Case Studies

When did you decide you wanted to work in health and safety and how did you make it a reality?
I developed an interest in health and safety early in my career while working on construction projects in the UAE. I saw first-hand how workplace incidents could affect workers, their families, and business operations. This inspired me to pursue a career in health and safety, where I could help protect people and improve workplace conditions. I turned this ambition into reality by seeking opportunities to learn through practical experience and professional qualifications.

You passed the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety in 2021. Why did you choose it?
I chose the NEBOSH International General Certificate because it is a globally recognised and highly respected qualification within the health and safety profession. I expected that studying this qualification would strengthen my knowledge of risk management and international best practice while supporting my professional development.

How did achieving this qualification help your career?
The qualification enhanced my understanding of occupational health and safety principles and increased my confidence in managing workplace risks. It strengthened my professional credibility and played a key role in my progression into leadership positions within the construction industry.

What has been the best thing you have learned through your NEBOSH studies so far?
Effective risk management forms the foundation for preventing incidents and creating safer workplaces.

You have over 10 years of health and safety experience, which has predominantly been gained in the UAE construction sector. What are the key health and safety issues in this industry?
The construction industry faces a range of significant risks, including work at height, lifting operations, excavation work, vehicle and equipment movement, electrical hazards, and falling objects. In the UAE, heat stress management is also a critical concern, particularly during the summer months. Effective planning, supervision, training, and worker engagement are essential to ensure these risks are managed effectively.

What motivates you to continue developing professionally after more than 10 years in health and safety?
Health and safety is a constantly evolving profession. New technologies, regulations, and workplace challenges mean there is always something new to learn. I am motivated by the opportunity to continually improve my knowledge so I can continue to contribute to safer workplaces and support the development of future health and safety professionals.

In January 2026 you were appointed Corporate HSE Manager by Asqalan Construction and Development LLC. Can you tell us about your role and responsibilities?
Asqalan Construction and Development LLC is a UAE-based construction and contracting company. Safety is a fundamental part of the company’s business philosophy. Building a strong health and safety (HSE) culture is paramount. Incident prevention is the responsibility of every team member, from top management to site workers. By fostering this shared commitment, everyone is empowered to contribute to health and safety.

As Corporate HSE Manager, I oversee health, safety, and environmental performance across the company’s projects and operations. My responsibilities include developing HSE policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with legal and client requirements, conducting audits and inspections, investigating incidents, delivering training programmes, and promoting a positive safety culture throughout the organisation. I work closely with management and project teams to ensure safety remains a core business value.

When you look back on your career to date, what achievement are you most proud of?
The contribution I have made to creating safer workplaces has helped ensure workers return home safely to their families each day. Building strong safety cultures, improving awareness, and achieving measurable improvements in safety performance are accomplishments that give me great professional satisfaction.

What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?
I enjoy the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Health and safety is about protecting people and knowing that my work helps prevent injuries and create safer workplaces is highly rewarding.

How is the role of health and safety evolving based on your experience?
In my opinion health and safety has evolved significantly moving from a compliance-focused function and becoming a more strategic part of business operations. Organisations are increasingly recognising that strong health and safety performance supports productivity, employee wellbeing, sustainability, and overall business success. There is also a growing focus on leadership, behavioural safety, and proactive risk management.

What qualities do you believe a health and safety professional needs to be successful?
A successful health and safety professional needs strong communication skills, leadership capability, technical competence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to protecting people. The ability to influence others positively and build trust with colleagues at all levels of an organisation is equally important.

You have always been passionate about sharing your knowledge with others. Can you tell us about this and the motivation that drives this passion?
I believe that sharing knowledge helps raise standards across the profession and contributes to creating safer workplaces. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed mentoring colleagues, delivering training sessions, and sharing practical health and safety insights. I am motivated by seeing others develop professionally, knowing that this increased awareness can help prevent workplace incidents.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in health and safety today?
Focus on continuous learning, gain practical experience, and develop strong communication skills. Understanding people and workplace behaviours is just as important as understanding regulations and procedures. Stay curious and remember that health and safety is ultimately about protecting people.