Colin is in discussion with Bev Thorogood, a fellow podcast host, and the owner of Floresco Training, about the importance of raising awareness of the menopause in the workplace, and how it can impact such a huge percentage of the people we work with.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The menopause should not be viewed as some kind of illness, but as a natural progression in life that happens to all women.
• Even elements such as uniform, which can be ill-fitting, can exacerbate the symptoms associated with menopause, creating a very real health risk.
• Under health and safety law, there is a responsibility to look after the health, welfare and safety of employees. Safety professionals may not always be aware that someone is going through the menopause. The person may not even be aware themselves. We must be observant and caring at all times.
• Diversity in terms of gender in higher positions has never been more necessary within organisations. Women are far more open to discussions, and bring new perspectives on the requirements we need to implement across the board, especially in terms of discussions such as menopause.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's about being observant. It's about caring'

'We need to look at this on a scaled-down, one-to-one basis'

'It's not black and white. These things never are'

'We need a culture change, not only in menopause, but also in how women are perceived'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449    

Bev Thorogood LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/florescotraining/?originalSubdomain=uk

Floresco Training - https://florescotraining.co.uk  

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin Nottage

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

This is the belief that Colin is passionate about and through his consultancy Influential Management Group (IMG) is able to spread into industry. Colin works at a strategic level with company owners and board members. He helps business leaders establish and achieve their health and safety ambitions.

He has developed a number of leading competency improvement programmes that are delivered across industry and his strengths are his ability to take a practical approach to problem-solving and being able to liaise at all levels within an organisation.

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

He is a Post Graduate Tutor at Strathclyde University and a highly sought-after health and safety speaker and trainer. He has a Post Graduate Certificate in Safety and Risk management, an engineering degree and is a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).