Case Studies

You have worked in Health and Safety for over 21 years. Did you always know you wanted your career to be in health and safety and how did you make it happen?
I started my career as a project coordinator but, as I was working in the oil and gas industry, the mandatory health and safety training was extensive. It helped me understand how integral health and safety is to the success of any project and how it can protect lives, property, and the environment. I didn’t set out to pursue a career in health and safety, but over time my interest grew. During my early career I witnessed first-hand the devastating effects workplace accidents can have. One incident, which left a worker severely injured, had a profound impact on me. He endured physical pain, faced long-term disability, and lost his job. This tragic event underscored the far-reaching consequences inadequate safety measures can have on workers and their families.

This motivated me to actively engage in health and safety initiatives beyond my regular remit. For the projects I was working on, I began to implement measures that would create a safer work environment. I also pursued additional training and education in health and safety, which laid the groundwork for my career in this field.
Through personal experience, academic learning, and mentorship I realised that a career in health and safety was the path I wanted to follow. It allowed me to utilise my knowledge and skills, aligned with my values, and allowing me to make a tangible and meaningful impact on the lives of others.

You completed the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) in 2011:

• Why did you choose this qualification?

I chose the IGC because it is highly respected and recognised globally and provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of health and safety principles. I felt that if I could achieve this qualification, I would gain the in-depth knowledge and essential skills that would help me excel in the dynamic field of health and safety. I also expected that by investing in the NEBOSH IGC, I would significantly boost my career potential.

• How did you find it?

I found the NEBOSH IGC to be a comprehensive and demanding qualification. The course content provided a strong foundation in occupational health and safety, and the course materials were well-organised and engaging. I gained valuable insights into a range of subjects including workplace hazards, risk assessment, and legal compliance. While the assessments were challenging, they tested my understanding and ability to apply what I had learned. Overall, I found my IGC studies to be interesting, informative and very worthwhile.

• How has it helped you?

Achieving the IGC provided me with a solid foundation in health and safety. The syllabus covers a range of essential topics such as hazard identification, risk assessment, accident investigation, and emergency preparedness. The course focusses on how to practically apply the knowledge gained, which has given me the skills I need to effectively manage health and safety issues in real-world scenarios.

I feel having the IGC has given me a competitive edge which has significantly improved my career prospects, increased my earning potential, enhanced my credibility as a health and safety professional and opened new opportunities. Having the IGC on my CV has made me a more attractive candidate for various health and safety roles as it is highly regarded by employers worldwide.

Ultimately, obtaining the IGC has empowered me to have a more meaningful impact in the organisations I serve. I can help to create safer and healthier workplaces because of the enhanced knowledge and self-belief I gained through my studies. I highly recommend the NEBOSH IGC to anyone looking to advance their career in health and safety.

You have been a Project Management Consultant (PMC) HSE Manager in the oil and gas industry nearly 9 years. Can you tell us about your role?
When I first took on this role, my responsibilities centred on ensuring regulatory compliance and applying industry best practices to my employer's construction projects. Over time my role has evolved, and I now get involved with strategic planning, risk management, and innovation specifically tailored to OSH.

I enjoy using advanced technology and harnessing predictive data to anticipate and address potential risks before they escalate. This innovative approach to risk management has been show to be very effective, particularly in high-risk environments. By using advanced technologies like this and promoting sustainable practices across its supply chain, my employer has not only improved its operational efficiency, but has positioned itself as an OSH and environmental responsibility leader within the energy sector and I am proud of the contribution I have made to this.

I have worked diligently to foster a culture of safety and health within our project teams. OSH principles are integrated throughout all phases of our construction projects—from planning and design to execution and handover. I have also developed and implemented comprehensive OSH training programs that are designed specifically for our project teams. By equipping our workforce with essential knowledge and skills, they are empowered to take proactive ownership of their safety, thus encouraging a safer working environment and building a robust pipeline of OSH talent within our projects and construction teams. By cultivating a strong safety mindset, I have contributed to reducing incidents, boosted employee morale, and further enhanced our reputation as a responsible corporate entity.

I am proud of how my role has evolved from a compliance-focus to being more about providing strategic leadership in the OSH space. I feel I have made a significant contribution to the company’s OSH success through my dedication to cultivating a safe culture, developing our workforce and implementing innovative solutions. I enjoy my work and look forward to continuing to help drive positive change.

In 2022, you completed three further NEBOSH qualifications. Can you share your thoughts on the benefits gained by taking:

• NEBOSH HSE Introduction of Incident Investigation

This qualification strengthened my ability to conduct in-depth incident investigations, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. It also enhanced my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of incident causation.

• NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety

The Fire Safety Certificate provided me with in-depth knowledge of fire risk management, enabling me to develop effective fire safety strategies and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, significantly reducing fire-related risks.

• NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management

The Process Safety Management Certificate deepened my understanding of process-related risks in high-hazard industries. It has been crucial in ensuring safe operations, preventing process-related incidents, and protecting personnel and assets.

What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?
As a health and safety professional, I get immense satisfaction from several key aspects of my job:

• Making a Tangible Difference: It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work directly helps prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the workplace.
• Problem-Solving: I enjoy tackling unique challenges and developing creative solutions. The intellectual stimulation that comes from solving complex problems is highly rewarding.
• Continuous Learning: The field of health and safety is always evolving with new regulations, technologies, and best practices. This dynamic environment ensures there's always something new to learn and explore.
• Collaboration: I get to work collaboratively with colleagues from various departments at all levels to solve problems which fosters strong relationships.
• Career Advancement: There are numerous opportunities for professional growth. With experience and additional qualifications, I can advance into leadership roles or choose a specialism such as AI in Safety, ergonomics, environmental health, or emergency management. The opportunities are endless.

Ultimately, what I value most is the direct impact my work has on people’s lives. It’s not just about compliance and regulations but about creating a safe and healthy work environment. The most rewarding moments come from seeing the positive outcomes of safety measures I’ve implemented. This role allows me to address real problems to help ensure that people return home safely to their families at the end of the working day.

When you look back at your career so far, what are you most proud of?
Reflecting on my career, I am particularly proud of becoming a NEBOSH lead tutor, which has allowed me to share my knowledge and expertise with others. It is my privilege to guide individuals in their professional development; helping them to achieve their goals and find their passion for health and safety. It is rewarding to help develop a new generation of professionals who are committed to creating safer and healthier workplaces.

I am also proud of the significant safety milestones achieved on various projects, such as achieving millions of man-hours without Lost Time Injuries. These accomplishments reflect the effectiveness of the safety programs implemented and the dedication to maintaining a safe working environment.

What truly makes me proud is the tangible impact made on projects. Knowing that the safety programs I have helped design and implement are working, and people are going home safe every day as a result, is the kind of tangible success that makes this career so fulfilling.

You clearly devote much time to mentoring others in the profession. Can you explain your motivations for this and the benefits it brings?
I have always believed that mentoring is one of the most powerful ways to give back to the health and safety community. For me, it is not just about sharing knowledge— it is about guiding others through real-world challenges and helping them build confidence in their abilities. What motivates me is seeing how my guidance can directly impact someone’s career, whether it is helping them solve a safety issue or watching them take on leadership roles.

Mentoring is also a two-way street. While I help others grow, I also learn from their fresh ideas and perspectives, which helps me improve as a professional. Ultimately, it is about building the next generation of HSE leaders who will carry the torch forward. Knowing that I have played a part in their journey is incredibly rewarding and together we are making workplaces safer and healthier places to be, and that’s something I am proud of.

What would your advice be to anyone who aspires to make health and safety their career?
My advice to anyone who aspires to make health and safety their career would be:

• Build a strong foundation: Start by obtaining a recognised qualification like NEBOSH IGC to gain essential knowledge in health and safety.
• Gain hands-on experience: Seek internships, entry-level roles or volunteer to develop practical skills.
• Network with professionals: Connect with experienced HSE professionals who will share their insights and may be able to help you to secure career opportunities.
• Stay updated: Keep up with the latest safety regulations, best practices, and emerging technologies in the field.
• Develop communication skills: Clear communication is key to conveying safety messages effectively across all levels of the organisation.
• Demonstrate your passion for safety: Show your commitment to creating a safe work environment. Your enthusiasm will help you make an impression and stand out.
• Consider specialisation: Explore specific areas to find what you particularly enjoy such as AI in safety, risk management, environmental health, or ergonomics.
• Join professional organisations: Membership provides networking opportunities, training, and support that can enhance your career growth.

Remember, building a successful career in health and safety requires dedication and determination. I hope the insights I've shared will inspire others to achieve their professional goals and contribute meaningfully to workplace safety.