Case Studies

For many, health and safety is a second career, but you have chosen it as your first. What attracted you to Health and Safety?

While completing my GCSEs, I did a week of work experience with a pharmaceutical company. I spent time in various specialist departments, including Health and Safety, which I particularly enjoyed. When I chose my A-Levels/BTECs subjects, I picked subjects that I thought would help me in the departments I had enjoyed.

The health and safety profession particularly appealed to me because there are so many ways your career can develop. You can work in many different industries and specialise in so many ways if you want to. Most importantly, I knew health and safety would be rewarding because you keep your colleagues safe and well.

Apprenticeships aim to combine real work with relevant training and study for a specific role. During your apprenticeship what type of work did you do?

During my time as a Health and Safety Apprentice at Caerphilly County Borough Council, I gained a wide range of experience by shadowing Health and Safety Officers, Fire Officers, and Asbestos Officers across various sites, including community centres, libraries, schools, and construction sites. I also supported large public events, such as the Caerphilly Big Cheese Festival and Blackwood Beach Party, where I checked fairground rides and general site safety.

As my knowledge and experience grew, I took on more responsibility, including conducting Display Screen Equipment (DSE) workstation assessments for employees. Additionally, during the elections, I assessed buildings to determine their suitability for hosting polling stations, considering factors such as COVID-19 protocols, statutory and general maintenance, pedestrian movement, infection risk control measures, and welfare provisions.

My role was divided equally between administrative tasks and health and safety support. In terms of administration, I was responsible for issuing eye care vouchers, uploading accident and violent-at-work forms, generating certificates to support the training team, booking delegates onto courses, sending out booking confirmations, and ensuring that policies, procedures, forms, and guidance documents were kept up to date.

During this period, I attended various training courses, I then successfully passed the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

As part of your apprenticeship, you passed your NEBOSH General Certificate aged 19! How did you find it?

I completed the course by two-week block release. I really enjoyed it and learnt so much, but I didn’t pass the assessment on my first attempt. I originally took the old format invigilated paper, and I found it a challenge to absorb and retain everything, which let me down in the examination.

For my re-sit, the format had changed to an open-book examination. Instead of recalling information, I needed to show that I could apply what I had learnt to a scenario. I got advice on how to approach this new exam style from a NEBOSH trainer I connected with on LinkedIn. She gave me advice on how to structure my answers and I found her help and support invaluable.

For me, ensuring you are prepared for the open book examination is essential. I invested time going through the course book and captured the key information for each unit in a PowerPoint. This meant I was more relaxed during the exam because I knew where to find everything fast. I liked the open book examination format. It gave me the opportunity to apply the practical knowledge I gained from the course rather than simply recall facts. It seemed more like real-life to me.

Have you taken any further qualifications since completing your apprenticeship?

To further enhance my skills and knowledge, I have pursued a range of qualifications, including the Highfield Level 2 Food Safety, the QNUK Level 3 Award in First Responder, and the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety. Most recently, I successfully completed my NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals, which has significantly advanced my expertise and prepared me for more senior roles within the field of health and safety.

Tell me about the roles you’ve had since completing your apprenticeship.

After completing my health and safety apprenticeship within the public sector at Caerphilly County Borough Council, I transitioned to the private sector to work in the hospitality industry. This move allowed me to expand my expertise by applying my skills in a different environment, while also taking on new challenges that further developed my understanding of health and safety practices in various industries.

In my previous role supporting the Health and Safety Manager at the Celtic Collection, I gained confidence as a Health and Safety Professional. I was entrusted with significant responsibilities that challenged me and pushed me outside my comfort zone, which helped me grow and develop within the profession. This trust and guidance allowed me to enhance my technical skills and my ability to handle challenges independently.

In my role, I was responsible for conducting compliance audits to ensure that all regulatory standards were met across the organisation.

I also performed Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments, providing ergonomic recommendations to improve employee wellbeing.

Additionally, I addressed health and safety complaints, escalating issues to senior management when necessary. I oversaw the approval of contractors, ensuring they adhered to health and safety standards on-site. In the event of incidents, I conducted thorough investigations and submitted RIDDOR reports when required. Throughout my work, I collaborated closely with management to develop and implement corrective actions, continually driving improvements in health, safety, and welfare across the organisation.

I have recently chosen to return to Caerphilly County Borough Council, this time focusing on health and safety within the education sector. In my current role, I work across multiple schools within the borough, helping ensure that both staff and students are protected, and that health and safety regulations are met.

During my health and safety visits, it's amazing to see how curious the children are about what I'm doing on site. I often get asked, 'What are you doing?' When explaining the task at hand, it's interesting to see how the kids respond. They’re usually excited and eager to help or learn more. If it's wet play and I’m reviewing a classroom, I sometimes let the children help identify potential hazards within the room. It's surprising how many children have an eye for detail and can often point out more issues than expected when they know what to look for. For example, I keep it simple by asking them to check for trip hazards, damaged finger guards, the presence of fire action notices, and any obstructions in escape routes. This not only gives them an appreciation for my role but also might inspire future health and safety officers.

What do you enjoy most about working in health and safety?

I enjoy the variety in my role, as no two days are the same. I also enjoy the social aspect, where I can interact with people from various professions and learn from their diverse experiences.

Your choice to enter the health and safety profession at such an early age is unusual. How do you think the industry can encourage more people to follow your lead?

I think school leavers should receive more information about apprenticeships and their benefits. Many are unaware of the different apprenticeships that are available and wrongly assume they are only available in the construction, engineering, and retail industries.

I think the health and safety industry should encourage more businesses to offer apprenticeships too. I didn’t want to go to university because it is expensive and there is no guarantee you will secure employment when you graduate. I like the opportunity that apprenticeships give you to gain hands-on experience and recognised qualifications. It has certainly worked for me.