Case Studies

Ahmed what inspired your move into the health and safety profession?
After earning my degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Karary University in Sudan in 2015, I relocated to Saudi Arabia in 2016 to pursue career opportunities.

The first role I secured was as a warehouse worker—an area completely unrelated to my academic background. In this role, I quickly developed a strong interest in workplace safety, especially around PPE compliance and hazard awareness. This caught the attention of the company’s Safety Manager, who encouraged me to consider a future in the HSE field.

At the time, I had no formal qualifications or experience in occupational health and safety, but his encouragement stayed with me. I had enjoyed a safety module during my degree and when I combined this with the insights I was gaining at work, I decided to explore the path seriously. That same year, I enrolled in an OSHA General Industry course—marking the beginning of my journey into health and safety and a major shift in my career direction.

How did your safety career progress after that?
With my first certification in hand, I was promoted to Assistant Safety Officer. My development continued as I gained experience in the role of Safety Officer, and later advanced to Safety Supervisor on the King Abdulaziz BRT & Bus Stations Project. This large-scale initiative exposed me to significant construction safety challenges and helped sharpen my practical skills.

In 2022, I joined another construction company and worked on the NEOM Royal Hospital Project—one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent medical infrastructure developments. This project allowed me to apply international safety standards in a fast-paced, high-risk environment.

In 2023, I contributed to the Green Riyadh Program by managing safety operations in residential districts such as Al-Nakheel and Al-Ghadeer.

In October 2024 I joined my current employer, Al Rashid Trading and Contracting Company (RTCC), as an EHS Manager.

Can you tell us about RTCC and the organisation’s safety ethos?
RTCC was established in 1957 to support the development of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure by creating high-quality communities. Over the decades, the organisation has continued to grow and is known for successfully delivering major contracts in real estate, rail and road construction, oil and gas, and water supply for prestigious clients.

RTCC aspires to be recognised as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading providers of quality construction. Its core values—Quality, Safety, Respect, and Excellence—guide every aspect of the company’s work.

What does you role as a Safety Manager at RTCC entail?
I currently lead HSE implementation for the Green Riyadh TSE Network - Group 12A. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing, implementing, and monitoring the project HSE Management System in alignment with client and legal requirements.
• Leading risk assessments, safety inspections, and audits to proactively identify and address potential hazards.
• Collaborating with Project Managers, Construction Managers, Engineers, and Subcontractors to ensure all work activities are conducted safely and in compliance with safety standards.
• Working with the civil team to ensure my team are aligned and supportive of upcoming site activities, safety requirements, and risk control measures.
• Delivering site-specific safety inductions and conducting toolbox talks to promote a strong safety culture across all teams.
• Investigating incidents and near misses, preparing detailed reports, and recommending corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensuring that the emergency response procedures are understood, conducting regular drills to check they are effective.
• Creating safety documentation, including permits to work (PTW), method statements, and HSE statistics and reports.
• Supervising a team of HSE professionals ensuring they are well-supported in monitoring daily operations.
• Holding regular coordination meetings with the safety team to review ongoing issues, performance, and improvement actions.

You completed the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety 2021 with NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner, Brainingsafe Training And Consulting Private Limited. Can you tell us:

Why did you choose this qualification?
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is one of the most highly respected OSH qualifications in the Middle East. Colleagues and mentors consistently recommended it as a gateway to professional recognition. I chose it to:

• Build a solid foundation in risk management and hazard control.
• Understand international legal frameworks and safety management systems.
• Strengthen my technical knowledge and credibility in the field.

How did you find the NEBOSH International General Certificate?
It was a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience. I studied during evenings, weekends, and in my breaks at work. The course content was practical, well-structured, and directly applicable to my daily responsibilities on site.

The qualification gave me more than just theoretical knowledge—it transformed how I approach safety. I became more proactive, my risk assessments were more structured, and I was more confident when communicating safety requirements to diverse stakeholders, from frontline workers to senior engineers.

How has achieving this qualification helped you professionally?
It opened doors to leadership roles and earned me respect within multidisciplinary project teams. It helped me:

• Lead high-risk operations, including excavation, confined space entry, lifting operations, and traffic management.
• Communicate effectively with consultants, engineers, and contractors
• Strengthen the safety culture within my organisation.
• Align site operations with both local regulations and international best practice.
• Advance my career to a managerial level on government-backed infrastructure projects.

What’s next for you in your HSE development?
My passion for continuous improvement led me to enrol in the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals. This advanced programme is helping me deepen my understanding of strategic health and safety management. The syllabus content will help to strengthen my leadership capabilities, equip me to manage complex risks, and align operational practices with international standards. I am enjoying my studies so far and have completed the courses for Units DI2 and DI3. I am due to complete the assessment for Unit DI3 later this month. I view the Diploma as a pivotal step towards becoming a HSE leader—one who can drive transformational safety culture across major projects.

What advice would you give others entering the safety profession?

• Start from where you are. There are opportunities to learn about health and safety in any job—because safety should be everyone’s responsibility. I started out in a warehouse, and today I lead HSE operations on a multi-million-dollar government project.
• Get certified. The NEBOSH IGC isn’t just a course; it’s the foundation for building your future in safety.
• Be consistent and ethical. Workers rely on safety professionals not only to create the rules that protect them—but also for trustworthy guidance and unwavering integrity.
• Keep learning. Safety is a constantly evolving field. To stay relevant and effective, you must evolve with it.
• Remember your purpose. Every safe day on site represents a life potentially saved. That’s the real reward.