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INDUSTRY EXPERT - HUGH MAXWELL - MAXWELL SAFETY SOLUTIONS


Dan Bayliss
February 19, 2024
Industry Experts

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We speak with Hugh Maxwell owner of Maxwell Safety Solutions and all round H&S
influencer, to get his industry expert opinion...

‍


COULD YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR CAREER BACKGROUND AND CURRENT ROLE?

Leaving Heriot-Watt university with a degree in Chemistry, my initial interests
lay in continuing development in this area.

The company I joined, Foseco, manufactured specialty chemical products for the
foundry and steel industry. I soon moved into Operations then Quality Assurance
roles, before picking up Health, Safety and Environmental Management
responsibilities in the early 1990’s.

This was a time of major focus change, and Foseco was owned by Burmah Castrol
PLC at the time, who were keen to develop strong HSE standards. This enabled me
to grow as a professional and take regional and later global responsibilities
within the business.

In 2008 we were purchased by Cookson Chemicals, and I was appointed HSE Director
for Vesuvius, a role I undertook until December 2017.

I left the business and took 8 months out supporting my wife in her battle
against breast cancer. We were so lucky when she beat this major challenge. We
agreed after this I would look for roles I both enjoyed, and which enabled me to
give more back.

This leads me to where I am now – Maxwell Safety, leading a Cultural Change
programme as an Associate of Fides Oak, working a month on and off rotation at
the Anglo-American Platinum Mines in South Africa.

This still allows me to mentor, coach and support the development of others,
including business elsewhere across Africa.

My current and future focus is to support the develop, growth and cultural
maturity expansion of individuals, communities and organisations across Africa,
India, Asia and the Middle East. This work is already underway in Kenya and next
Nigeria as eastern and Western African hubs.

The business will grow and evolve to be the leading African risk and HSE
consultant under our Safety Key Consultants Africa brand initially. Please see
www.safetykeyafricaconsultants.com for more information.

‍

Over my career I have been extremely fortunate to work in manufacturing,
construction, steel, foundries, oil and gas, construction and mining.

My roles have focused on HSE and risk management, with invaluable insights and
involvement in Business Development, Sustainability, Leadership and Strategic
Management.

Now is very much a time for me to give back and share whenever I can. I am truly
humbled for the recognition I have received from my work and achievements with
others over the years. These include: IIRSM Mentor of the Year 2022 and 2019;
IIRSM Best International Risk Initiative 2018; WSHAsia Top Safety Influencer
2023; SHP Health and Safety Influencer shortlist 2023 and 2021.

‍



‍


WITH YOUR INCREDIBLY VARIED BACKGROUND, WAS THERE ANY AREA SPECIFICALLY THAT
INTERESTED YOU MORE THAN OTHERS?

It is really surprising to me how my interests and development have brought me
to where I am now.

Early days, despite entering the manufacturing world with strong qualifications,
I maintained strong learning in areas such as Operations and Strategic
Management, Total Quality Management (in which I hold a master’s degree),
Environmental Management, Health and Safety and Sustainability and Business
Management.

This all comes a full circle now and I have recently studied further in the
areas of Mentoring, Coaching and Psychology, including Lumina Spark as a
personal, team and organisational development tool.

It all comes back to people – they are ultimately the solution to most workplace
and organisational issues. This is reflected in the large amount of time and
effort I put into coaching, mentoring and developing myself and others.

‍

‍


WHAT DOES A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A HSE CONSULTANT LOOK LIKE?

Having worked as a HSE Consultant for several years now, I can truly say no two
days are the same and the scope and depth of work and priorities depends on the
needs of your customer and other stakeholders. This in itself keeps you fresh,
tuned and hungry to give your best, be your best and bring the best out of
others.

Prioritising and aligning your focus with the needs of your clients and their
audiences is key – as too is ensuring you understand and meet their expectations
as a minimum.

Constant planning, review and evaluation are key irrespective of what task or
activities you are performing, training you are providing or whatever form of
interaction you are undertaking.

Every day is a school day.

‍



‍


WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A GOOD HEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANT?

As a consultant in any field, I believe there is no one size fits all.
Understanding the needs and expectations of your client are key, as too is
establishing key deliverables and a structured approach and framework –
depending on the work to be undertaken.

Strong technical competence, expertise and good analytical and problem-solving
skills are all essential elements.

Making best use of the resources you have available and understanding what
current resources are best for the task at hand.

Being flexible, resilient and adaptable when unforeseen issues arise.

Having an open learning mind, being able to listen intently and read situations
and underlying factors.

Continually learning and developing oneself and others, gaining buy-in from
clients, empathy, appreciating and understanding the business and industries you
support, excellent communication, interaction and interpersonal skills, strong
collaboration and teamworking capabilities and good strategic thinking and
business awareness.

All of these elements form a part of the ongoing success as a health and safety
consultant but equally important is knowing when you truly don’t know, not being
afraid to share this and go away and gather the necessary information or
alternatives to share.

Pulling all of these elements together as and when needed will ensure you gain
the level of trust, maintain your integrity and integrity of intent and honesty
as a professional.


‍


WITH YOUR GLOBAL EXPERIENCE OF H&S, HOW DIFFERENT ARE PRACTICES IN DIFFERENT
COUNTRIES/CONTINENTS?

There are some marked differences in different countries and continents, largely
driven by the legislation and focus of enforcement bodies in the countries.
However, we should note that even within the so-called developed world, the
level of safety maturity, risk awareness and safety cultural maturity can vary
significantly.

Never judge as even in the developing environments, there can be some really
good takeaways to share in terms of working practices.

It is more a case of seeing legal compliance as a minimum standard on the safety
journey and thereafter sharing as many best practices as possible, once buy-in
and senior management portray the level of buy-in and safety leadership which is
needed to drive the change.

‍

‍


DO YOU HAVE ANY FUNNY H&S STORIES?

Health and safety is a serious matter but this doesn’t mean that there is never
time for a bit of light humour now and then. Over the years there have been a
number of incidents which are worth sharing.

Early in my career in Health and Safety, I was responsible on a site where we
had a number of minor eye injuries due to dust and fluids. By consensus, it was
agreed that we should invoke 100% eye protection in all designated areas. This
was well before this was the norm in many industries. We gained agreement with
the Union.

However, on returning to work one night shift, the shift safety representative
greeted me to see what I was doing there. I immediately noticed that the person
was wearing his protective glasses, but he had removed the polycarbonate lenses
and subconsciously was scratching his eye. You can imagine the range of
expletives I shared with him emphasising that this was not acceptable and even
worse behaviour coming from a safety representative.  

There was also an experience I had in India in the early 2000’s which is worthy
of mention. We manufactured a range of refractory paints for sand moulds in the
foundry industry. Some of the paints were alcohol based.

The plant was located in a village called Sanaswadi, near Pune, right on the
edge of a jungle. One day, one of the wild monkeys ventured into the plant and
took a liking to the alcohol we were decanting. He got very drunk and quite
aggressive throwing drums and other tools at our workers. I immediately called
security and said can we take any action. One of the bosses suggested shooting
him!

However, as many of the workforce were Hindu, this was frowned upon as Hanuman,
in Hindu mythology, is the monkey God, the commander of the monkey army, revered
as an avatar of Shiva. The decision was made we should wait it out and try to
entice the monkey out with fruit and food.

It took over a day until the monkey decided to vacate the workshop, thanks to
the food offerings and a trail of fruit into the jungle. The inebriated and
staggering monkey meandered his way into the jungle never to be seen again.

Following this, shutters and access controls to prevent a reoccurrence were
fitted to the work area! There was one I would never have expected in
international health and safety work!

‍



‍


WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL TOOL YOU USE TO IMPLEMENT HEALTH & SAFETY MEASURES?

The most useful tools to implement health and safety measures is listening,
observing and asking open questions.

Understanding the situation and challenges allows you to apply the simple
methodology of the 3W’s – What can go wrong? Why can it go wrong? What can be
done to prevent this going wrong?

Empathy, understanding and engagement in order to explore alternative solutions
and prioritising needs must be a key shared objective.

‍

‍


DO YOU CURRENTLY IMPLEMENT ANY TECHNOLOGY TO PREVENT OR REDUCE ACCIDENTS ON
PROJECTS?

Good planning of projects and associated activities is critical to examine,
evaluate and establish the best solutions to specific hazards or activities.

This enables you to select the most appropriate technology available to mitigate
or eliminate workplace hazards and risks, which could result in accidents,
injuries or unsafe conditions.

A clear understanding and early engagement in project management is critical in
order for the most appropriate controls and technologies to be applied.

‍

‍


ARE THERE ANY HEALTH & SAFETY RESOURCES YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

There are some really useful and powerful tools and support information
available today with both national and international applications.

It is important that you select ones that fit the needs, the size and the
complexity of the business needs. One of the most useful free “Go To” resources
I like to visit regularly is www.hse.gov.uk. There is so much great information
there - not only legislation but guidance notes and ACOPs (approved codes of
practice).

Some of the other regular “Go To” resources I use include SHP Magazine published
on behalf of IOSH and the Sentinel published by IIRSM.

This assists with a good range of current and impending legislation articles,
sharing best practices and new technologies and a broad range of interesting
development information.

However, there are a number of other apps out there I believe truly invaluable,
these include EcoOnline – supporting chemical management and COSHH needs;
Barbour Consolidated (formerly CEDREC) for legislative and other products are
good for legal updates and changes.

‍

‍


WHERE DO YOU FIND NEW HEALTH & SAFETY PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET?

Again, Sentinel, SHP, WSHAsia are just some of a range of great publications I
regularly refer to for new and innovative products.

Living in Lichfield I also try to attend a number of exhibitions including the
Health and Safety Event at the NEC, or the Health and Safety Expo in London.

I also have a great relationship with the Safety Health Environment (SHE) Show,
ran in 3 UK locations each year. Jeanette Marshall, Max and Vicky Washington run
a great event at all locations, with great speakers and some great exhibitors.
Well worth attending and valuable for networking.

I don’t attend every year but when I do I like to examine what is new on the
market in terms of products. It is also a valuable opportunity to meet up with
longstanding contacts and to meet new contacts for networking.

‍

‍


ARE THERE ANY PRODUCTS, GADGETS OR APPS THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT (PERSONALLY
OR PROFESSIONALLY)?

My personal needs are prioritised on a reliable phone, laptop and WhatsApp –
especially when working remotely in South Africa and wanting to keep in regular
contact with loved ones and friends.

This allows me to maintain a good level of engagement despite whatever time
differences exist – power outages allowing!

‍



‍


FOR ANY HSE MANAGERS OUT THERE STRUGGLING TO GET HEALTH & SAFETY INVESTMENT FROM
COMPANY OWNERS, DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS?

It is so important to gain buy-in. Work on your powers of persuasion and base it
on assessment of need and value add/benefits to the business. If you are able to
involve or share success stories where tangible benefits have been achieved,
then this is good to make a strong business case. 

I have learned that we don’t always get what we want so to develop a strong
business case and don’t be scared to include alternatives to the desired
solution.

Sometimes you need to lose a battle to win a war and we all know resources are
finite so make sure you build winning justifications for the business “must
haves”.

Gaining trust and belief from stakeholders that the change will add benefit is
so important, so honestly, open communication and getting them to buy into and
feel to be one of the “change drivers” can also assist.

This may mean taking them to other businesses already benefiting from your
intended investment. I have found this to be very useful on a number of
occasions.

‍

‍


DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING CHANGE IN THE WORKPLACE, SUCH AS
DEPLOYING NEW HEALTH & SAFETY TECHNOLOGY?

Change is one of the few constants we see in modern business, and nobody likes
change imposed on them, so it is really important that we sell the benefits as
early as possible to gain buy-in.

A strong case supporting the need for change should be made where people are
allowed to share any concerns or fears.

Share the benefits to be gained and make the key stakeholders most effected by
the change part of the implementation team. This promotes buy-in and ownership.
Plan well, discuss openly, have as much transparency as possible, review
progress regularly and address any small issues before they escalate.

A couple of things to avoid is implementing too many changes at the same time
involving the same stakeholders as this will result in failure due to overload
and increase work pressure needlessly.

Also, avoid implementing new technology just for the sake of it. You should
undertake a baseline assessment first of where we are, are we ready for this
change, what training and other resources may be needed and most of all are we
as a business or part of the business ready for this change.

If not, there will be a lack of acceptance, or failed implementation.

‍

‍


WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST RISKS YOU DEAL WITH IN YOUR ROLE AND HOW DO YOU MANAGE
THEM?

It really depends on the nature of the business, as there are a range of
different hazards to which people and businesses can be exposed.

Interesting one I face currently is in Platinum mining – high risk; confined
spaces 1.5km underground, toxic and flammable gases, noise, dust, vibration,
slips, trips, falls; moving equipment and heavy machinery, emergency
preparedness for fall of ground and much more.

The only way to manage them is strong communication, pre-work planning and risk
assessment, dynamic risk assessment underground and regular inspection and
monitoring of workplace conditions and the environment.

‍


DO YOU THINK AI WILL PLAY A PART IN HEALTH & SAFETY IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

I am a strong advocate of AI and the way it can be deployed and used across a
range of industries to prevent accidents and save lives. Already, I have used
and experienced some great applications of AI in steelmaking, construction, oil
and gas and manufacturing in terms of many safety-related applications.

The application of AI-enabled safety technologies including drones, robotics,
wearables, sensors, smart equipment is expanding rapidly. Much more expansion is
being seen with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications,
computer vision, mobile applications and analytical software.

In many situations already we see hardware components collecting data (for
example, sensors or detectors) or executing actions (robots). This is combined
with software components relying on machine learning to analyse patterns and
generate insights and predictive information concerning safety hazards.

The future will offer even more great opportunities to apply AI and we must
utilise this fully to prevent accidents, incidents and save lives.

Business leaders should involve their Management and workforce in assessing such
solutions and applications to improve industrial safety. It is so important that
we create and build a culture and risk management profile within the business
that is conducive to adopting the application of AI tech for safety purposes.


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