Case Studies

When did you decide you wanted your career to be in health and safety and how did you make it happen?
Growing up, I regularly saw workers climbing coconut trees that soared to heights of 60-80 metres with no fall protection measures in place. Whilst this practice was considered normal, even as a child it troubled me. My fears proved to be well founded as I went on to witness one worker fall, leaving him paralysed which created enduring hardship for his family. This early exposure to unsafe practices and their potential consequences, instilled in me a deep commitment to safety. At that moment I resolved to dedicate myself to safeguarding lives and creating a safer future.

You chose to complete the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) early in your career. Why did you pick this qualification and how did it help you?
I chose the IGC because I recognised it as a globally respected qualification that provides a comprehensive health and safety foundation. I was eager to build a solid understanding of risk management and workplace safety, and the IGC offered a structured, rigorous approach for me to achieve this. It gave me the technical knowledge and practical skills to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures effectively. I also felt it would increase my confidence and credibility to communicate safety practices to stakeholders at all levels. Ultimately, it was a key stepping stone that helped me establish myself as a competent HSE professional and was key to me building what has been a fulfilling and impactful career in occupational safety.

In 2012 you completed the NEBOSH International Diploma:

• Why did you choose this qualification? After securing my IGC qualification and working for a couple of years managing health and safety in projects in the UAE, I felt ready for a new challenge. I chose the NEBOSH International Diploma because it is highly regarded in the industry, is known for its in-depth curriculum and is recognised internationally. I felt it offered a way for me to gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills that would help me address safety challenges in a range of work environments.

• How has it helped you? The Diploma's rigorous standards pushed me to hone my analytical and problem-solving skills and gave me the knowledge and confidence to handle complex HSE issues across diverse industries. My Diploma studies have been instrumental in shaping my professional approach, enabling me to assess risks with precision and confidence so that informed, evidence-based decisions can be made. This qualification has deepened my understanding of root cause analysis, cultivated my methodical approach to problem-solving and given me the skills to evaluate and implement controls. Ultimately, this qualification laid the groundwork for my journey towards becoming a Chartered Fellow of IOSH and has been pivotal in my success and credibility as an HSE professional.

After gaining 11 years practical health and safety experience, you moved into training and consultancy. Since then, you have helped learners to build their health and safety skills and knowledge and join our profession. What do you love most about teaching?
Having devoted 11 years to hands-on health and safety practice, I found a deeper calling and moved into training and consultancy. Since shifting my focus, I have been privileged to assist, guide and inspire thousands of aspiring professionals to build their skills and knowledge and find their place in this essential field. What I cherish most about teaching, is that it far more than instructing. It's about instilling a mindset that fosters a lasting attitude change which upholds safety as a core value. I love to nurture learners so that they grow into capable and conscientious practitioners. It’s a role where I serve not only as an educator but as a guide who they can rely on whenever they face challenges. This responsibility to inspire and support is what drives my commitment to the profession and to those stepping into it.

When did you become interested in teaching and mentoring?
In the early stages of my career, I reprimanded a worker for a deliberate unsafe act and the response I got was marked with obstinance. I decided to speak with the individual privately to understand why they responded as they did, and he confided in me that he was experiencing personal turmoil due to a recent family bereavement. Recognising that this grief was the root of his defiance, after a warm and understanding hug, I listened, counselled and supported him. By the end of our discussions, he was more hopeful and remarkably his outlook towards safety was transformed. The next day I noticed a dramatic shift in his behaviour. He listened intently to safety briefings and began meticulously adhering to safety protocols. I saw potential in him because of this lasting change in his attitude and behaviour. He was working as a labourer at the time but was keen to learn. I began to guide him in health and safety principles during our free time, which ignited his passion. Encouraged by his progress, I supported him in enrolling on a safety course which he pursued with diligence. He passed the course and before I left the organisation, I had the privilege of promoting him to a junior HSE inspector position. We have maintained contact over the years, and today, he serves as an HSE Manager for a multinational corporation, leading a fulfilling and accomplished life.

I suppose this is when I first experienced the sense of fulfilment that comes from coaching and mentoring others. When I reflect on the experience, I wonder what the outcome would have been had I responded differently to his defiance. Our journey together shows that mentoring and guiding is so much more than mere knowledge transfer. It requires you to inspire and motivate so that an enduring change in attitude to safety is instilled. It requires you to support the individual as they grow into capable, conscientious professionals and compassionate human beings. This is when my passion for teaching and mentoring truly began.

How do you keep up to date with the latest developments in health and safety?
I use a variety of methods to ensure I am aware of the latest developments in the field. I attend seminars, webinars, workshops and conferences which provide opportunities to find out about the latest research and best practices and network with peers. I also subscribe to leading health and safety publications, which have content on emerging trends, legislation and best practice. I also actively participate in online forums and professional social media groups where HSE professionals share experiences and strategies. Furthermore, I undertake relevant CPD courses, ensuring that my knowledge and skills are aligned with current industry standards and practices. Finally, I maintain a proactive approach by liaising with regulatory agencies to stay informed on legislative updates and compliance requirements.

Your health and safety career spans over 20 years. When you think of all the practitioners you have met in that time, are there any attributes that you think are essential to be a good health and safety professional?
In my health and safety career, I have encountered a multitude of practitioners with unique perspectives and experience. However, certain attributes consistently emerge as essential for excelling in this field.

I learnt a great deal about how HSE Practitioners should engage with workers and senior managers from one of my first managers, Karl Fenwick. He showed that health and safety is not merely a policing function; but is about influencing organisational culture and effective communication skills are key to achieving this. The capacity to articulate complex safety protocols in a clear and understandable manner is essential for cultivating a safety-oriented culture within organisations. This, in turn, fosters open dialogue, enabling concerns to be addressed promptly by all stakeholders.

Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are essential as health and safety professionals must navigate intricate scenarios and devise practical solutions to mitigate risks.

The importance of leadership qualities cannot be overstated. A successful health and safety practitioner must inspire and motivate for a proactive approach to safety to be adopted throughout an organisation. They must also be willing to take responsibility during failures and share the credit when there is success.

Additionally, a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation is essential in this discipline, as when a new incident happens, a new best practice is born. A proficient professional must stay updated and learn throughout their career.

Lastly, and most importantly, empathy and emotional intelligence are vital. Understanding the perspectives and concerns of employees will help you deliver your message in a way that resonates, promoting compliance and fostering trust. A good practitioner recognises that health and safety is not merely a regulatory obligation but also a moral imperative. The importance of having empathy and the ability to adapt according to your audience is something I encourage my students to develop.

What do you enjoy most about working in health and safety?
What I find most gratifying about working in health and safety is the profound impact we have on preserving lives and fostering a culture of wellbeing within organisations. The opportunity to educate and empower individuals to recognise and mitigate risks is deeply fulfilling.

I like that there is always something new to learn in this profession. Engaging with emerging patterns and trends, as well as innovative methodologies means I can keep learning, and it satisfies my sense of curiosity. And it’s this curiosity to know beyond what I see that keeps me moving forwards.

What would your advice be to anyone considering making health and safety their career?
To be successful you need to have a mix of technical expertise and a passion for the preservation of life. In our roles we need to be able to influence and encourage workers to adopt safe practices and attitudes. Our focus for keeping people safe and health is similar to that of a physician, but we try to prevent ill health and injuries from happening in the first place. No work is so important, that we don’t put the time and effort in to ensure it is done safely.

This profession requires an unwavering commitment to continuous learning, the ability to adapt as no two days are the same and a proactive disposition.
If you let safety become an integral part of your existence, walk the talk, inspire and influence, motivate and guide, you have all the ingredients for a successful and fulfilling career. I believe, to a certain extent, a student who respects and admires a teacher will like his subject too!!