSE app, it is great for wellbeing.
Who is your HSE hero?
Neil Fisher is my hero, as he is a fellow book worm and like myself seeks to inspire others.
Looking back over the last year – what are your highs and lows?
Highs – Spending extra time with my children given many of us were all working from home. Lows – Long working hours, often at times to the detriment of my family.
What are your currently reading (work or leisure)?
Rise Above – leadership lessons from the RAF – John Jupp.
Do you have a defining point in your career? What was it?
A defining point in my career – honestly was COVID-19 as this allowed me to thrust myself into a project which I would suggest personally has allowed me to raise my game.
