Agenda
Welcome & opening remarks from the host
The rise of the AI-assisted safety manager
AI is no longer experimental. It is already influencing how incidents are predicted, risks are monitored and decisions are made on-site.
This session explores what the ‘AI-assisted safety manager’ really looks like in practice. You’ll examine where digital tools add value, where they introduce new risks, and how to maintain human judgement and accountability in an increasingly automated environment.
Protecting the workforce in an era of extreme weather
Extreme weather is no longer unusual. Heat stress, dehydration, flooding and disrupted working conditions are becoming routine across Europe and beyond.
This session examines how climate change is reshaping workers' risk profiles and exposing gaps in current policies and controls. You’ll explore where regulation is falling behind operational reality and what organisations can do now to protect people on the ground.
The focus is on practical planning – from adapting risk assessments and emergency response to embedding climate resilience into long-term safety strategy.
Inclusivity, sustainability and performance in PPE
PPE expectations have changed. One-size-fits-all no longer works – for people or for the planet.
This session examines how inclusive design is improving fit, comfort and protection for a diverse workforce, and why this matters for compliance, productivity and wellbeing. It also addresses the growing pressure to reduce the environmental impact of safety textiles without compromising performance.
You’ll hear how manufacturers and employers are responding, and what to look for when selecting PPE that meets modern demands.
Confirm cancellation
An error occurred trying to play the stream. Please reload the page and try again.
Close
Billy is a Professor of Construction within the School of Science and Engineering at GCU and is Research Theme Lead for Built Environments. Billy has a PhD in Construction Management; BSc (Hons) in Construction Management and a BA in Occupational Health and Safety. He joined GCU in 2002, after a career in construction contracting. Since then, he has delivered research on several HSE, IOSH, EPSRC, CITB and industry funded projects totalling over £2.5m, 70+ peer-reviewed publications and two Impact Case Studies for the UK Research Excellence Framework. His research portfolio is focused on improving safety health and wellbeing within the construction industry, including studies that have improved worker engagement, migrant worker H&S, and safety in design.
These contribute directly to UN Sustainable Development Goals for ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’, and ‘Decent Work’. Billy’s is currently International Coordinator of the ‘International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction’ Safety Health and Wellbeing Working Group, and chair of several other industry working groups.
Sean is a Health and Safety Partner at Pinsent Masons LLP, a leading global law firm. He advises large and complex organisations on legal health and safety issues across high-hazard sectors with a particular focus on infrastructure and energy. Having specialised in this area for over 25 years, his work includes non-contentious and contentious issues, including the defence of work-related allegations of manslaughter and/or health and safety offences involving regulators such as the Health and Safety Executive, Office of Rail and Road, the Office for Nuclear Regulation and others. In 2005 Sean was a founder member of the Health and Safety Lawyers Association and remained its Honorary Secretary until standing down in 2024. Previously a Trustee of the Construction Health and Safety Group, a charity promoting standards in the construction industry, he was delighted to be asked in 2025 to become its President.
Ruth oversees development and delivery of IOSH’s advocacy, influence and policy engagements. She represents IOSH on external strategic committees and at large-scale global events including the International Labour Conference.
As a chartered health and safety professional with experience of working in manufacturing and the public and charitable sectors, she has vast knowledge of health and safety management. Ruth holds BSc first-class combined honours in health and safety management and environmental science and technology, completed in 2004, and MSc in occupational health and industrial hygiene completed in 2009. Ruth is also a Trustee of the Hazards Forum.
Kate Field is an award-winning thought leader, author, and globally recognized expert in health, safety, and well-being. With over 20 years of experience, she drives BSI’s global strategy on human and social sustainability, fostering safer, healthier, and fairer workplaces. Kate pioneered ISO 45003 training on psychological safety and authored BSI’s Prioritizing People Model©, a framework that has reached 8,000 organizations across 119 countries. A sought-after keynote speaker and Independent Board Member for the Global Initiative for Industrial Safety, Kate champions cultural transformation, addressing critical topics like AI, modern slavery, and inclusivity to inspire purpose-driven, human-centric innovation.
Natalie Wilson is Founder & MD of Workwear Solutions International (WSI), a multi-award-winning company dedicated to enabling the uniform industry through innovative technical, design, and sourcing services. Natalie holds a Master’s degree in European Business (Distinction) from the University of the West of England, Bristol. She is also a certified SA 8000 Social & Ethical Auditor.
Natalie has become a leading voice in the development of inclusive PPE and workwear standards. Her leadership has driven advancements in making PPE accessible and effective for diverse users across industries. Recent highlights include chairing the British Standards Institution (BSI) committee that developed the world’s first inclusive PPE standard (BS 30417), and serving as the Convenor of CEN/CENELEC JTC/23 Working Group 6 - Inclusivity.
Drawing on extensive international expertise, Natalie shares valuable lessons from the UK and European markets on implementing inclusive practices in design and procurement. Her commitment to inclusivity and excellence continues to shape the future of workwear and PPE globally.