Case Studies

Your health and safety career spans almost two decades, and in that time, you have worked in numerous high-risk industries including construction, oil and gas, maritime and mining.

• Why did you choose to build your career in Health & Safety?

After completing my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at McGill University in Montreal, I decided that before diving into the workforce I would immediately pursue a master’s degree. The primary motivator for this decision was that I wasn’t intending to return to academia again (little did I know!). I didn’t want to do a master’s in mechanical engineering because I wasn’t particularly passionate about the subject and felt the job market was already saturated with technical engineers. After doing some research and consulting with my father and his colleagues, I identified health and safety as a potential option. I learnt that it focussed on designing and implementing systems and programs to keep people safe and healthy, and this resonated deeply with me. Imagine a profession where you wake up everyday and can help save lives! The fact that health and safety combined elements from various disciplines including engineering, psychology, law, environmental science, mathematics, and medicine added to its appeal, and I was sold. I went on to pursue a master’s in environmental engineering with a focus on occupational health and safety. Every professional role I have secured throughout my varied career since, has been in HSE.

• What advice would you give to other safety professionals looking to switch between sectors?

My advice would be to embrace the transferable skills and knowledge you’ve gained in one sector whilst being open to learning the nuances of a new industry. Health and safety principles like risk assessment, organisational culture, and leadership, apply universally. However, each sector has its own set of unique challenges, regulations, and operational practices. Take the time to understand these specifics, and don’t hesitate to ask questions, whether it’s from colleagues or industry experts. Staying up to date with sector-specific standards and technologies will help you transition smoothly. And remember, the experience you bring from one industry can offer valuable new perspectives and innovative solutions that can enhance practices in another, as I have found in my own career.

In 2014 you completed the NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. Why did you take this qualification and how did your NEBOSH Diploma studies help you?

In 2013, I felt ready for a new challenge, but to progress further internally, I would have had to relocate to another country, which I didn’t want to do at that time. So, I began applying for new opportunities externally, but I wasn’t making much headway. This took me by surprise as I had several years experience at reputable companies and a strong educational background. A senior colleague reviewed my CV and suggested that I consider earning qualifications that were more recognised by local recruiters in the UAE. After taking on board his advice, I pursued the NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. Shortly after completing it, I was presented with an exciting new opportunity in a different industry, and I was off to my next new challenge.

You clearly love to learn, as since achieving your NEBOSH Diploma, you have gone on to complete a PhD!

• Do you have any advice for other safety professionals who are trying to balance work and studies?

My advice would be to choose an area of study that you're truly passionate about. If you're not prepared to sacrifice personal time, whether it's pulling all-nighters or missing vacations, then it’s going to be quite a challenge for you to complete your studies. So, it's important to love the topic you'll be focusing on in order to find the internal motivation to continue. Additionally, having the support of your family, especially your partner, is crucial. If my wife hadn’t been fully on board with me taking on such a significant project like a PhD, I wouldn’t have been able to get to the finish line. It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner beforehand to ensure they are fully supportive before you commit. Lastly, don’t forget to prioritise your well-being throughout the process, as maintaining a healthy mind and body is key to managing the stress that comes with juggling multiple responsibilities.

• Do you have any insights you can share from you PhD?

My research focuses on the conceptual definition of safety leadership and the characteristics of effective safety leaders. As I finalise my PhD and prepare to publish my findings, I believe they will have a significant impact on both academia and practice.

Safety leadership has traditionally been studied through the lens of other leadership styles, but my research challenges this long-standing perspective. My findings suggest that safety leadership is not merely an extension of existing models – it is a distinct leadership style with far-reaching effects. Beyond improving safety performance, my results indicate that safety leadership positively influences non-safety outcomes such as operational efficiency and business performance.

To put these research insights into practice, we developed an 8-hour training program and delivered it to senior leaders in a high-risk organisation. Since its implementation in 2024, the impact has been truly remarkable. I’m quite excited to share the actionable findings of my work more widely to help shape the future of leadership in high-risk industries and drive meaningful change in the workplace.

Since January 2024, you have held the position of Vice President HSE – MENA and the Subcontinent at DP World in Dubai. Can you tell us a little about the company and your role in particular?

DP World is an incredible company that is truly people centric. Traditionally focused on ports and terminals, the company is on an exciting transformation journey to become a global leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions. Headquartered in Dubai with a presence across the globe, DP World has been propelled forward by visionary leadership and the dedication of over 115,000 talented employees.
In my role, I oversee HSE operations for our MENA and Subcontinent region. I thoroughly enjoy the challenge, and together with our senior leadership team, we’ve made significant strides over the past year in driving a culture of care using safety as a catalyst for change.

You have always been very generous with your time and have volunteered for several organisations. What motivates you to do this?

As a child, my parents were deeply committed to philanthropic causes and involved me in all their volunteering endeavours. My father never turned away anyone in need, and growing up in this environment instilled a deep sense of responsibility and strong moral values in me. I think this mindset is what initially drew me to HSE in the first place and now, as an adult, volunteering and contributing to something bigger than myself is second nature. Against this backdrop, and with ILO figures showing that 2.9 million deaths are attributed to work-related accidents and diseases, I naturally felt compelled to help make a difference, not just within the organisations I worked for, but across the profession and society as a whole. I also firmly believe that progress happens when people come together to share knowledge, challenge ideas, and push boundaries. Whether through my role with IOSH as Chair of the UAE branch, mentoring professionals, speaking at conferences, or producing impactful videos, I see volunteering as an opportunity to drive meaningful change. Knowing that my contributions, big or small, can help others grow, improve safety outcomes, and ultimately create safer workplaces is incredibly fulfilling.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the health and safety profession?

What I enjoy most about being part of the HSE profession is the ability to make a real, tangible impact on people’s lives. Safety isn’t just about policies and procedures – it’s about ensuring that every worker goes home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day. Knowing that the work we do directly contributes to saving lives, preventing injuries, and creating healthier work environments is deeply enriching.

Beyond that, HSE is a field that constantly challenges you to think critically, adapt, and innovate. No two days are the same, and the complexity of managing risk in high-hazard industries keeps me engaged and motivated. I also love the leadership aspect of driving culture change, influencing mindsets, and helping organisations see that safety isn’t a compliance exercise but a strategic enabler of business success.

Most importantly, the HSE profession allows me to work with incredible people, from frontline workers to senior executives, who are all committed to making a difference. Seeing the shift in mindset, the breakthroughs in leadership, and the measurable improvements in workplace safety makes the challenges of the job well worth it.

What advice would you give someone who is pursuing a career in health and safety?
If you're pursuing a career in health and safety, my biggest piece of advice is to understand that this profession is about people, not just compliance. The technical knowledge – regulations, risk assessments, and management systems – is important and can be easily learnt. But what will truly set you apart is your ability to influence, communicate, and inspire change. After nearly two decades in the field, here are some key lessons I've learned:

• Develop your people skills: HSE is as much about leadership and psychology as it is about policies and procedures. The ability to engage with workers, influence senior leaders, and drive a culture where safety is a core value is what makes a real difference.
• Stay curious and keep learning: Safety is an evolving field, and what works today may not be enough tomorrow. Stay ahead by keeping up with industry trends, new technologies, emerging best practices, and the latest research. Seek mentorship, attend conferences, and continuously challenge yourself to grow.
• Build strong relationships: You can’t drive meaningful change from behind a desk. Spend time in the field, talk to people, and understand their challenges. When workers and leaders trust you, they will listen to your advice and take safety seriously.
• Be resilient and persistent: Changing mindsets and behaviours takes time. You will face resistance, but don’t be discouraged. The key is to stay committed to your mission and find different ways to communicate the value of safety beyond compliance – how it drives efficiency, business performance, and overall well-being.
• Find your purpose: If you’re in this profession just for a job, it will be tough to stay motivated. But if you genuinely care about making a difference, your passion will drive you through the toughest challenges. Always remind yourself that behind every policy, every safety measure, and every decision, there are real people whose lives you are impacting.

HSE is a field where you can leave a lasting legacy. If you approach it with the right mindset and dedication, you’ll not only build a successful career but also contribute to something much bigger than yourself.