Safe but not well: Confronting health and safety's biggest taboo

10 Feb 2026
Theatre 3
Wellbeing 2.0
We talk a lot about keeping people safe — but how often do we ask if they’re well? Even in organisations with strong safety records, people are burning out, disengaging, or just “having a bad day.” The uncomfortable truth is that wellbeing and safety are inseparable — and ignoring that link can have serious consequences. In this candid fireside chat, Jason Anker MBE, a powerful advocate for behavioural safety and lived experience of workplace injury, joins Laura Thomas, a senior safety leader and culture specialist, to tackle one of the profession’s final taboos. Together they’ll explore: Why wellbeing is part of the legal duty of care — not an optional extra; How poor mental health and emotional strain can directly lead to incidents; The role of honest investigation; Why culture, not checklists, ultimately defines whether people are safe and well. Expect an open, thought-provoking conversation that blends personal story, professional insight, and practical challenge — inviting the audience to rethink what “safe” really means in today’s workplaces.
Chairperson
Laura Thomas
Laura Thomas, Health and Safety Barrister and former Deputy Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain
Speakers
Jason Anker MBE
Jason Anker MBE, Founder and Director - Proud2bSafe