Case Studies

When did you decide you wanted to work in health and safety, and how did you know it was the right career for you?
Health and safety was not my original career aspiration. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, a profession I deeply admire for its role in saving lives and serving humanity. I worked tirelessly towards that goal, but despite my best efforts, I narrowly missed the medical school entry cut-off under Sri Lanka’s education system. It was a difficult moment, this experience reinforced my determination to pursue a career centred on prevention, protection, and public wellbeing. but I remained committed to academic excellence and went on to complete an honours degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Polymer Science and Technology. After graduating I looked for my next opportunity and in 2007, I was offered a role as an Environmental Engineer for an organisation based in Dubai. That opportunity marked the beginning of my journey into the world of health and safety. My role involved visiting construction sites, conducting QHSE inspections and audits, delivering worker awareness programs, leading ESG campaigns and developing QHSE policies and procedures. Over time, I realised that through proper instruction, both verbal and documented, I was contributing to saving lives, fulfilling my childhood dream, even if the path was different.

After completing your NEBOSH International General Certificate, you immediately enrolled on the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Professionals with NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner SHEilds. You were the 2025 best candidate for this qualification which is an amazing achievement! Please tell us why you chose your NEBOSH qualifications and how taking them has helped you.
I chose NEBOSH qualifications because of their global reputation for excellence. As someone committed to building a meaningful career, I saw NEBOSH as more than certifications — it was a gateway to technical mastery, professional credibility and personal growth.

NEBOSH is known for delivering in depth, practical training that goes beyond theory and aligns with international standards. When I selected the Diploma, I wanted a qualification that would challenge me intellectually and prepare me to handle real world safety scenarios with competence and professionalism — and that is exactly what it delivered.

Taking the NEBOSH Diploma was a transformative experience which has broadened my understanding of workplace hazards, risk assessment, incident investigation and legal compliance. More importantly, it helped me develop a proactive mindset, one that prioritises prevention, continuous improvement and building a strong safety culture. These insights have already begun to influence how I approach tasks and interact with colleagues, making me a more effective and responsible team member.

From a career perspective, NEBOSH opens doors to new opportunities and progression. Employers recognise the qualification as a mark of excellence, which can set you apart in a competitive job market. Whether it’s applying for a new role, taking on more responsibility or contributing to strategic safety initiatives, NEBOSH has given me the tools and confidence to grow professionally.

How did you find your NEBOSH studies?
I still vividly remember the day I began my NEBOSH journey. At the time, I was working in Abu Dhabi while commuting daily from Dubai — a demanding 300 km round trip. Balancing work, travel and family responsibilities left me with very limited time to study. It was an exhausting routine, and there were moments when concentrating after a long day felt nearly impossible. However, I remained determined to achieve my goal.

One of the most challenging moments occurred during my third written paper, when my son was admitted to hospital for immediate surgery on the day the paper was released. Despite the emotional and logistical pressure of that situation, I completed the paper while caring for him in hospital. This experience tested my resilience and ability to remain focused under extreme pressure.
Throughout my studies I had to learn to manage competing priorities and maintain focus under pressure, both essential skills in our profession. The experience reinforced the importance of perseverance and discipline. NEBOSH taught me how to stay consistent and committed, even in challenging circumstances.

What was the best thing you learned through your NEBOSH studies?
The most valuable lesson I learnt was the significance of proactive risk management. My NEBOSH studies have:

• given me the skills to identify potential hazards before they escalate into incidents
• emphasised the importance of cultivating a strong safety culture through leadership and engagement.
• further deepened my dedication to protecting people and the environment by highlighting the legal frameworks and ethical responsibilities associated with health and safety.

NEBOSH not only enhanced my professional capabilities but also shaped my character, which taught me to stay focused, determined, and committed to excellence.

Since August 2024 you have worked for Emirates Transport UAE as a QHSE Specialist and Document Controller Specialist. Can you tell us about your role?
Although I have been with the organisation for just over a year, my experience has been both enriching and impactful. In my dual role, I am responsible for a wide range of functions that support the company’s commitment to operational excellence and workplace safety.

My core responsibilities include:

• Documentation Management System: I oversee the development, organisation and maintenance of the QHSE documentation system, including policies, procedures, inspection records, audit reports and compliance documents. Ensuring accuracy, accessibility and version control is critical to maintaining regulatory standards and internal efficiency.
• QHSE Database Management: I manage and analyse QHSE related data to identify trends, track performance indicators and support continuous improvement initiatives. This data driven approach enables informed decision making and proactive risk management.
• Awareness and Toolbox Talks (TBTs): One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is conducting awareness sessions and delivering Toolbox Talks that educate and engage employees. These sessions cover specific safety topics, promote best practices and reinforce a strong safety culture across all departments.
• Supporting Co Workers: I take great pride in being a resource for my colleagues. Whether guiding them through QHSE procedures, assisting with documentation or helping them understand compliance requirements, I value the opportunity to make a tangible difference. By supporting them in navigating QHSE matters, I contribute to a safer, more organised and better informed workplace.

Every day, I get to blend technical expertise with human connection — whether through data management or face to face engagement during awareness sessions. That balance is what makes my job truly meaningful.

Please can you tell us about your ambitions for the future?
My long term ambition is to become a leading figure in the field of Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) in the Middle East and beyond. I envision a career where I not only uphold the highest standards of safety and quality but also actively shape the future of the industry through leadership, innovation and collaboration.
The turning point in my professional journey was completing my NEBOSH qualifications, which introduced me to the vast and rewarding world of HSE and laid the foundation for my growth. Since then, I have earned prestigious memberships with several international professional bodies, including IOSH, BCSP and IIRSM, which further validate my expertise and have connected me with a global network of safety professionals.

To further strengthen my leadership capabilities and strategic vision, I have successfully completed an MBA in Health and Safety Leadership. This programme equipped me with advanced competencies in organisational leadership, change management, and strategic decision-making critical skills for driving effective and sustainable safety initiatives at senior management and organisational levels.

In addition, I am currently pursuing an MSc in Environmental, Health and Safety, which is further enhancing my technical knowledge and evidence-based approach to managing complex health, safety, and environmental risks. This combination of strategic leadership development and advanced academic study enables me to contribute more effectively to organisational safety culture, governance, and continual improvement.

What achievement are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my journey from one of the first environmental engineers at a major company to becoming a trusted QHSE specialist. This transformation has been more than career progression — it has been a journey of learning, meaningful impact and ultimately leadership.

When I joined my previous employer in 2007, I stepped into largely uncharted territory. As one of the company’s first environmental engineers, I was tasked with laying the groundwork for environmental practices across a wide range of construction sites. There were no established systems, no templates to follow — just a vision and a responsibility to protect people and the environment. I took that challenge head on. I developed policies and procedures from scratch, conducted site inspections and audits, and led awareness campaigns to educate workers on safety and environmental protocols. I also played a key role in launching ESG initiatives and building a documentation management system that supported compliance and continuous improvement.

Over time, my scope expanded beyond environmental concerns to include occupational health, safety and quality management. I mentored junior staff, collaborated with cross functional teams and became a go to resource for QHSE matters within the organisation. My work helped shape a safety first culture where employees felt informed, empowered and protected. What makes this achievement so meaningful is the tangible impact it has had. Seeing incident rates drop, watching teams adopt safer practices and knowing that my contributions helped to prevent harm still gives me a profound sense of fulfilment. It’s not just about the systems I built or the policies I wrote — it’s about the lives I’ve helped safeguard and the culture I helped cultivate.

What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?
The opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Every day, I get to contribute to creating safer, healthier workplaces where individuals feel protected and valued. I find deep satisfaction in identifying risks, solving problems and implementing practical solutions that prevent harm. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about fostering a culture of care and responsibility. I also appreciate the collaborative nature of the role, working with diverse teams and learning from different perspectives. The constant evolution of the profession keeps me engaged and motivated to grow. Ultimately, knowing that my work helps people return home safely is what makes this profession so meaningful to me.

What would your advice be to anyone who aspires to make health and safety their career?
Approach the field with genuine care for people and a commitment to continuous learning. This profession isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about understanding human behaviour, anticipating risks and creating environments where safety becomes second nature.
Be curious, ask questions and never stop seeking better ways to protect others. Develop strong communication skills, because influencing culture and behaviour is just as important as knowing the regulations. Finally, be resilient. You’ll face challenges, resistance and complex situations, but your impact will be real and lasting. If you’re driven by purpose and prepared to grow, health and safety can be one of the most rewarding careers out there.