“NEBOSH has always been my go-to for globally recognised, practical and impactful qualifications.”
Case Study: Mrutyunjay Dash
We spoke to Mrutyunjay Dash, who began his career in engineering before making the move into health and safety. He has already achieved three NEBOSH qualifications and plans to take more in the future!
Mrutyunjay, you work for TKIL Industries. Can you tell us a little bit about the organisation?
TKIL Industries Pvt. Ltd., formerly known as thyssenkrupp Industries India Pvt. Ltd., provides engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) and plant services in both domestic and international markets. We are committed to delivering high quality products and services that emphasise safety, health and environmental sustainability.
Our Integrated Management System (IMS) ensures we meet global standards and continuously improve by addressing risks and opportunities. Employee training and participation are key to maintaining safety and operational efficiency.
We focus on reducing hazards, conserving resources and using energy-efficient technologies to minimise our environmental footprint. Our commitment to sustainable practices includes pollution prevention, clean energy use, and energy efficiency across operations.
With strong leadership from the executive level, every employee at TKIL plays a vital role in ensuring we deliver our quality, safety and sustainability mission, contributing to a safer and greener future for all.
Your role with TKIL Industries is as an Assistant Manager. What does this entail?
As an Assistant Manager at TKIL Industries Pvt. Ltd., my role involves supporting the company’s safety and operational standards, with a focus on the Integrated Management System (IMS). I design and deliver safety training programs for employees, ensuring they are well-equipped to identify hazards, follow safe work practices and comply with our IMS. I lead risk assessments across various departments, identifying hazards and implementing controls to reduce risks. I also manage and improve our IMS to ensure compliance with global standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, keeping procedures updated and addressing compliance gaps.
In addition I conduct thorough investigations of any incidents or near misses, so that root causes can be identified and corrective actions implemented. To make sure we comply with industry standards I coordinate internal and external audits of safety, quality and environmental systems. I develop and refine emergency response plans, ensuring that safety equipment is operational and drills are conducted regularly.
My work also extends to driving sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption and waste, aligning with the company’s green goals. I facilitate safety campaigns; toolbox talks and workshops to foster a safety-conscious culture among employees. I track safety performance metrics, prepare reports and continuously monitor progress, ensuring the continuous improvement of our safety culture. I also work closely with our supplier Vedanta Aluminium Limited, ensuring we maintain a high standard of safety and compliance in all our work together.
What made you choose a career in health and safety?
My early exposure to high-risk industries fuelled my commitment to health and safety. I’m deeply passionate about risk management and the wellbeing of individuals. The drive to create safe work environments, where employees can thrive without fear of harm, has always been my core motivation. I am dedicated to fostering a culture of safety, sustainability and continuous improvement, ensuring that safety is embedded in every aspect of operations. This mission guides my professional journey as I remain focused on protecting lives, enhancing workplace safety and advancing sustainable practices.
Can you tell us about your professional experience and when your focus switched to health and safety?
My professional journey began in 2012 as an Assistant Engineer at CREW Pvt. Ltd. During a CPR training session I had a moment of realisation that by pursuing a career in health and safety I would have the opportunity to save lives. I enrolled on a Diploma in Industrial Safety course and that was the start of things for me in terms of health and safety.
After completing this Diploma I secured a Safety Officer role in the sugar industry in Odisha. It came with significant challenges, including navigating a unionised workforce and government-run plant dynamics. However, I used my knowledge and practical skills to motivate workers and change their mindsets, which improved the overall safety culture at the plant.
I wanted to further enhance my career, so I decided to pursue the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) in 2015. Having this globally recognised qualification opened the door to new opportunities, and I secured a role as an HSE Coordinator at thyssenkrupp Industries India Pvt. Ltd. Here I applied my learnings to coordinate safety programmes and support complex projects.
In 2017, my NEBOSH IGC qualification enabled me to secure an international role as a Safety Officer with Galaxy Energy General Contracting LLC in Abu Dhabi. I contributed to high-risk oil and gas projects under ADNOC, ensuring stringent safety measures in compliance with international standards.
As my career progressed, I sought further professional development and completed the NEBOSH International Diploma and NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management. These qualifications provided me with advanced technical knowledge and a deeper understanding of global safety practices, which helped me take on more strategic roles.
Today, as an Assistant Manager at TKIL Industries Pvt. Ltd., I apply my extensive experience and expertise to lead safety initiatives, uphold global standards and promote a proactive safety culture within the organisation. Each step of my career has been guided by a commitment to safeguarding lives and continuous learning, helping me become a highly valued HSE professional.
Why did you choose to take the three NEBOSH qualifications you have achieved?
I pursued NEBOSH qualifications to enhance my expertise in occupational health, safety and environmental management. NEBOSH is globally recognised for its high standards, and I believed achieving these qualifications would provide credibility and the practical knowledge needed for me to excel in my career. If I take each in turn:
• NEBOSH International General Certificate: this was my foundation in safety management and helped validate my expertise as I transitioned into health and safety.
• NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management: this provided specialised knowledge on managing risks in high-risk industries like energy and manufacturing, focusing on process safety and hazard management.
• NEBOSH International Diploma: this gave me more advanced knowledge, which helped prepare me for leadership roles and comprehensive safety programme implementation.
Did you enjoy the NEBOSH courses you have completed?
Absolutely! Each course was challenging and rewarding. The General Certificate laid the groundwork, the Process Safety Management course was highly relevant to my industry, and the Diploma offered in-depth leadership and strategic insights directly applicable to my role.
How did these qualifications benefit you?
These qualifications enhanced my knowledge, allowing me to improve safety standards, advance my career and take on leadership roles. They provided practical tools for safety audits, risk assessments and strategic safety leadership. Additionally, NEBOSH opened opportunities for networking and career advancement.
Can you explain how your role developed or any changes you made after completing your qualifications?
Completing my NEBOSH qualifications has significantly influenced my role and provided me with the tools to drive positive change in the organisation. Here’s how my role has developed and how I have applied the knowledge I gained:
• Enhanced safety leadership: The NEBOSH International Diploma allowed me to take a more strategic approach to safety management. I moved beyond compliance and began influencing senior leadership to view safety as a key business priority. I helped align safety objectives with business goals and integrated safety targets into performance metrics, ensuring that safety became a key driver for operational success. Going forward, I plan to embed a safety culture across every department, making safety a core value in all decision making.
• Better risk management: The NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management equipped me with specialised skills to address risks in high-hazard environments like manufacturing and energy. I introduced more robust risk assessment processes, focusing on identifying and mitigating process-related hazards. I aim to apply process safety management systems as part of standard procedure, ensuring hazards are controlled from design through to operational phases.
• Improved training and awareness: After completing my NEBOSH International General Certificate I recognised the importance of continuous and proactive safety education. I therefore revamped our training programmes to foster a safety-first mindset, going beyond compliance to encourage a culture of safety excellence. I also plan to introduce advanced training and leadership development programmes, ensuring managers act as safety leaders and mentors.
• Improved audit practices: The NEBOSH Diploma provided me with deeper insights into auditing, allowing me to shift from basic compliance checks to continuous improvement. I now conduct audits that focus on the effectiveness of safety systems, with corrective actions tracked for long-term results. In the future I aim to integrate safety audits into daily operations to identify potential risks before they develop.
• Enhanced communication: I’ve improved how safety information is shared within the organisation, making reports more accessible and engaging. I plan to establish more regular communication channels and encourage cross-departmental collaboration to ensure safety is prioritised at all levels.
• Continuous improvement: I implemented feedback mechanisms to promote open discussions about safety. Moving forward, I aim to formalise the documentation of lessons learned from incidents and introduce a system for recognising employees who make significant contributions to safety improvements.
What’s next for you in terms of your professional development?
For the next stage of my career, I have a clear strategy to further enhance my expertise, leadership skills and adaptability in health, safety and environmental management. I am currently pursuing a Level 7 International Diploma and a Postgraduate Diploma in Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). These qualifications will broaden my understanding of global safety standards and equip me to integrate sustainability and social responsibility into safety practices effectively.
As a strong advocate of continuous learning, my future plans revolve around achieving advanced NEBOSH qualifications to deepen my expertise and broaden my career horizons. I aim to pursue the following NEBOSH certifications:
• NEBOSH IIRSM Certificate in Managing Risk: This will strengthen my ability to integrate risk management into decision-making processes and provide strategic guidance for organisational resilience.
• NEBOSH Master of Research (MRes): By undertaking this prestigious degree, I plan to explore cutting-edge safety practices and contribute to academic research that addresses emerging challenges in occupational health and safety.
NEBOSH has always been my go-to for globally recognised, practical, and impactful qualifications. These advanced qualifications will enhance my leadership skills and give me the ability to implement innovative solutions in high-risk industries.
Looking ahead, I aim to take on senior leadership roles where I can lead large-scale safety transformations, ensuring safety becomes an intrinsic value within organisations rather than just a compliance requirement. Building on my expertise in process safety management, I plan to pursue advanced certifications such as the Certified Risk Management Professional (RISK) to enhance my ability to manage risks in high-hazard industrial environments.
I am also committed to sharing knowledge and contributing to the development of future safety leaders through research, publishing case studies and mentoring. By staying up-to-date on emerging trends such as AI, data analytics and wearable safety technologies, I aim to leverage these advancements for predictive safety and real-time monitoring, further improving safety outcomes.
Achieving Chartered status with IOSH is also one of my long-term goals, along with obtaining additional international certifications to solidify my global standing in the safety field. Through continuous learning and innovation, I aspire to contribute significantly to safety advancements both within my organisation and across the industry.
What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?
I love knowing that my work helps protect people and makes a real difference in their lives. It's very satisfying to create a safe environment where employees can work without fear and return home safely to their families every day.
My role motivates me because it's always full of new challenges and learning opportunities. I love that I can make positive changes in the workplace, whether this is improving safety processes or encouraging everyone to take safety seriously.
I find it exciting to solve problems and find practical solutions to make the workplace safer. It's not just about avoiding accidents -it’s also about helping the company work better and smarter by putting safety first. Seeing small changes having a big impact is very rewarding.
For me, being a health and safety professional is all about protecting lives, improving the workplace, and knowing I’m making a real difference. It's a job I'm proud to do every day.
Looking back on your career to date, what achievements are you most proud of?
Looking back on my career, there are several achievements that stand out as milestones of personal and professional growth. One of the most significant was leading the development and implementation of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management Systems at TKIL Industries - aligning them with international standards and enhancing safety culture. This effort led to a reduction in workplace accidents and improved compliance with regulations.
Completing the NEBOSH International Diploma was another key achievement, which deepened my knowledge and enabled me to take on more senior safety management roles. Additionally, I play a crucial role in conducting EHS audits, which improve safety protocols and foster a culture of accountability.
I’m also proud of mentoring more junior safety professionals and contributing to the ISO 45001:2018 certification, reinforcing the company's commitment to safety. Achieving the NEBOSH HSE Process Safety Management Certificate further strengthened my expertise in managing high-risk industries.
Transitioning from engineering to safety was a significant career shift, driven by my passion for protecting people. Finally, earning international certifications like the Transitional Safety Practitioner (TSP) and being part of professional membership bodies like IOSH have helped expand my network and solidify my professional standing.
These achievements reflect my commitment to improving safety and creating a positive impact within my organisation and the wider industry.
What would be your advice to anyone at the start of their health and safety career be?
- Start by building a strong foundation of knowledge. Read extensively to keep up to date with evolving standards, technologies and methodologies. Achieving qualifications such as the NEBOSH IGC, NEBOSH International Diploma and NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management will enhance your credibility and technical expertise.
- Practical experience is just as important as theory. Engage in site visits, participate in risk assessments and learn from experienced professionals. Observing real workplace hazards and how they are managed will sharpen your ability to identify and control risks effectively.
- Cultivate a positive attitude and lead by example. Safety starts with you; your enthusiasm and actions should inspire others to prioritise safe practices. Master communication, as influencing behaviour requires active listening, clarity and consistency. Build relationships, encourage open discussions and always be willing to learn from others.
- Find your motivation and fuel it with passion. Safety is about people, not just policies. Lead with empathy, engage with workers and build trust rather than simply enforcing rules.
- Health and safety is a constantly evolving field, so continuous learning is essential. Stay curious, attend workshops, read industry publications and join professional networks.
When you genuinely care about protecting people, your dedication will drive positive change and make a real impact.