Case Studies

When did you decide you wanted your career to be in health and safety and how did you make it happen?
My background was not a privileged one financially, but I was blessed with a supportive and encouraging family. I belong to a small town called Rajam in the Rawalpindi district of Punjab in Pakistan. Growing up I was encouraged to be ambitious and to continue studying to a higher level. After completing my studies, I got a position as a computer operator and facilities coordinator in a private firm in Islamabad, Pakistan. As one of the firm’s clients was a government body, it was required to employ a health and safety officer and, when this position became vacant, I got the chance to apply.

As a child, I had many conversations with my father, a retired Airforce officer, about the paramount significance of safety, as in his working environment a small mistake could lead to a huge loss both from a people and financial perspective. These discussions meant that I had an appreciation of health and safety and could see that it had the potential to be captivating and exceedingly rewarding work.

Coincidentally, I had a conversation with a family friend who was employed as supervisor in the Middle East. When I shared that I might be moving into health and safety, he explained that there were numerous opportunities in this field in the Middle East. When I asked what I would need to do to be considered, he told me about NEBOSH, and that is where it all began for me.

That night I couldn’t sleep. The next day I began to research the health and safety profession and NEBOSH and decided to take the health and safety officer role I had been offered and made it my mission to complete the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC). The biggest barrier was being able to pay for the training. I started saving, but it was tough because of my responsibilities, and years passed without me raising the required funds. Things started to change for me when I got an opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi, and secured a role there working for a local contracting company that was split 50/50 between administration and health and safety. This move gave me a opportunity to prosper and thrive and most importantly, financed my NEBOSH IGC studies which I completed in 2016.

Can you tell us about your NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) experience?
I learned a lot from completing the NEBOSH IGC and my confidence and knowledge grew. As this qualification is specified in the Middle East as a requirement for most health and safety roles, I felt until I passed the NEBOSH IGC, I was an unknown and my progress would be hindered.

I was so thrilled when I found out I had been victorious. Passing the IGC was pivotal to me securing promotion to a HSE Officer position with my employer. I went on to complete training covering local legal requirements and secured few approvals of authorities, which further increased my potential and confidence.

You went on to complete the NEBOSH International Fire Certificate (IFC). Can you explain how this qualification supported your development and progression?
I completed my NEBOSH IFC in 2019 as part of my promise to myself to continue to update my CPD. Now when thinking about CPD, what comes to mind first is the NEBOSH Qualifications.

Achieving the NEBOSH IFC strengthened my understanding of fire risk management. As I experienced with the IGC, the IFC not only provided me with a comprehensive knowledge base, but also equipped me with practical proficiencies that are directly applicable across diverse work environments and helped me ensure risks were mitigated.

I have found that every NEBOSH success I have achieved has facilitated me to keep prospering, thriving and shining. From my experience, adding a new NEBOSH qualification to your LinkedIn profile helps you get noticed. Holding both the NEBOSH IGC and IFC were key to me landing a position with a world leader in geotechnical works that were operating in Abu Dhabi UAE.

Most recently you completed the NEBOSH International Diploma:

• Why did you choose this qualification?

After completing the NEBOSH International General Certificate, I wanted to take a higher-level qualification. I chose the NEBOSH International Diploma because I feel it is the leading qualification for international health and safety professionals.

The syllabus content is based on international standards and best practice and is relevant to all sectors. This broad approach added to its appeal, as it made moving between countries and industries possible, giving me more choice and opportunity. It wasn’t an easy qualification to achieve. To be successful required determination and hard work, but I feel it is the best investment any professional can make.

NEBOSH is known as a world leader in health and safety certifications. The qualifications I had achieved previously had forged my progression, and I was elated to continue to invest in my development, expecting that it would pay off once again. I chose the NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety to prepare me for a strategic level position.

Prior to starting it officially, I spoke with peers who were NEBOSH Diplomates, and they recommended I shouldn’t rush straight into the Diploma after completing my last NEBOSH Certificate. Their advice was to gain some more practical experience to hone my existing knowledge and proficiencies, and I took this advice on board.

• How did you find it?

This advanced qualification’s comprehensive curriculum challenged me to critically analyse and effectively manage occupational risks across diverse industries.
I found it to be a very useful qualification which enhanced my knowledge, understanding and expertise in health and safety management systems.

It took me four years to complete the NEBOSH International Diploma. I faced some financial challenges and was unsuccessful in some units on my first attempts, but I kept going and it paid off. The quality and stringent invigilation this qualification is associated with makes success an even prouder achievement. The joy I felt when I finally achieved the Diploma can’t be explained in words.

• How has it helped you?

The Diploma programme significantly expanded my professional knowledge on global health and safety standards and best practices. It empowered me to develop and implement robust safety strategies that not only comply with regulatory requirements but also enhance organisational resilience and employee well-being. Achieving this qualification has amplified my knowledge, proficiencies and self-assurance and ensured I stand-out from the crowd.
I have learned a lot through NEBOSH Qualifications. NEBOSH has been the foundation for my career progression, which has enabled me to raise the finances necessary to continue my studies and keep developing.

Continuous learning is clearly important to you. Can you explain what keeps you motivated and share any tips you have for fitting it all in?
Continuous learning is a cornerstone of my professional journey in health and safety and my commitment is reflected in my decision to devote one month’s wages to my CPD each year.

I am driven by a passion for staying ahead in a dynamic field where new challenges and regulations constantly emerge. My motivation stems from a genuine commitment to enhancing workplace safety standards and ensuring the well-being of employees. My CPD tips are:

• Staying Updated: I actively seek opportunities to expand my knowledge through seminars, workshops, and industry conferences. These forums not only provide insights into the latest safety technologies and best practices, but also enable me to network with peers.
• Balance your responsibilities: Juggling unrelenting learning with my professional responsibilities requires effective time management and prioritisation. I allocate dedicated time each week for reading industry publications, participating in online courses, and engaging in discussions with colleagues to exchange insights and ideas.
• Apply Learning: I view every learning opportunity as a chance to augment my proficiencies and enhance the contribution I can make as a health and safety professional. Whether implementing new safety protocols or advising on regulatory compliance, I integrate newfound knowledge into practical solutions that benefit my organisation.

Continuously learning helps me remain agile in responding to industry developments and proactive in driving sustainable safety outcomes within our organisation’s business operations.

My next CPD commitment is to enrol for the NEBOSH International Diploma in Environmental Management and the long-term goal is to do the Masters in OHS.

Can you tell us a little about your role and responsibilities in your current HSE Engineer role?
I am employed as a HSE Engineer by an organisation that works for the government on a number of national security projects. In my role I oversee all aspects of health and safety within my areas of responsibility. This includes conducting comprehensive risk assessments, implementing robust safety procedures, and ensuring regulatory compliance. I am also responsible for leading safety training and fostering a culture of safety consciousness among employees.

My key accountabilities include:

• Leading a team of HSE professionals to ensure we use available resources effectively and efficiently to deliver all the required safety services including Risk Assessments, Audits, Incident Investigations.
• Promoting good health, safety and environmental practices throughout all activities.
• Proposing, implementing and monitoring the measures necessary to comply with HSE policy, procedures, and local HSE legislation so that we ensure legal compliance and reduce the risk of non-compliance.
• Maintaining HSE statistics, analysing trends, proposing and taking remedial actions.
• Acting as a catalyst for activity, commitment and unrelenting improvement for all aspects of health and safety management.
• Providing health and safety advocate for and guidance to a broad stakeholder base
• Developing and delivering training for staff in relation to health and safety policies, practice and procedures, etc.

My approach in everything I do emphasises a proactive stance focused on preventing incidents through the implementation of robust safety measures, coupled with responsive actions to effectively manage and mitigate risks. By integrating proactive and reactive monitoring measures, I help to ensure the workplace environment is safe and productive and that the well-being of employees is prioritised.

What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?
What I find most gratifying is the opportunity to make a tangible difference to workplace safety. By implementing effective safety measures and fostering a culture of safety consciousness, I contribute to creating a safe and productive work environment where employees can thrive.

Moreover, the ability to empower individuals and instil a sense of personal responsibility towards safety, not only enhances overall morale, but also cultivates a collective commitment to safeguarding health. The satisfaction I derive from witnessing employee’s proactively engaging in safety initiatives reinforces my belief in the transformative power of health and safety practices. This holistic approach enables organisations to mitigate risks and foster a resilient workplace atmosphere.

When you look back at your career so far, what are you most proud of?
I led a comprehensive safety improvement project that resulted in a significant reduction in workplace incidents and injuries. By collaborating with cross-functional teams and engaging employees at all levels, I was able to create a safety culture that prioritised prevention and continuous improvement. The initiative not only elevated compliance but also promoted a proactive mindset among staff, enabling them to recognise hazards and contribute to continuous safety enhancements.

I am also immensely proud of being part of several million safe man-hours without lost time incidents (LTI). Safeguarding people’s health and lives brings me profound satisfaction, knowing that they return home safely to their families every day. Witnessing the transformation of workplace attitudes to safety remains one of my most cherished accomplishments. Additionally, the project's success reinforced the importance of ongoing training and development, ensuring that safety remains a shared responsibility across the organisation.

What would your advice be to anyone who aspires to make health and safety their career?
For individuals aspiring to build a triumphant career in health and safety, I would recommend starting with formal qualifications such as the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC). These certifications provide a solid foundation of knowledge and proficiencies that are highly valued by employers across industries.
Seek opportunities to gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Additionally, actively pursue continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities, as they are crucial for staying abreast of evolving industry standards and regulations.

Embrace unrelenting learning and cultivate a robust network of professionals in the field. This will help you remain informed about industry trends and best practices, thereby enhancing your employability and career progression.