Case Studies

Shen, you work for the Sinopec International Petroleum E & P Corporation. Can you tell us a little bit about the organization?
Sinopec International Petroleum E & P Corporation (SIPC) is a subsidiary of China Petrochemical Corporation and is primarily engaged in overseas upstream investment and operations.

Your role with the Sinopec International Petroleum E & P Corporation is as a Deputy General Manager of Field Development and Production Dept. What does this entail?
I am responsible for asset integrity and process safety management, management of oil and gas production processes, and production operation management.

Can you tell us about your previous professional experience and what led you to take an interest in health and safety?
I have always been involved in oil and gas field development and production, working in places like Kazakhstan and Africa. From a development and production management perspective, it's essential to manage costs, efficiency and safety and ensure environmental protection. Health and safety is a high priority for management because it is the company's responsibility to look after its employees and provide healthy and safe conditions. In my role I therefore need good knowledge of health and safety practice so that I can ensure it is implemented. It was this responsibility that led me to undertake a NEBOSH qualification.

You have completed your NEBOSH International General Certificate. Why did you take this qualification and what made you choose NEBOSH?
I chose to take the NEBOSH International General Certificate because it’s a globally recognised qualification that allows learners to gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in health and safety management. NEBOSH's reputation for high standards and rigorous training means that the certification is respected and valued worldwide. This made it the ideal choice for advancing my career and helping me to implement the highest standards of safety within my organisation.

Did you enjoy the course?
Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the course. The curriculum was well-structured and covered a wide range of topics essential for health and safety management. The interactive and practical approach of the training, along with support from knowledgeable instructors, made the learning experience both engaging and rewarding.

Learning with a reputable organization - Shenzhen Safeway - greatly enhanced my experience, as they provided top-notch resources and guidance. Their local tutor was fantastic at explaining clearly and effectively to Chinese learners like myself how health, safety and environmental management work around the world.

How did this qualification benefit you?
The qualification gave me knowledge of the ideal systematic framework for health and safety management. When combined with my practical work experience, this gave me a deeper understanding of the content of each element of the management system and the relationships between them. Since completing my Certificate, my employer has placed more trust in my ability and problem-solving skills and has offered me a senior management position.

Can you explain how your role developed after completing your Certificate?
In terms of health and safety management I learned to implement systematic thinking, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) and how to approach problems from a holistic perspective while connecting and developing different aspects of the business. I also mastered many specific tools and methods that help me to be effective in my day-to-day role.

What’s next for you in terms of your development?
I will be in charge of the company's development and production business, which will involve a broader scope of work and greater challenges.

What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?
I like the opportunity it gives me to collaborate and support my colleagues to work safely. I like it when the on-site employees and I think alike, and we work together and cooperate to achieve high safety standards which benefit everyone. It's rewarding when my work is considered valuable.

Looking back on your career to date, what achievements are you most proud of?
I am proud of working hard to get my NEBOSH International General Certificate and achieving a Best Candidate award for it in 2023. I’m also proud of becoming the general manager of a limited company, where I am responsible for the production and operation management of an oil field with an annual output scale of 50,000 tons and a total of 120 employees.

What would be your advice to anyone at the start of their health and safety career?
Combine theory with practice; the two complement each other. Think critically and often.