Podcast

Risk in Context Podcast: Managing people risk as manufacturing enters a new era

Listen to Marsh specialists discuss the workforce implications of manufacturing’s transformative changes and actions to address risks and capitalise on opportunities.

Manufacturing is undergoing a transformation as automation, robotics, physical AI, digital twins, and other smart technologies change how work is performed on the shop floor. As machines become more autonomous and collaborative, manufacturing roles are becoming increasingly hybrid, combining practical expertise with judgment, data interpretation, and technology-related skills.

Navigating this shift successfully will require manufacturing organisations to assess how roles are changing, prepare employees for emerging responsibilities, and build on foundational process knowledge through targeted upskilling, mentoring, apprenticeships, and on-the-job learning. Safety systems will also need to evolve continuously as employees work more closely with collaborative technologies in increasingly complex environments.

In this episode of Risk in Context, Lisa Caldwell, Marsh Risk’s Manufacturing and Automotive Practice Leader, speaks with Geoff Smith, Partner and Manufacturing Leader at Marsh People and Investments. They discuss the transformative changes taking place across the manufacturing industry, the impact these could have on the workforce, and actions senior leaders should consider to address risks and capitalise on opportunities. They also explore recent findings from comprehensive research conducted by Marsh into the changes shaping the industry.

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Safety must evolve alongside advanced automation

As employees work alongside robots and use advanced technology, manufacturers need continuously evolving safety management systems that anticipate vulnerabilities, identify failure areas, and introduce new controls into increasingly dynamic operating environments.

Disciplined change management builds workforce trust

Successful technology adoption depends on more than selecting the right tools. It also depends on a clear vision, confidence building through transparent communication, and employee involvement in designing how roles, processes, and skills will change.

Site-specific investments can improve technology ROI

As manufacturers move towards shorter investment horizons, evaluating returns at the individual site level can help address specific operational challenges and measure success through documented outcomes such as improved quality, safety, and efficiency.

Sunrise over city skyline with fog covering buildings

Podcast

Risk in Context Podcast: Managing people risk as manufacturing enters a new era

Key takeaways

Safety must evolve alongside advanced automation

Disciplined change management builds workforce trust

Site-specific investments can improve technology ROI

About our speakers

Lisa Caldwell

Geoff Smith

Previous podcasts

Risk in Context Podcast: Scaling affinity warranty programmes across borders

The Marsh Risk Brief: AI-Driven Workforce Transformation

Risk in Context Podcast: Rethinking cybersecurity controls for an AI-driven world

Risk in Context Podcast: Insurability’s critical role in climate-impacted investments

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