Case Studies

Ashwini, you work for Indian Oil Corporation Limited. Can you tell us a little bit about the organisation?
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is India's largest oil and gas company, a Fortune 500 public sector enterprise and a leader in the country's energy and petroleum sector. As a Maharatna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, IOCL plays a crucial role in India's energy security. With a diverse portfolio that includes refining crude oil into various petroleum products like gasoline, diesel and LPG, transporting products through an extensive network of nearly 20,000 km of crude oil, petroleum product and gas pipelines, and marketing fuels through a widespread network of retail outlets, LPG distribution and aviation fuel supply, IOCL fulfils a significant portion of India's energy needs.

The company is also actively involved in the production and transportation of oil and gas, as well as the manufacturing of petrochemicals. Beyond its core business, IOCL demonstrates a strong commitment to social responsibility through initiatives in areas like green belt development, education and healthcare.

Your role with Indian Oil Corporation Limited is as an Assistant Manager (HSE). What does this entail?
As an Assistant Manager (HSE) at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, I ensure health, safety and environmental compliance across 113 operational sites. My role involves reviewing and updating safety commissioning and operation guidelines for new as well as exiting installations, providing HSE-related inputs for various operation-related manuals, reviewing Emergency Response and Disaster Management Plans (ERDMPs), HAZOPs and QRA reports, and conducting accident investigations to identify root causes and develop corrective actions. I also prepare audit compliance reports for internal and external audits, review comprehensive safety guidelines and firefighting systems related proposals and conduct technical safety training.

Additionally, I lead safety audits, organise regional safety training and awareness programs and coordinate emergency preparedness and response plans. Liaising with regulatory authorities and ensuring adherence to safety standards are also some of my key responsibilities. This role allows me to drive a culture of safety and operational excellence across the organisation.

Can you tell us about your previous professional experience and what led you to pursue a career in health and safety?
I have over 13 years of experience in the field of fire and safety, having worked for Essar Power Limited, Reliance Industries Limited, and now Indian Oil Corporation Limited. My journey into health and safety was inspired by recognising the critical importance of safeguarding lives and assets in high-risk industrial environments, which motivated me to specialise in this field.

Throughout my career I have managed emergency responses, including conducting mock drills and mobilising resources to mitigate incidents effectively. I provided guidance to fire teams, ensured the availability of firefighting systems and developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Safety Management Plans (SMPs). I actively participated in risk assessments, incident investigations and site fire prevention initiatives while conducting training sessions on safety protocols and emergency preparedness.

These experiences have equipped me with a robust understanding of fire prevention, safety management, risk mitigation and the implementation of safe practices to protect personnel and operations.

You have completed your NEBOSH International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Professionals.
• Why did you take this qualification and what made you choose NEBOSH?
I chose the NEBOSH Diploma to enhance my expertise in international health and safety standards and to help me improve the safety culture within my organisation. NEBOSH is a globally recognised qualification that offers comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for HSE professionals. I was motivated by a desire to learn global best practices and apply them to my current assignments, ensuring the protection of people and fostering a safer workplace. Additionally, I saw this as an ideal starting point for my professional learning journey, embracing the challenge of mastering advanced safety frameworks to drive continuous improvement in my field.

• Did you enjoy the course?
Absolutely! The course was both challenging and enriching, offering deep insights into workplace health and safety principles, controlling workplace health and safety issues. It not only broadened my understanding of global safety standards but also equipped me with practical tools to enhance the safety culture in my organisation. The learning experience was immensely fulfilling, aligning perfectly with my goal to protect people and drive continuous improvement in workplace safety.

• How did this qualification benefit you?
The NEBOSH Diploma course has profoundly impacted my professional journey, enhancing my ability to implement global best practices. Specifically, the modules on Workplace Health and Safety Principles, Controlling Workplace Health Issues, and Controlling Workplace Safety Issues have been particularly valuable. These modules equipped me with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of health and safety management, enabling me to identify and address workplace hazards effectively. I am now better equipped to implement proactive control measures to mitigate risks, manage occupational health concerns and ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all employees.

The qualification has also expanded my professional network, connecting me with like-minded HSE professionals worldwide, as well as giving me a broader perspective on health, safety and environmental management. This has further strengthened my ability to drive continuous improvement and make meaningful contributions to workplace safety.

Can you explain how your role developed or any changes you made/want to make in the business after completing your Diploma?
The NEBOSH Diploma has significantly enhanced my approach to safety management. Modules on Workplace Health and Safety Principles and Controlling Workplace Hazards have deepened my understanding of risk management. I learnt to conduct more robust risk assessments, identifying and controlling hazards proactively. My auditing skills have improved, enabling me to identify root causes of non-conformances and implement effective corrective actions. I am now more focused on occupational health issues, proactively addressing concerns like noise, vibration and ergonomics.

Furthermore, I am committed to fostering a proactive safety culture by encouraging employee participation and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. I aim to leverage the Diploma's learnings to implement an Integrated Management System (IMS) and mentor other HSE professionals, ultimately driving a sustainable safety culture within my current organisation.

What’s next for you in terms of your professional development?
I recently achieved the CSP and CMIOSH certifications, which have enhanced my professional credibility. Moving forward I aim to deepen my knowledge in process safety management (PSM) and explore the application of AI and machine learning in digital safety. This will enable me to implement robust safety measures and leverage data-driven insights for enhanced risk management. I will continue to learn through industry conferences and workshops, staying current with the latest advancements in HSE to contribute to the evolution of safety standards.

What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?
The most fulfilling aspect of my role is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the workplace. It's deeply gratifying to create a culture where safety is a priority and to witness its positive impact on individuals and operations.

The NEBOSH Diploma has significantly enhanced my ability to contribute to this mission. The modules covered have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of risk management and hazard identification. This knowledge empowers me to proactively implement effective control measures, minimising risks and providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees.

Seeing employees embrace safety practices, actively participate in risk assessments and prioritise their wellbeing is truly rewarding. Knowing that my efforts contribute to a safer and healthier workplace for everyone gives me a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction.

What achievements in your career are you most proud of?
Looking back on my career, I am proud of several key achievements. Firstly, I am grateful for my successful leadership during emergency response situations, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all personnel involved. Secondly, I take pride in having conducted impactful safety training sessions that have empowered employees to take ownership of their safety and contribute to a strong safety culture.

I am particularly proud of implementing innovative safety measures, such as the development and implementation of digital SOPs and upgrading firefighting systems with advanced features. These initiatives have significantly enhanced workplace safety and demonstrate my commitment to continuous improvement.

The NEBOSH Diploma has played a crucial role in enabling these achievements. The knowledge and skills gained from the Diploma have equipped me with the tools and confidence to identify and address safety challenges effectively, implement best practices and drive positive change within the organisation.

What would be your advice be to anyone at the start of their health and safety career?
My advice would be to prioritise building a strong foundation. This includes acquiring a solid technical understanding of health and safety principles, regulations and best practices. Seek opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, volunteering or entry-level positions.

Continuous learning is paramount. Stay updated with the latest industry standards, regulations and best practices by attending workshops, conferences and pursuing relevant certifications such as NEBOSH.

Developing strong soft skills is equally important. Effective communication, leadership and interpersonal skills are crucial for building relationships, influencing stakeholders and driving change within an organisation.

Most importantly, cultivate a genuine passion for protecting lives and promoting a safe and healthy work environment. This passion will fuel your commitment to excellence and drive you to make a real difference in the lives of others.