Case Studies

Mohamed, I understand you are a doctor and work as a Medical Officer. Can you tell us about your role please?

Yes, I am a qualified medical doctor with extensive experience in clinical and emergency medicine. I currently serve as a Medical Officer in remote and conflict-affected areas for an international humanitarian organisation.

In my role, I provide direct medical care and occupational health services to staff operating in challenging and often hazardous environments, safeguarding their health, safety, and wellbeing.

My responsibilities include conducting medical consultations, managing emergencies, coordinating evacuations, implementing preventive health measures, and developing policies that address the unique risks of remote deployments.

I also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to respond to humanitarian crises, oversee mass-casualty preparedness, and ensure continuity of care in resource-limited settings.

Beyond clinical duties, I focus on strengthening healthcare systems within the mission. I deliver training that fosters a culture of awareness of health and safety, enabling our teams to continue their vital work effectively and sustainably in difficult operational contexts.

 

What do you about your work?

What I enjoy most is knowing that my work directly protects health and saves lives in challenging environments. I value the variety my work offers as it allows me to combine clinical care, emergency response, and preventive healthcare. I care deeply about the wellbeing of our staff in the workplace. I also enjoy the strong teamwork and trust that has been built with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Our shared sense of purpose is what inspires me every day.

In 2023 you completed the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health. Can you share:

• If you enjoyed your studies and found the content useful?

Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed studying for the NEBOSH International General Certificate and found the content highly relevant to my work. It deepened my understanding of workplace safety, risk assessment, and hazard prevention. The knowledge I gained has enabled me to implement more effective health and safety measures in remote and high-risk environments, ensuring better protection for staff.

• How taking the qualification has helped you?

Taking this NEBOSH qualification strengthened my ability to make informed safety decisions, boosted my confidence in advising management, and enhanced my credibility as an occupational health and safety professional.

In 2024, you took your NEBOSH studies one step further and completed the International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals with NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner Hybrid HSE. Can you tell us:

• If you enjoyed your studies and found the content useful?

Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed studying for my NEBOSH Diploma and found the content highly practical. It significantly deepened my expertise in health and safety management, enabling me to implement advanced risk control strategies and compliance frameworks across remote and high-risk environments. This has further strengthened staff protection and enhanced organisational resilience.

• How taking the qualification has helped you?

I wanted to complement my clinical expertise with strong occupational health and safety management skills. Achieving my NEBOSH goals has enabled me to combine medical knowledge with preventive safety strategies, which has enhanced my approach to workplace wellbeing.

In one sentence, please could you tell us: What was the best thing you learned through your NEBOSH studies?
How to proactively identify and control workplace hazards using a systematic, evidence-based approach that keeps people safe and ensures organisational compliance.

Given your medical background, why did you choose to pursue NEBOSH qualifications?
Achieving my NEBOSH qualifications has enabled me to adopt a more holistic approach to workplace health, safety and wellbeing.

I understand that safety and health are inseparable. Early identification of health risks, promotion of preventive measures, and fostering a culture of health awareness are just as critical as physical safety measures.

By gaining health and safety knowledge, I feel I am better able to keep our workforce healthy and well.

Given your medical background and experience, do you have any advice for H&S professionals on the health aspects of their role?
My advice is to recognise that health and safety are interconnected and of equal importance. As well as championing safety considerations, you should also aim to identify health risks early and prioritise prevention, including through education and awareness. Everyone working in health and safety and occupational health should be striving to create a culture where health, safety and wellbeing considerations are embedded in daily operations as that will help to protect our people.

By working closely with medical professionals, health and safety teams can identify and implement more effective and holistic solutions to workplace challenges – bringing significant benefits to the organisations and workforces they support.