safetyCast

Cybersecurity and Safety in the Age of AI

As AI adoption accelerates across safety-critical sectors, the line between digital security and physical safety is blurring. While AI offers immense potential as an ally for safety, it also introduces sophisticated risks that can compromise data, people, and operations. How do organisations secure their digital perimeter without hindering operational performance?

In this forward-focused episode, we explore the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, and workplace safety. Host Sam Williams sits down with investigator Brian McKay (ICAM AU) to unpack the real-world risks emerging from the exponential growth of AI...

AI in Safety: Responsible Innovation for Smarter Risk Management

AI is reshaping the way organisations manage risk, providing smarter, data-driven insights that improve workplace safety, compliance, and decision-making. But with evolving technology comes new challenges—how do we adopt AI responsibly while ensuring real impact?

In this episode, we explore AI-driven risk assessment, data analytics, and how AI is acting as a co-pilot for safety professionals worldwide. We dive into real-world applications, including AI-driven heatmaps and chat functionality, while addressing the critical questions of transparency, accuracy, and ethical use.

Key themes:

Sm...

The Disruptor Mindset: How Women are Reshaping Safety Leadership

In this essential safetyCast episode, we explore the evolving role and impact of women in Health & Safety. Featuring three of New Zealand's top female H&S leaders—Kristy Nicholson (Lockton), Deborah Douglas (ASB), and Nicola Knobel (Plunket)—this dynamic panel discussion explores their leadership journeys, the challenges they've faced, and the strategies they use to drive real change.

Through real-world insights and their own lived experiences, this panel challenges the status quo. They discuss why H&S needs "the disruptor mindset" and how leveraging key strengths like...

Beyond the Bottom of the Hill: Proactively Tackling Workplace Violence

In this essential safetyCast episode, we address the undeniable increase in violent and aggressive behavior in customer-facing workplaces. Featuring two of New Zealand's top retail safety leaders, Grace Cooper (Former GM of H&S at The Warehouse Group and currently Director of The Safety SOULutions) and Jo van den Berg (from Foodstuffs North Island), this conversation explores how to move beyond reactive measures that are often "the ambulance at the bottom of the hill".

Together, we challenge the traditional approaches to safety. Michelle and Jo share why...

Retail Crime: The New Frontline in Health and Safety

In this crucial safetyCast episode, we confront the escalating issue of retail crime and its transformation into a major health and safety crisis for customer-facing industries. Featuring insights from Lisa White, Head of Protective Services at Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), this conversation explores the real-world challenges of protecting employees from increasing aggression and violence.

Together, we go beyond the staggering financial costs to uncover the deep psychosocial impact on frontline staff. Lisa shares BNZ’s practical strategies for managing these evolving risks, from de-escalation techniques and staff tr...

The Ambiguity of Wellbeing: Rethinking Mental Health in the Workplace

In this safetyCast episode, we unpack the complex and often misunderstood concept of "wellbeing" and what it truly means for mental health in the workplace. Featuring insights from EY’s Roberto C Garcia and Samantha Thomas, this conversation explores why a strategic, clearly defined approach to mental health is essential for building healthier, more engaged organisations.

Together, we discuss how leadership, governance, and measurable initiatives can shape effective psychosocial risk management, and why it’s time to move beyond vague wellbeing programs toward real cultural impa...

In this episode of safetyCast, we dive into the complexities of crafting an effective mental health strategy in large, diverse workplaces.

Listen to Conor Duffy, founder of Psychosocial Safety Solutions and former Head of Health & Safety at Kmart Australia. In this episode he unpacks the building blocks of a successful psychosocial strategy that supports every level of the organisation, from head office to the frontline.

Conor shares practical, experience-backed insights into:

Embedding psychological safety into your broader WHS strategy

The role of initiatives like EAPs and Psychological First Aid

...

How the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is reshaping safety reporting

In this episode of safetyCast by ecoPortal, we explore how the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is transforming the way organisations think about, and report on, health, safety, and wellbeing.

Featuring Matthew Cowie and Samantha Thomas from EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services team, this conversation unpacks what the CSRD means for organisations across Australasia and beyond. You’ll hear real-world case studies, practical tips, and expert insights on how to integrate HSW into your sustainability reporting, far beyond the basics of internal comp...

🎙️ Transforming Safety Culture
In this episode of safetyCast, we sit down with Tim Hudson, Operational Risk Management Consultant at Hudson Global Consulting, to explore what it really takes to build and sustain a strong safety culture in today’s evolving workplaces.

From leadership commitment to employee engagement, Tim shares insights drawn from decades of global experience helping organisations embed safety into the way they work. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing approach, this episode offers practical tools, real-world examples, and strategies to help you shift mindsets, behaviours, and systems toward safer outcomes.

If yo...

In this episode, Dr. Megan Tranter shares how strong leadership shapes safer, healthier workplaces. Drawing from her global experience at Amazon, PepsiCo, and more, she explores how EHS leaders can drive culture, strategy, and impact beyond compliance. Perfect for professionals looking to elevate their influence in Health and Safety. Listen here!