Case Studies

You have worked in aviation for over a decade. What do you love about the industry?
I have worked in the aviation industry for over 14 years and love its dynamic and ever-evolving nature. Every day is different, and there’s always a new challenge or problem to solve. You also get to work with modern engineering marvels, and there’s a sense of fulfilment every time you see a plane take off or land safely.
Aviation connects people, cultures, and economies, and it is incredibly humbling to be part of an industry that brings the world closer together.

You secured your first health and safety role in 2018. Why did this change of focus appeal?
Landing my first health and safety role was a pivotal moment in my career. Having spent around seven years in aviation ground handling operations, I understood that safety was a cornerstone of day-to-day operations. My experience of working in an environment where safety is non-negotiable naturally steered me towards this path. What appealed to me most about this change was the opportunity to make a tangible impact on people's well-being. I find it incredibly rewarding to contribute to creating safer workplaces as this ensures everyone can confidently perform their roles and go home safely. Switching to health and safety in 2018 allowed me to combine my passion for problem-solving with a sense of purpose, which made the transition logical and satisfying.

I understand that you completed the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) in 2022. Can you explain:

• Why you chose this qualification in particular? - I chose the IGC because it is widely recognised as the gold standard in health and safety. As my previous background was in operations, I needed a qualification that would give me a strong foundation in risk management and safety principles, along with an understanding of international standards.

• If you enjoyed your studies? - I thoroughly enjoyed my studies. Although it was challenging at times, I found the course content engaging and relevant to real-life scenarios. Topics like hazard identification, how to identify and implement suitable control measures to mitigate risks, and incident investigation aligned closely with my professional responsibilities. I really valued the practical nature of the IGC. My studies were directly applicable to my work and gave me tools I could use and apply daily.
• How this qualification has helped your career? - The content covered in the NEBOSH IGC served as a foundation of knowledge that I have built on over time. As I gained knowledge and skills relevant to my role, I developed the confidence to address various challenges. Achieving this qualification enhanced my professional credibility, expanded my career opportunities, and, most importantly, increased my ability to improve workplace safety. Achieving the IGC had a significant positive impact on my development as a health and safety professional.

After this success, you immediately signed up for the NEBOSH International Diploma, which you have just passed with Credit. Can you share:

• Why you chose this qualification in particular? - After completing the IGC, I felt ready to advance my knowledge and skills to the next level. I had just secured my first safety leadership role, and this career progression reinforced my decision to enrol. The NEBOSH International Diploma was an automatic choice for me as it’s one of the most advanced qualifications in the field, offering in-depth expertise in health and safety management.

• How completing this qualification has benefited you? - This qualification supports my goal to transition into more strategic, leadership-oriented roles within the aviation industry and beyond. The Diploma provided me with a comprehensive understanding of risk management, organisational culture, and applicable legal frameworks, which equips me to handle complex health and safety challenges. It has also helped me broaden my perspective and learn about industry best practices. Moreover, this qualification validated my practical knowledge of operational risk management, as demonstrated by my distinction in DI1 and the credit I achieved overall for the full diploma, which makes me very proud.

In January 2024, you secured a new role with Qatar Airways as a policies and procedures specialist. Can you tell us what your role entails?
As a policies and procedures specialist, I am responsible for reviewing and publishing ground operations policies and procedures that directly impact safety performance and operational efficiency. This position requires diligent monitoring of safety incidents and operational trends to review and update our procedures effectively. Analysing relevant regulations and industry standards, such as the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit), and ensuring compliance with them are essential parts of the role. Additionally, a key aspect of my responsibilities involves reviewing local operational procedures across network stations and providing necessary published guidance.

The role requires a mindset of continuous improvement, as we frequently encounter changes in regulations, industry standards, and/or best practices, which are usually accompanied by complex challenges involving multiple stakeholders.

What are the key health and safety issues that you need to think about in your role?
My role is focused specifically on aviation ground handling. Some of the key considerations for me are manual handling and ergonomics, heat stress, fatigue, exposure to infectious diseases, and operating in proximity to moving equipment and machinery. All can potentially cause serious harm to employees and subsequently affect operations, so they must be carefully managed.

One key factor affecting the well-being of workers in the MENA region, specifically, is challenging environmental conditions. As a result, heat stress and fatigue-related incidents are key considerations.

What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?
A health and safety professional can have a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others. It's incredibly rewarding to know that my work directly contributes to creating safer workplaces and preventing harm. It’s also fulfilling to see employees go home safe and healthy because of the procedures and practices I’ve helped design and implement.

I love the role's problem-solving aspect. Unique challenges, such as identifying and mitigating hazards, improving processes, or responding to unexpected situations, keep me engaged and constantly learning, which is something I thrive on.

I also enjoy the collaborative nature of the work. Many stakeholders work closely together to find practical solutions to ensure the workplace is safe for the workforce. This process requires trust and teamwork, and I find it deeply satisfying to be a part of it.

What would your advice be to anyone who wants to enter the profession?
I encourage anyone looking to work in health and safety to properly research the profession and gain an understanding of what is involved. You can build a hugely rewarding career, but it’s important to be sure it is right for you.

Look to gain a strong foundation of health and safety knowledge that you can build on through experience. I recommend completing a recognised qualification, such as the NEBOSH General Certificate, to achieve this.

Seek hands-on experience wherever possible. My aviation ground handling experience really helps me understand the challenges and risks faced by workers performing this role. This operational understanding helps me suggest process improvements and controls that will work.

Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential. To be effective, health and safety professionals must engage with people and stakeholders to find practical solutions to complex challenges and gain their support.

Lastly, a continuous improvement mindset is a necessity as legislation, processes, and associated technologies evolve continuously.