Case Studies

• When did you decide you wanted to work in health and safety, and how did you know it was the right career?

At 18, I had a career crisis when I realised that my original plan of working with horses would leave me with limited options for progression and little financial reward. 

My dad works in construction, which inspired me to consider Health and Safety as a career. That week, I booked onto the NEBOSH National General Certificate and have not looked back since!  

I look forward to going to my job every day, and I have a keen interest in health and safety outside of work; I have a genuine passion for it. My partner is involved in health and safety as well, so a lot of our dinner table conversations are centred around the latest prosecutions from the HSE, articles, recent findings, and how to approach different situations.

 

• Please tell us why you chose your NEBOSH qualification and how taking it has helped you.

After leaving school, I did not go down the traditional university route. I decided I wanted to build a career in health and safety, and I completed both the NEBOSH National General Certificate and Certificate in Fire Safety. As I was keen to progress further in my career, I researched the NEBOSH Diploma course content and read about other learners' positive experiences, so it felt like the next natural step for me to take.

The NEBOSH International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals has been invaluable to my work so far. Even after completing the qualification, the books are the first thing I will reach for when I want clarification on a topic or process.

 

• As someone who has studied NEBOSH qualifications at both Certificate and Diploma levels, please tell us how you found the transition to Diploma-level study.

The Diploma was a step up in the level of detail required to gain marks, but in all honesty, due to the industry experience I have gained since taking my certificate level qualifications, I think it was easier for me.

When I completed the NEBOSH National General Certificate, I was 18 with zero industry experience, compared to now being 24 and having worked in a few different industries. This really helped me when developing my answers for the Diploma assessments, as I was able to use real-life examples throughout.

 

• What achievement are you most proud of?

It would be the NEBOSH Diploma. I had an intense year, fitting in studying, exams, and full-time work, but it's been so worth it in the end. I have genuinely learnt so much throughout the course that I can apply to situations I come across on a day-to-day basis.

 

 

 

• Since completing the NEBOSH Diploma with NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner Phoenix Health and Safety, what benefits have been for you and your organisation?

The NEBOSH Diploma was the next natural step in my career progression. It has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of health and safety in the workplace and how to apply theory to real-life situations.

I now have more confidence when talking in different situations, and it has also given me self-awareness so that I know when to ask for advice.

 

• Please, can you tell us about your ambitions for the future?

In the future, I would love to work my way up to senior management level. I have been very lucky that the managers I've had so far have been very supportive and encouraging regarding my career goals and have a wealth of knowledge I can learn from.

I completed my NEBOSH Health and Safety for Construction (UK) certificate in December. My next plan is to start the NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate. I also aim to start the process of obtaining my IOSH chartership soon.

 

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

I love the variety within the job; no two days are the same. I love nothing more than speaking to staff in the different departments about the various processes, machinery, and equipment that they use to learn what they do, gain a more comprehensive understanding of how the processes work, and also highlight what they're doing well within their teams.

I'm genuinely interested in the career path I've chosen. Most of my reading material is centred around health and safety, with my current read being 'Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen' by Peter Apps.

 

• And finally, what would your advice be to anyone who aspires to make health and safety their career?

If you want to make any sort of impact in your role, you need to speak to people doing the job and gain hands-on experience. There's only so much you can learn in front of a computer screen, and to gain experience and understanding, you need to be involved with the staff and listen to them.

There's a saying, "Let painters paint; let teachers teach." The staff themselves are the experts in their jobs. We're only getting a snapshot of their daily tasks, and it's a lot easier to get the employee's support when they can see for themselves that you're there to help them. 

Taking an authoritarian approach will not gain employees' trust or make things easier for you or them; communication is one of the most important parts of the job.

If you're constantly learning and improving in health and safety, with the variety of industries to choose from, you'll always find employment.

I know, for me, it's been one of the best decisions I've made. 

 

 Fianna has completed: