Case Studies

I understand that you chose to study health and safety at university. Has this always been your preferred career path?
I have always been passionate about health and safety. From a young age, I was aware of the importance of creating safe environments, whether it was at home, school, or later in the workplace. This awareness grew to become a clear career goal, so choosing to study health and safety at university felt like a natural progression for me.

For many, health and safety is a second career, but you have chosen it as your first. How do you think the profession can encourage more people to follow your lead?
There are many things we as a profession can do to encourage more people to consider it as a first career. Research suggests that a key motivator for young people entering the world of work is finding a role that gives them a sense of purpose and delivers for the greater good. This is exactly what health and safety is all about. We play a vital role in safeguarding lives, promoting well-being and ensuring working conditions are safe. This has a profound positive impact on individuals' lives. We make a difference and that feels good! Sharing that this is what working in health and safety is all about should inspire others to see this field as not only a career choice but a meaningful vocation with a strong moral purpose.

Since you graduated from university, you have worked at Sonatrach. Can you tell us a little about the company?
Sonatrach is the largest oil and gas company in Africa and one of the major players in the global energy sector. It is a key contributor in Algeria’s economy. The company’s operations span the entire hydrocarbon lifecycle, including exploration, production, transportation, and refining. Sonatrach is committed to sustainable development and upholding high standards of health, safety, and environmental protection.

You are a HSE Engineer at Sonatrach. Can you explain your role and responsibilities?
As an HSE Engineer at Sonatrach, my primary responsibilities include ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, conducting risk assessments, and implementing safety programs. I am also involved in incident investigations, training employees on safety procedures, and continuously improving our safety management systems to create a safer working environment for everyone.

You have completed the NEBOSH International General Certificate:

• Why did you choose to take this qualification? - I pursued the NEBOSH International General Certificate as part of Sonatrach's annual training program. This qualification was selected by our company because it offers a thorough foundation in health and safety management. Its global recognition ensures that our safety practices align with international standards, helping to reduce workplace risks and enhance compliance. This training supports our commitment to creating a safer work environment and improving overall safety performance.
• How did you find your studies? - I found my studies to be both challenging and rewarding. The coursework was thorough and covered a wide range of topics that are critical to health and safety. The practical assessments and case studies helped me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, enhancing my understanding and problem-solving abilities
• How has it helped you? - The NEBOSH International General Certificate has helped me to significantly deepen my understanding of health and safety practices. By applying this knowledge in the workplace, I help to improve our safety standards. The qualification has given me a solid grounding in health and safety principles and practices.

Earlier this year, you completed a second NEBOSH qualification, the NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management:

• Why did this qualification appeal to you? - My learning partner, BSS, funded my place on their course to recognise my achievement of being the top scorer in the NEBOSH International General Certificate across BSS Algeria and Tunisia for 2020, 2021, and 2022.This qualification was particularly relevant to me as I am a member of Sonatrach's process safety management system team. It provided me with advanced expertise for managing safety in high-risk industries like oil and gas.
• How did you find the course? - I found the course to be intensive and highly informative. It covered advanced topics in process safety, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and emergency planning. The interactive learning methods and practical examples were particularly beneficial in reinforcing my understanding of the subject matter.
• How did achieving this qualification help you? - Achieving this qualification has provided me with a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of process safety management. This knowledge has enabled me to contribute effectively to the development and deployment of our safety systems, ensuring we build a strong foundation for process safety from the outset.

What are your long-term career aspirations?
I would like to advance to a senior leadership position within the health and safety field. I aim to lead initiatives that drive cultural change and improve safety performance across the organisation. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to the global health and safety community by sharing knowledge and best practices.

What's next for you in terms of your personal development?
As a next step in my personal development, I will pursue further qualifications, such as the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals to deepen my knowledge in the health and safety field. I also plan to continue developing my leadership skills and will ensure I stay up to date on industry advancements by attending industry conferences and workshops.

What do you enjoy most about working in health and safety?
What excites me most about working in health and safety is the feeling of being a guardian of well-being. It's like being on the front line of creating a safer and more secure workplace. I love the challenge of working collaboratively to identify manageable solutions for complex safety issues. I take great satisfaction from seeing a positive change in our work environment. Each day is a chance to make a real difference and be part of a team dedicated to keeping everyone safe.

What would your advice be to anyone who aspires to make health and safety their career?
My advice to anyone aspiring to make health and safety their career is to be passionate and committed, focus on gaining solid foundational knowledge through relevant education and recognised certifications, seek practical experience to apply what you learn, stay informed about industry standards and regulations, and never stop learning!