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. We dive into how organisations can anticipate AI-related hazards, protect sensitive data, and respond effectively to incidents where digital failure leads to physical risk. Key themes: Securing the Digital Perimeter: What WHS leaders need to know to protect digital safety systems and sensitive data to ensure operations remain resilient and compliant. AI as a Hazard and Control: Unpacking how to identify, assess, and manage AI-related safety risks in your operations before regulators step in. Data Security as Safety: Understanding why data security is now a frontline safety issue, particularly regarding sensitive employee and incident information. Cyber Safety Culture: Strategies for building a cyber-aware workforce and strengthening investigations without creating panic or overwhelming teams. This episode is essential listening for WHS and Risk professionals, Executives managing digital transformation, and Safety Managers bridging the gap between tech and operations. Featuring: Brian McKay, Senior Investigator/Trainer at ICAM Australia With 30 years of experience spanning critical infrastructure, the U.S. Navy, and agencies like USINDOPACOM, Brian is a seasoned expert in cybersecurity and engineering. He brings deep expertise in developing cyber frameworks and AI-driven defence initiatives to the conversation on protecting critical systems. Available now on all major podcast platforms.

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: Smarter Risk Management: Using AI-driven analytics like heatmaps to identify hazards proactively. Intelligent Safety Assistants: How AI co-pilots provide real-time insights to support frontline decision-making. Responsible Integration: Adapting workforce training and leadership to integrate AI while maintaining trust. Navigating Ethics & Compliance: Addressing surveillance concerns and building transparent frameworks for global compliance. This episode is essential listening for Health & Safety leaders, Operations Managers, and HR & Legal teams looking to navigate the AI landscape responsibly. Featuring: Liz Hancock, Director of HSE at DCC Technology With over 22 years of experience across diverse sectors and continents, Liz brings deep expertise in strategic leadership, enforcement, and safety management to the conversation on AI's future in the workplace. Available now on all major podcast platforms.

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 empathy, communication, and influence is essential to move from reactive compliance (work as imagined) to proactive, people-first risk management (work as done). Key themes: Owning Your Space: Overcoming challenges and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. Beyond Policies: Using "soft skills" like empathy and influence to manage real-world risk, not just SOPs. Lifting Women Up: The power of mentorship and structural change to support the next generation of H&S leaders. The "Disruptor Mindset": Using discomfort as a catalyst for driving positive organisational change. This episode is a must-listen for all H&S professionals, leaders, HR and diversity champions, and anyone passionate about building a more diverse, equitable, and effective safety industry. Featuring: Kristy Nicholson, National Head of Health & Safety at Lockton Deborah Douglas, Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at ASB Nicola Knobel, Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at Plunket Available now on all major podcast platforms.

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 a proactive, multi-pronged strategy—focused on primary prevention, good workplace design, and effective de-escalation—is critical for protecting employees from the growing psychological harm this issue creates. Key themes: Why one-off training for violent and aggressive behaviour doesn’t work and what to do instead. How to address employee wellbeing in the face of more frequent aggressive behaviour. Simple and practical preventative initiatives that are proven to work. Real-world examples from workplaces that have implemented positive changes. This episode is a must-listen for retail leaders, HR and H&S professionals, and anyone in a customer-facing industry committed to proactively protecting their people from the growing threat of workplace aggression. Featuring: Grace Cooper, Former GM of H&S at The Warehouse Group and currently Director of The Safety SOULutions Jo van den Berg, Head of Safety & Wellbeing, Foodstuffs North Island Available now on all major podcast platforms.

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 training to rethinking the physical environment itself. Key themes: The scale of physical and psychological violence in retail. The hidden costs: burnout, trauma, and the impact on mental health. Actionable strategies for training, de-escalation, and safer workplace design. The future of long-term employee support in high-risk environments. Whether you're a retail manager, WHS professional, or C-suite executive, this episode provides essential, practical solutions for creating a safer, more supportive work environment for your team. Featuring: Lisa White, Head of Protective Services, Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) Available now on all major podcast platforms.