Case Studies

Shermin grew up in what she describes as a conservative Muslim family in Kerala, India. Her father wanted his children to succeed in life and encouraged them to get a good education and embark on a lifelong career. Shermin told us that her religion also taught her to do everything she could to “help people and make them smile”. Although she studied mechanical engineering and management, her desire to help others ultimately took her down a different and demanding path into health and safety.

As an adult, Shermin moved to the Middle East after getting married because her husband, a human resources professional, was employed by one of the leading construction companies in the UAE. She began her career there in an administrative support role, which led to involvement in audits around ISO 14001 and OSHA 18001. This sparked her interest in health and safety because it fitted with her beliefs around helping people.

Always interested in learning new things, Shermin decided to continue her studies and take the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. This led to a hands on health and safety role on a major construction project in Abu Dhabi involving a workforce of around 2,000 people.

“It was an interesting experience,” said Shermin. “As a woman from a place like India I faced a lot of challenges. ‘Who is she to tell me this?’ is something I heard often, but my NEBOSH qualification made me believe in my professionalism and gave me the courage and confidence to stand firm. I remember talking to my employer and saying that I could take my salary and say nothing, or I could take my salary and work hard for it and do my job properly. For me there was no choice but to do things the right way and I’m glad to say they fully supported me.”

This experience encouraged Shermin to go even further with her health and safety qualifications. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” said Shermin. “I was working nine hours a day, with two hours travelling time on top, and I had a family to look after as well as everything else in life that needed to be done. But I knew that if I wanted to lead people in this wonderful profession, I would need to have the best possible qualifications.

“Some people told me that there were easier options than the NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, but I had to follow my principles and choose what I believed was the best and the one that I knew was the most highly respected.”

Shermin completed her NEBOSH Diploma in 2017 and attended graduation in the UK with her husband, who was “incredibly supportive” throughout her studies. As a result, she also now holds CertIOSH status, is a Grade A OSHAD professional - the highest level of OSH recognition in Abu Dhabi - and is a familiar face at most of the region’s major conferences, seminars and exhibitions as both an attendee and speaker.

Shermin is QHSE Manager for global engineering and technology consultants Bilfinger Tebodin Middle East and is developing a strong reputation.

“I believe very much in empowerment, not just for the growing number of women here who are now interested in being part of this profession, but for anyone who wants to work in health and safety. I see NEBOSH qualifications as a great equaliser. When you have a NEBOSH qualification people listen, because they trust your knowledge and abilities, which means you can be confident and believe in yourself as well.

“I often describe health and safety as a selfless profession. I do it first and foremost because I enjoy caring for people. There are many people here who have families to support and I always remind them how important it is that they go back to them at the end of the day. I feel like I have been born for a reason - a good reason - and that is very fulfilling.”