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The Risk Factor Podcast

The Risk Factor Podcast

Written by: COMET
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About this listen

The Risk Factor is a no-nonsense podcast that cuts through the noise in safety, risk, and leadership. Each episode brings in industry experts to have honest conversations about what’s working, what’s failing, and what needs to change in high-risk industries.

This series goes beyond surface-level discussions to expose the gaps in safety culture, challenge outdated thinking, and explore the real impact of risk management decisions. The Risk Factor is about getting to the root of the matter, not just looking at what went wrong, but why, and what should happen next.

The Root of the Matter" The hard-hitting segment

With 20 minutes left in each episode, the conversation shifts to "The Root of the Matter", the section where things get direct. This is where we take the biggest issue of the episode and break it down with real talk, tough questions, and clear takeaways. Are safety systems actually reducing risk, or are companies just covering themselves? Are incidents properly investigated, or do organisations just want to move on quickly? What will it take to create real change instead of repeating the same mistakes? "The Root of the Matter" is where the conversation gets sharp, focused, and uncomfortable because that’s what leads to action.

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Episodes
  • EP2: Mental health or corporate PR? Are workplaces actually helping employees?

    EP2: Mental health or corporate PR? Are workplaces actually helping employees?
    May 27 2025

    In this episode of The Risk Factor, Craig Smith, COMET’s Head of Operations and L&D, engages in a candid conversation with Jim Grimmer. Former police officer, oil and gas veteran, and founder of Home - P3 Business Care, to explore whether mental health programmes are genuinely helping employees, or just serving as a corporate PR exercise.

    They get into the uncomfortable stuff:

    • Why many people would rather stay silent than risk opening up
    • What actually happens when you call the support number
    • Why mental health first aiders may not be the solution companies think they are
    • And how stress, burnout, and fear of speaking up are silently fueling safety risks

    The discussion also bravely addresses the critical issue of suicide, highlighting the importance of recognising early warning signs and creating an environment where employees feel safe to speak out.

    If you think your organisation’s mental health initiatives are “doing enough,” this episode might change your mind.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Ep1: From catching criminals to catching risks

    Ep1: From catching criminals to catching risks
    Apr 4 2025

    In this first episode of The Risk Factor, Alan Smith, Head of Investigations at COMET, shares his incredible journey from a 30-year career in law enforcement to the world of industrial investigations. Alan takes us through his time with Grampian Police, where he investigated serious incidents in the North Sea, including the tragic capsize of the Bourbon Dolphin in 2007.

    Alan’s transition from criminal to industrial investigations required a major shift in mindset, and in this conversation with Energy Voice Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff, he discusses the challenges and cultural shocks he encountered when moving to the private sector. From tackling the "whodunit" of criminal investigations to understanding the "why" behind industrial accidents, Alan offers valuable insights into how the approach to investigations changes across sectors.

    Alan also reflects on how lessons learned in the field, like the importance of identifying systemic failures rather than individual blame, have shaped his work at COMET. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on what makes investigations in the high-risk industry sector so vital and why understanding root causes is key to preventing future incidents.

    Listen to the full episode now to hear Alan’s expert insights into preventing industrial accidents, human error, and more.
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    51 mins
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