Two Bald Guys Talking Safety: Recent Episodes
Evotix
Two Bald Guys Talking Safety brings you the latest in all things health and safety. Langdon Dement, MS, CSP, AEP, and Julian Taylor cover topics on keeping employees healthy and safe by whatever means necessary. Rarely more than 30 minutes and, if not educational, undoubtedly entertaining. Subscribe, so you don’t miss out on this bi-weekly podcast.
In this episode, the bald guys continue their conversation with Justin Moats, unpacking the opportunities and challenges of using AI in workplace safety. From streamlining hazard reporting to breaking down language barriers, they explore how AI can meet organizations where they are, whether they’re still on Excel or using advanced safety software. They discuss the importance of maintaining a critical eye, protecting sensitive data and setting clear policies to build trust in the technology.
In this episode, Justin Moats, Evotix’s Global Solutions Manager, joins the bald guys to explore how AI is transforming the EHS landscape. With over 15 years in safety tech, Justin shares real-world use cases—from automating admin tasks to identifying hazards through wearables and computer vision. Whether you're an AI skeptic or curious adopter, this episode offers practical insights you can act on today.
In this episode, the bald guys continue their conversation with Paul Delderfield, diving into the overlooked risks of noise exposure in the workplace — from long-term hearing loss to its role in serious injuries. They explore why organizations often default to PPE rather than engineering or administrative controls and how that mindset can lead to preventable incidents.
In this episode, the bald guys sit down with Paul Delderfield, a noise and vibration specialist from the UK's Health and Safety Executive. Paul shares how his automotive background led to a fulfilling second career regulating workplace noise, and why hearing loss is one of the most underestimated occupational health risks. The conversation explores the social impacts of noise-induced hearing loss, misconceptions around PPE as a first line of defense and real-world examples of how engineering controls can dramatically reduce risk.
In part two, the bald guys continue their conversation with Dee Arp on what it really takes to build trust and foster psychological safety in the workplace. They explore how visible, present leadership can encourage employees to speak up about safety concerns — and why influence, empathy and understanding generational differences matter.
In this episode, the bald guys are joined by Dee Arp, chief quality officer at NEBOSH, to talk about the importance of psychological safety and what it really means to protect the whole person at work. Dee shares how her early career in road accident prevention evolved into a commitment to education and risk reduction in the workplace. From bridging the gap between safety systems and real culture to helping OSH professionals speak the language of leadership, Dee offers powerful insights on making safety personal, practical and lasting.
In part two, the bald guys continue their conversation with Chris Newson on how leadership behavior drives safety, innovation and retention. They explore why empathy, experimentation and honest conversations are essential for building trust and creating lasting change in safety.
In this episode, the bald guys chat with Chris Newson, EHS Director at Make UK, about the evolving state of health and safety in UK manufacturing. Chris highlights the rising focus on legal compliance amid economic uncertainty and the vital role of leadership in fostering safe operations. Tune in to hear why going beyond compliance is key to truly protecting workers and raising safety standards.
In this episode, the bald guys continue their conversation with Jason Anker and Tim Marsh, exploring the deeper, often overlooked factors that contribute to workplace safety incidents. From sleep deprivation and an aging workforce to the increasing role of technology in our daily lives, they examine how external pressures are shaping the modern workforce. Jason shares the ongoing impact of his accident, emphasizing how personal accountability, gratitude and proactive self-care can transform not just workplace safety but overall quality of life.
In this episode, the bald duo is joined by Jason Anker and Tim Marsh as they dive into the complex relationship between safety, human behavior and workplace culture. Jason shares his personal journey from a preventable workplace accident that left him paralyzed to his evolution as a speaker, exploring how mental health and well-being play a critical role in decision-making and risk-taking. Tim expands on the psychology behind why people don’t speak up about safety concerns and how organizations can move beyond compliance to create genuinely safe environments.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon sit down with former Scottish police chief inspector Graham Goulden. Drawing from his experience in violence prevention, he explores the psychology of inaction and the power of small interventions in workplaces like policing, fire and rescue, and corporate environments. He introduces the PACT model (Probe, Alert, Challenge, Take Action) to help individuals confidently step in when needed and highlights how active bystandership can prevent harm before it escalates.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon are joined by Miriam Payne and Jess Rowe from Seas the Day Ocean Rowing to discuss their upcoming expedition, the Great Pacific Escapade. As an all-female team, they aim to become the first crew to row 8,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean nonstop and unsupported. Departing next month from Peru, they will row up to 15 hours a day for approximately six months, fueling their efforts with 5,000 calories daily. They share insights into the physical and mental challenges ahead, the safety measures in place and their partnership with The Outward Bound Trust, a UK organization that empowers young people through outdoor education and adventure.
Seas the Day is raising funds to support this mission and The Outward Bound Trust. To contribute, visit here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/seastheday
In this episode, Julian and Langdon break down OSHA reporting and recordkeeping, including the March 2nd deadline for submitting 300, 300A and 301 logs. The duo covers key requirements, common mistakes and how digital tools can simplify compliance. Tune in for tips to avoid penalties and stay compliant!
In this episode, Julian and Langdon explore the idea that health and safety must be a core value rather than just another corporate objective. They discuss the importance of aligning safety with individual motivations, challenging leadership on their commitment and taking a back-to-basics approach to risk management. From serious injury prevention to redefining workplace priorities, listen as they break down what it takes to embed EHS into an organization's culture.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon analyze the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data on occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities, uncovering critical trends in safety performance. They discuss the complexities of interpreting statistics, the importance of avoiding complacency and the role of continuous improvement in driving real change. Highlighting key industry challenges—such as transportation incidents and falls from height—they explore how safety professionals can use this data to prioritize action and enhance workplace safety.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon reflect on 2024 and explore key trends shaping workplace safety and health as we step into 2025. They discuss the growing focus on ESG initiatives, emphasizing the need to balance environmental goals with critical safety priorities like preventing serious incidents and fatalities. The conversation highlights psychological safety and its role in empowering employees to speak up, alongside the rising importance of self-directed learning and mental well-being. They also delve into the influence of emerging technology, including AI, on enhancing safety practices and the role of leadership in navigating these changes while fostering a culture of engagement and adaptability.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon continue their discussion with Matt Gibson, senior consultant at Carcharodon, on the critical role of learning from failure in high-hazard industries. Matt shares impactful lessons from his career, including his experience with a refinery explosion and a water pressure test gone wrong. He highlights the importance of understanding systemic failures, adapting to change and fostering an environment where mistakes are openly analyzed for growth. With real-world examples, the discussion underscores how thoughtful reflection and shared learning can prevent catastrophic outcomes.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon chat with Matt Gibson, a seasoned mechanical engineer and senior consultant at Carcharodon with over 20 years of experience working in high-hazard industries. During their conversation, Matt discusses the evolution of safety practices, from addressing slips and falls to behavioral safety, and highlights the varying safety standards worldwide. He dives into the complexities of managing large-scale maintenance turnaround projects, including workforce challenges, fatigue and the critical role of thorough planning. With practical tips and relatable anecdotes, Matt offers valuable lessons for navigating high-stakes, high-pressure environments.
In the second part of this two-part series, Julian and Langdon continue their conversation with Mark Wilkinson, Director of Worldwide Business Development at Equilibria Services. Mark dives deeper into the transformative power of understanding personality diversity, exploring shifts in workplace culture post-COVID, the growing importance of mental health and the increasing openness of younger generations to holistic well-being. Mark and our hosts highlight the importance of embracing new tools and approaches, like personality profiling, to create safer, more connected work environments.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon are joined by Mark Wilkinson, Director of Worldwide Business Development at Equilibria Services! During their discussion, Mark shares his remarkable journey of resilience and reinvention. After losing his mobility and grappling with despair, he found purpose through recovery, culminating in his book Life Remixed. Transitioning from music to safety, Mark reflects on the challenges of managing high-stakes projects like the London Olympic Stadium and Heathrow Airport, revealing how understanding personality dynamics transformed his approach. This episode dives deep into lessons from adversity, the power of self-awareness and the revolutionary impact of personality diversity on workplace safety.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon continue exploring the essentials of data reporting and compliance in health and safety—but don’t worry, it’s not nearly as spooky as the last one! They discuss the baseline data every EHS team must track, from incident reports to regulatory metrics, and examine the challenges of outdated and inconsistent data collection. They also look at moving beyond compliance to gather more meaningful insights that foster proactive safety improvements and employee engagement. Tune in to discover how data can drive a safer, more efficient organization and the potential role of AI in streamlining these efforts.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon shed light on the spooky reality of unused or mismanaged data. The duo dive into the importance of effectively managing the data collected throughout the year and how it impacts your compliance efforts. Listen as they explore what eerie gaps might be lurking in your system and discuss strategies for identifying missing data points.
In honor of National Protect Your Hearing Month, Julian and Langdon dive into the critical topic of hearing protection, emphasizing how noise-induced hearing loss affects both workplaces and daily life. With the increasing use of headphones and exposure to loud music, this issue is more relevant than ever. They share real-world examples, from the deafening noise in factories to their own experiences with tinnitus and noise-canceling headphones. Along the way, they stress the importance of proactive measures, such as reducing noise at the source, rather than relying solely on protective gear.
In part two of this two-part episode series, Julian and Langdon delve into the evolving approach to risk management in organizations. They explore how minor design changes or overlooked processes can have long-term consequences, and how businesses must stay proactive with regular risk assessments. Lastly, the conversation shifts to how creating risk profiles can facilitate more informed discussions with senior leadership about organizational risks and securing investment for mitigation strategies.
In part one of this two-part episode series, Julian and Langdon dive into the importance of recognizing and managing workplace hazards and risks. They discuss how organizations often conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses but fail to profile and prioritize risks across the business. A key point raised is the value of maintaining a risk register to help teams strategically address and reduce risk levels. Finally, they explore how external factors, such as employee mental well-being, can impact hazard awareness and overall safety.
In part two of this two-part episode series, Julian, Langdon are Mark Nixon continue their discussion on the importance of stress and mental well-being management in the workplace. The trio explores how stress risk assessments succeed when managers make employees feel valued and focus on ways for creating a supportive work environment where psychological safety is prioritized.
In part one of this two-part episode series, Julian and Langdon are joined by Mark Nixon to discuss the critical role of mental health in the broader context of health and safety. The bald trio explores a shift in priorities from profit to the well-being of employees, emphasizing that mental health is fundamental to overall health. The discussion highlights the necessity for businesses to foster psychological safety, allowing employees to speak up about their issues without fear. Finally, they touch on the importance of conducting stress risk assessments to mitigate work-related stress and fulfill the duty of care employers owe to their staff.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon welcome Karen J. Hewitt, director at LEADERLIKE LIMITED, to discuss the insights from her recent survey on engagement in health and safety. With over 200 UK-based health and safety professionals, the survey explored current challenges and effective strategies in the field. Karen shares intriguing findings, highlighting the significant issues of time constraints and lack of senior leadership support. She emphasizes the crucial role of senior leaders in fostering safe operations, suggesting that their engagement is key to frontline success. The discussion delves into practical steps leaders can take to genuinely support and communicate health and safety priorities within their organizations.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon are joined by Simon Raywood, head of health and safety at MKM Building Supplies, with 25 years of experience in EHS. Raywood emphasizes shifting from negative perceptions of health and safety to focusing on positive impacts on business performance. Listen as he highlights MKM's successful "Go Home Safe" campaign, which focuses on promoting positive safety behaviors both internally and through social media.
In this live episode, Julian and Langdon will discuss the serious heat waves impacting the U.S. and the resulting safety concerns of working in these conditions. Many workers are not acclimatized, leading to heat stress, heat exhaustion and dehydration. The duo will explore the various types of heat-related illnesses and their symptoms, while sharing essential precautions to help reduce the risk and protect employees from heat-related health issues.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon delve into the nuances of effective risk management and how organizations often focus too much on incident management after the fact. They discuss the importance of moving beyond just compliance and governance, exploring the concept of a proactive learning culture. The duo highlights the critical need to assess real risks, like preventing serious injuries and fatalities, rather than just ticking boxes for minor safety protocols. Emphasizing the importance of holistic job safety analysis, they challenge the conventional approaches and explore what the next phase of health and safety management should look like.
In this live episode, Julian and Langdon break down OSHA's updated Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), rolling out on July 19, 2024. They explore how the revised standard will enhance chemical hazard communication and recap the decade-long journey and industry advocacy that brought about these changes.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon discuss the common misconceptions people have about PPE and emphasize the importance of adhering to the Hierarchy of Controls in workplace safety. They explore the trap that many organizations fall into of failing to regularly review and improve their safety protocols, relying too heavily on existing measures without considering technological advancements or engineering out hazards. Highlighting the need for proactive hazard identification and rectification, the bald duo advocates for making safety integral to every task, emphasizing that this approach is the key to reducing serious injuries and fatalities.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon are joined by special guest Crystal Danbury, a seasoned safety professional with over two decades of experience and co-host of the health and safety podcast, Speak! Working for a leading FTSE 100 retailer, Danbury discusses the significance of women's representation in the safety industry and highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of workplace hazards. Tune in as she shares insights on empowering women and creating safer workplaces for everyone.
In episode 246, Julian and Language delve into AI's evolution and ethical concerns like algorithmic biases and job displacement. Emphasizing the need for AI literacy, they explore the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders for responsible and equitable AI development and governance.
In this episode, Julian and Langdon visit Red Bull headquarters to speak with Emma Hind, CEO of Wings for Life UK, about the global foundation’s mission: finding a cure for spinal cord injury. Hind gives the bald guys a history lesson on the foundation's origins, tied closely to Red Bull through its founders, Dietrich Mateschitz, the late founder of Red Bull and Heinz Kinigadner, two-time motocross world champion. Wings for Life would like listeners to know that despite the devastating nature of spinal cord injuries, individuals impacted by them show incredible resilience and positivity, refusing to be defined by their condition. Join us as we explore the inspiring stories and impactful work of those dedicated to making a difference for the future.
Support Wings for Life here: www.wingsforlife.com
Sign up for the World Run here: www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com
Changing the conversation from having a "safety culture" to embedding “safe operations" throughout your organiszation is an important shift to integrating health and safety practices more deeply among your workforce. We often hear organizations claiming to have a "safety culture," however this implies a separate and isolated aspect of operations. Emphasizing "safe operations" conveys that health and safety are integral to the organization's functioning. You won't want to miss this week's episode as Julian and Langdon share how to transition the mindset from safety culture to safe operations.
This week Julian and Langdon are joined by Karen J. Hewitt who shares her fascinating journey in the health and safety industry and how her background in communications has been a key driver in getting to where she is today!
Starting as an interpreter for the UN and moving into health and safety, this episode is jam-packed with advice on how we can better communicate and engage with those around us, as well as insights on how to create meaning for people when it comes to health and safety. 💡