Case Studies

Did you always know you wanted to build your career in this profession, and how did you make it a reality?

Not at first, but I soon realised that my real passion lay in helping keep people safe and well at work. I focused on gaining knowledge and experience, but it quickly became clear that to secure roles where I could genuinely make a difference, I needed a formal qualification that would give me a strong technical foundation to build my career on.

My progression in the profession has been driven by my commitment to continuous learning, gaining hands-on experience in high-risk industries, and always seeking to understand the reason behind the rules, not just the rules themselves.

You passed your first NEBOSH qualification, the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, in 2015.

• Why did you choose it? I chose the NEBOSH International General Certificate because it is widely regarded as the gold standard for foundational health and safety knowledge. I needed a qualification that was globally recognised and respected, particularly as I was aiming to work in a dynamic, international environment such as Saudi Arabia. It provided a comprehensive, practical insight into risk management and proved to be the ideal springboard for my career.

• How did achieving this qualification help your career? Achieving the NEBOSH International General Certificate was genuinely transformative for me. It gave me the technical credibility and confidence to move from a supervisory role into a dedicated health and safety position. It also provided a common language and framework that helped me communicate effectively with colleagues and management. This achievement showed I had a structured and professional approach to managing workplace risks, which opened the door to new opportunities. It laid the foundation for all the career progression that followed.

 

In 2022 you completed the NEBOSH International Diploma. Can you tell us why you chose this qualification and what benefits you gained from this success?

After several years of practical experience, I felt it was the right time to deepen my knowledge and strengthen my strategic thinking. I chose to enrol in the NEBOSH International Diploma because it was the natural next step having previously completed the NEBOSH International General Certificate. It is designed for those aiming to become true leaders in the field and the benefits I have gained from achieving this qualification have been immense. It gave me a holistic understanding of health and safety management systems and enabled me to move from being a practitioner to a strategic leader, capable of developing, implementing and auditing robust safety frameworks across a complex organisation like ADES.

What was the best thing you have learned through your NEBOSH studies?

The most valuable lesson has been that effective health and safety is not just about compliance, but about fostering a proactive culture where safety becomes an integral part of how an organisation thinks and operates, not simply something it has to do.

You have worked for ADES in Saudi Arabia since 2019. Can you tell us about the company and its health and safety ethos?

ADES is a world‑leading provider of offshore and onshore drilling services. Our work takes place in complex, high‑risk environments, which makes our health and safety ethos absolutely fundamental to our business. Our approach is built on the principle that safety is our true North. It is a genuine commitment from senior leadership to empower every employee, from the workshop to the boardroom, to take ownership of safety. We believe that every incident is preventable and that a safe workforce is the foundation of operational excellence.

In September 2025, you were appointed OCC Lead. Please can you tell us about your role and responsibilities?

As OCC (Operations Command Center) Lead, I oversee and lead the day-to-day activities of our centralised operations command function under the leadership of my direct manager who is the ADES HSE Operation Director.  My role is to ensure the highest standards of operational safety, reliability, and efficiency across our diverse portfolio of operations and facilities.

Key responsibilities include implementing safety protocols for the OCC, contributing to emergency response planning and coordination, using data analytics to identify trends and prevent incidents, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in safety performance across all operational teams.

Despite this busy role, you make time to share your health and safety knowledge by training others. What do you love most about teaching and mentoring?

What I find most rewarding is witnessing that “lightbulb moment” when someone I mentor moves beyond simply following procedures to truly understanding their purpose and importance. I strongly believe that sharing knowledge is fundamental to building a resilient safety culture. By investing time in training and mentoring, I am not just transferring skills, but empowering others to take ownership and become safety leaders in their own right. It is especially fulfilling to see colleagues develop a genuine passion for safety and positively influence those around them.

With your extensive experience in health and safety, what qualities do you believe define a successful health and safety professional?

Firstly, technical competence is non-negotiable. Secondly, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are essential for influencing and engaging people at all levels, from the shop floor to the C‑suite. Thirdly, health and safety professionals must be proactive problem-solvers who can think strategically and see the bigger picture. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, integrity and resilience are vital. As health and safety professionals, we must have the courage to speak up and challenge unsafe practices, and to always stay true to our principles even when under pressure.

So, for me, a successful health and safety professional is a blend of technical expert, empathetic communicator, and strategic thinker, underpinned by the integrity and resilience needed to always do what is right.

What do you like most about being a health and safety professional?

The most enjoyable part of my job is knowing that my work has a direct and positive impact on people’s lives. There is real satisfaction in helping to ensure that every worker returns home safely to their family at the end of the day. I also thrive on the dynamic nature of the field. It is constantly evolving with new technologies, regulations and emerging challenges, which means I am always learning and growing as a professional. It is a career that is both challenging and deeply fulfilling.

How do you see the future of the profession and how are you preparing for it?

I believe the future of health and safety will be driven by technology, data, and a greater focus on mental health and wellbeing. At ADES, we are preparing for this by investing in digital tools for real-time hazard monitoring, leveraging data analytics to move from reactive to predictive safety management. The goal is to create an environment where technology enhances human capability and where every individual feels supported, both physically and mentally, to perform their job safely and effectively.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to build their career in health and safety?

My advice would be threefold:

• Build a strong foundation – this can be achieved by completing a recognised qualification like the NEBOSH International General Certificate.
• Seek practical experience in diverse environments - don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and understand the operational realities of the business you are in.
• Cultivate your soft skills - Learn how to listen, communicate effectively, and influence people. Technical knowledge will get you in the door, but your ability to build relationships and lead change will determine how far you go.