Case Studies

When did you know that you wanted to make health and safety your career and how did you make it a reality?
I decided to pursue a career in health and safety after completing my engineering studies. I was looking for a specialisation that would allow me to contribute positively to both people and organisations, and health and safety offered a meaningful way to achieve that. At around the same time, I secured a role on the Qatar Metro Project. Working in such a large, high risk construction environment confirmed that health and safety was the right career path for me as it would give me the sense of purpose I was looking for. From that point on, I committed myself to developing across all aspects of the HSE field through continuous learning and hands on experience.

In 2015, you took your first NEBOSH qualification, the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health, with NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner, Ensign Safety Academy. Why did you take it and how did it help you?
I took the NEBOSH International General Certificate to gain a solid foundation in occupational health and safety and to support my transition from an engineering role into a more people focused position. The qualification helped me develop a strong understanding of risk assessment and hazard control and gave me the confidence and credibility to apply safety principles in real work environments. It also played a key role in opening opportunities on major projects and shaping my long term career in health and safety.

Did holding the NEBOSH International General Certificate help you secure work as a health and safety professional in the Middle East?
Definitely. NEBOSH is a fundamental requirement for most HSE positions in the region and is widely recognised and respected by employers, clients, and regulatory authorities. Achieving this qualification meant I met the eligibility criteria for many roles and helped me demonstrate my technical knowledge and commitment to the profession. This combination made my transition to working in the Middle East both possible and successful.

You went on to pass the NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management in 2019:

• Why did you choose this qualification in particular? I wanted to strengthen the technical knowledge needed to work effectively in high hazard process industries. The course went beyond general safety principles and covered key process safety concepts such as asset integrity, hazard analysis, and the control of major accident hazards.
• How has having this qualification helped you? The qualification has helped me develop a deeper understanding of major accident risks, safe systems of work, and the importance of asset integrity. This knowledge is especially valuable in my current role at AtkinsRéalis, where I support a large facility operations and maintenance environment. It enables me to identify high risk activities, review control measures, and contribute to safer day to day operations across complex facilities.

In 2022, you completed your NEBOSH International Diploma, studying with Ensign Safety Academy for the third time. Can you tell us:

• Why you took this Diploma-level qualification? As I progressed in my HSE career, I aspired to move beyond operational safety into more strategic and managerial responsibilities. The NEBOSH International Diploma is a globally respected qualification that supports this transition, providing in depth knowledge of health and safety management systems, leadership, and organisational risk management. It was a natural next step as I aimed to grow into senior and management level HSE roles.
• How achieving this qualification will benefit you? Achieving the Diploma has strengthened my ability to contribute at a higher level, particularly when engaging with senior management and leadership teams. It enables me to support informed decision making, influence safety culture, and align HSE strategies with business objectives. The qualification has significantly enhanced my professional credibility, confidence, and readiness for leadership roles.

In one sentence, what was the best thing you learned through your NEBOSH studies?
The most valuable lesson I learned is that effective health and safety is not just about rules and compliance, but about understanding risk, influencing people, and embedding safety into everyday business decisions.

You are now based in Saudi Arabia and work for AtkinsRéalis. Can you tell us about the company and its health and safety ethos?
AtkinsRéalis is a global professional services and project management company delivering complex engineering, infrastructure, and facilities management solutions worldwide. The organisation is guided by strong core values, with safety as its first and most important priority. Health and safety are embedded into leadership, planning, and day to day operations, demonstrating a clear commitment to protecting people, managing risk, and continuously improving safety performance.

As a QHSE Coordinator, what are your key responsibilities?
My key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the implementation of the organisation’s QHSE management system
• Ensuring compliance with legal and company requirements
•  Promoting a strong safety culture across operations
• Contractor management

We currently have around 20 contractors working under our scope. To ensure consistent HSE compliance across all activities, we must provide clear guidance, conduct inspections and audits, and review risk assessments and method statements.

What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?
I value being able to make a real difference by ensuring people go home safe every day. I find real satisfaction in identifying risks, improving safety practices, and positively influencing safety culture through engagement and guidance.

What advice would you give someone who wants to build a career in the health and safety profession?
I would advise them to build a strong foundation in health and safety knowledge, gain practical site experience, and never stop learning. Stay curious, communicate clearly with people at all levels, and focus on influencing behaviour and safety culture—not just achieving compliance. Consistency, integrity, and a genuine passion for protecting people are key to long term success in this profession.