Case Studies

After studying chemical engineering at university, you chose to complete a master’s in industrial safety engineering. What made health and safety appealing to you and what did your Masters degree cover?
I was born in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, where one of the worst industrial disasters took place in Bhopal in 1984. A chemical leak at a Union Carbide pesticide plant exposed over half a million people living locally to the highly toxic gas methyl isocyanate (MIC).  Growing up, I witnessed the ongoing suffering of those affected, especially the underprivileged. Seeing the profound and lasting impact this tragedy had, shaped my resolve to make a difference by working in health and safety.

My deep-rooted desire to safeguard lives and protect people influenced my decision to pursue a Master’s in Industrial Safety Engineering. I felt taking this qualification would help me to achieve my ambition to become a dedicated health and safety professional and strong leader in the field. My master's course covered a range of subjects including probability and statistics, safety management, fire engineering and explosion control, health, safety and environmental regulations, environmental pollution control, biomechanics and human body vibration.

I finished my university studies in 2013 and have worked in health and safety ever since. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve in this way, as each moment in this field brings me fulfilment, allowing me to be my best self and a protector of others.

After studying safety engineering, you felt there was still value in taking the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC). Can you explain what you gained by taking this qualification?
I passed my IGC in 2016. I chose to take the qualification because it is highly regarded internationally, and I felt the solid practical foundation it provides would complement my academic training.

The NEBOSH IGC enhanced my knowledge in key areas like risk assessment, hazard control, and legislative compliance and gave me the reassurance that my approach reflected globally recognised safety standards. It strengthened my ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, so that the work environments I support are safer and more compliant. Through my IGC studies I gained insights and practical tools which I have been able to use in a diverse range of work environments ever since.

You went on to take the NEBOSH International Diploma. Can you:

• Explain why you chose this qualification?

The qualification is respected internationally and recognised by leading health and safety professional bodies including IOSH, IIRSM and BCSP. It is frequently specified for senior HSE roles across a broad range of industries worldwide.

• How you found your studies?

I found my NEBOSH International Diploma studies both challenging and rewarding. The course content is rigorous and requires a strong commitment, as it delves deeply into complex areas of health and safety, risk management, and legislation. However, this depth is what made the experience so valuable. Each module provided practical insights and knowledge that was directly applicable to real-world scenarios, allowing me to understand health and safety from a strategic perspective.

• How gaining this qualification helped you?

The Diploma has given me practical tools and theoretical knowledge, enabling me to drive meaningful safety improvements. By applying this knowledge, I aim to reduce workplace incidents and enhance employee wellbeing and productivity.

You secured your role as Health. Safety and Environment Engineer for Trojan Construction Group in March 2024. Can you tell us what the company does and your role within it?
This role is a remarkable opportunity for me to work for one of the largest construction groups here in the UAE.  Trojan Construction Group is a forward-thinking organisation with excellent ESG credentials. In fact, it was the first construction group in the Middle East to achieve an A grade in the MSCI ESG assessment.

I am working on a project to deliver offshore residential developments for ADNOC. Trojan Construction Group strives for the highest safety standards, and I am relishing playing my part, utilising my 12 years’ oil and gas sector experience. It is wonderful to be part of a large focussed HSE team which has a clear vision under the inspiring leadership of Corporate HSSE Manager, Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Abbas and Project HSE Manager Mr. Ahmed Nashat Soliman Abbas.

Shortly after joining, you opted to study the NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management. Can you tell us why this qualification appealed and how it has helped you?
Trojan Construction Group will have two process plants at the offshore location: the first is a concrete batching plant that is already operational, and the second is an asphalt batching plant that will be installed soon. I decided to take the NEBOSH Process Safety Management (PSM) qualification to ensure I can help manage the significant challenges and process safety issues these operations create.

When you look back at your career so far, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my ability to contribute to the creation of safer working environments, particularly in the oil and gas sector.  In my career I have lead initiatives that have significantly reduced workplace incidents and enhanced safety culture. My NEBOSH studies have been key to me developing the capabilities required to have a positive impact allowing me to raise safety standards, improve employee wellbeing and drive operational efficiency.

I also enjoy mentoring junior colleagues and sharing my expertise, fostering a collaborative environment where safety is prioritised.

The project I am working on now gives is so rewarding because we are achieving everything I wanted when I chose to make health and safety my career.  Every day we strive for zero Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) and zero Harm with 100% HSE.

Overall, my journey so far has been fulfilling, and I remain dedicated to advancing safety practices in all my future endeavours.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to enter the health and safety profession?
This can be an incredibly rewarding career but requires a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Here is my advice for anyone considering pursuing a career in this field:

• Start with a solid educational foundation. Qualifications like those offered by NEBOSH provide essential knowledge and credibility.
• Seek internships, entry-level positions, or volunteer opportunities. Real-world experience is invaluable and will help you apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
• Build your network. Join professional organisations, attend industry events, and connect with other professionals. Networking can provide mentoring opportunities, insights into industry trends, and potential job leads.
• Gain professional skills.  Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are crucial in health and safety roles. Focus on building these skills, as they will help you engage effectively with teams and influence safety culture.
• Adopt a proactive approach. Understand that health and safety is not just about compliance but about creating a culture where everyone is invested and feels responsible for safety.
• A mindset of growth: In health and safety, we must be aware that the knowledge we currently possess is like a single grain of sand, while the entirety of the knowledge is akin to a desert. Our minds should be open to continuous learning and improvement.
• Never stop learning. Health and safety is constantly evolving, with new regulations, best practice and technologies. Embrace continuous professional development and keep up to date through workshops, webinars, and industry publications.

Perseverance and a genuine passion for improving workplace safety will help you overcome any obstacles you face in this vital profession. I have found health and safety to be a fulfilling career, which has allowed me to make a difference and contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and organisations alike.