Case Studies

Your early career was focused on quality rather than health and safety. When and how did you make the change?

At the beginning of my career, I focused primarily on Quality Management Systems. However, in 2004, my attention shifted towards Health and Safety when I was tasked with implementing ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System). This marked a pivotal moment in my professional journey.

Initially, my role involved integrating quality processes with environmental and safety management systems. This experience deepened my understanding of how operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and workplace safety are interconnected.

As I progressed through the implementation phase, I became increasingly involved in conducting risk assessments, evaluating environmental impacts, and developing safety management procedures. These hands-on experiences highlighted the importance of a proactive safety culture and regulatory compliance in enhancing organisational performance and employee wellbeing.

Over time, I assumed additional responsibilities in relation to occupational health and safety audits, training, and continuous improvement programmes. I found it particularly rewarding to design systems that not only met compliance requirements but also contributed to long-term operational sustainability.

My passion for creating safer, healthier workplaces became the driving force behind my career, ultimately leading me to transition from a quality-focused role to a broader leadership position in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE).

Since then, I have continued to expand my expertise in HSE management, championing initiatives that align with international standards, corporate governance, and organisational culture—ensuring that safety and sustainability remain at the heart of business operations.

 

You passed your first NEBOSH qualification, the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, in 2013: 

• Why did you choose it?

I decided to pursue the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (IGC) in 2013 to strengthen my technical foundation in health and safety and ensure my skills aligned with global standards. At that time, I had already been involved in implementing ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 management systems, but I recognised the need for a more structured and in-depth understanding of hazard identification, risk control, and legal frameworks.

NEBOSH’s strong international reputation made it the ideal qualification to formally validate my practical experience. Additionally, I wanted to enhance my ability to confidently communicate safety principles to diverse teams and senior leadership—especially as my responsibilities were expanding beyond compliance into strategic safety leadership.

• How did achieving this qualification help your career?

Obtaining the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (IGC) was a defining moment in my career. It not only deepened my understanding of systematic risk management and proactive safety culture but also equipped me with the analytical skills to link safety performance with overall business efficiency. The qualification significantly enhanced my credibility as a safety professional and opened up new opportunities for progression into senior HSE roles.

It also enabled me to develop a structured approach to safety management, with a strong emphasis on root cause analysis, continuous improvement, and embedding safety into operational planning. More importantly, the NEBOSH IGC boosted my confidence in mentoring others, delivering effective training sessions, and leading internal audits and safety committees. It provided a solid foundation for pursuing further specialised training and certifications and allowed me to influence organisational behaviour, foster a culture of accountability, and drive measurable improvements in workplace safety performance.

In 2019, you went on to complete the NEBOSH HSE Introduction to Incident Investigation qualification. Why did you take it, and how did it help you?

Effective incident investigation is one of the most powerful tools for preventing future occurrences and driving continuous improvement in safety performance. I took this qualification to strengthen my ability to go beyond the immediate or surface-level issues and uncover the true underlying causes of workplace incidents and near misses. NEBOSH developed the qualification in collaboration with Great Britain’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) so I knew it would reflect best practice.

Through the training, I gained valuable insights into structured investigation techniques, root cause analysis, evidence gathering, interviewing skills, planning corrective actions, and the importance of fostering a no-blame culture that encourages open reporting and proactive learning. I developed a deeper understanding of how human and organisational factors contribute to incidents, and how to design realistic, sustainable control measures that address systemic weaknesses rather than just procedural gaps.

Professionally, the qualification had a significant impact. It boosted my confidence and credibility when leading investigation teams, presenting findings to senior leadership, and recommending preventive measures that align with both operational realities and strategic objectives. It also helped me transform investigations into opportunities for engagement, learning, and cultural improvement. Most importantly, it sharpened my ability to translate incident data into actionable insights—enabling me to contribute more effectively to risk reduction strategies and the ongoing enhancement of safety performance across the organisation.

Since March 2025, you have held the position of Manager - HSE Compliance and Governance for Drydocks World in Dubai. Can you tell us a little about the company and your role in particular?

Drydocks World, a subsidiary of DP World, is a leading provider of marine and offshore services. The company serves the shipping, oil and gas, energy, and increasingly, the renewable energy sectors. Its facility in Dubai spans nearly one million square metres and includes three graving docks, a floating dock, and approximately 3,700 metres of berth space. It also boasts heavy loadout capabilities and extensive infrastructure for fabrication, conversion, and new builds.

Over the past four decades, Drydocks World has completed thousands of marine and offshore projects each year. Originally focused on ship repair, the company has expanded its services to include large-scale vessel conversions, life extension programmes, offshore fabrication, and the construction of specialised marine structures.

In my role as Manager – HSE Compliance and Governance, I focus primarily on ensuring alignment with international HSE standards, corporate governance, and regulatory requirements. I oversee compliance audits, performance monitoring, and the continuous improvement of health, safety, and environmental systems.

Additionally, I work closely with project and operational teams to strengthen the safety culture, drive proactive risk management, and support the organisation’s strategic goal of maintaining excellence in HSE performance across all operations.

2025 has been a busy year for you, as you also completed the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals. Can you tell us: 

• Why did you choose this qualification? 

My motivation was to elevate my health and safety expertise to the highest possible level. The NEBOSH Diploma is one of the most respected qualifications globally for HSE professionals, and I saw it as the ideal next step to enhance my ability to address complex safety challenges in fast-paced, high-risk environments such as ship repair and offshore engineering.

I was particularly drawn to the Diploma’s emphasis on integrating health and safety into the overall strategy and culture of organisations, as well as its focus on evidence-based decision-making and sustainability. The qualification broadened my understanding of regulatory frameworks, human factors, and the critical role of leadership in driving proactive safety performance. It also helped me refine my analytical and communication skills—essential for sharing HSE insights with senior management, auditors, and external stakeholders.

• What benefits do you hope to gain from this success?

Achieving the NEBOSH Diploma has significantly enhanced my professional credibility and enabled me to contribute more effectively at the governance and policy levels within my organisation. It has empowered me to design and implement robust, risk-based HSE management systems, strengthen corporate compliance programmes, and mentor the next generation of safety professionals.
This accomplishment has deepened my commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence—allowing me to foster a stronger safety culture, improve operational resilience, and support the organisation’s long-term sustainability objectives.

What is next for you in terms of your professional development?

Looking ahead, I aim to further enhance my professional skills and deepen my expertise in specific areas of health, safety, and environment.

I intend to pursue the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential, while also working towards Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH). Both goals reflect my ongoing commitment to professional excellence, ethical practice, and a dedication to advancing occupational health and safety management.

In addition, I plan to undertake two further NEBOSH qualifications to expand my technical capabilities. The NEBOSH International Diploma in Environmental Management covers sustainable practices, environmental management, and climate-related risk reduction—critical areas that align closely with organisational sustainability objectives. While the NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management will strengthen my understanding of major hazard control, process risk management, and operational integrity, which are particularly relevant in complex industrial and maritime environments.

Collectively, achieving these goals will enhance my technical and strategic competencies, enabling me to promote integrated HSE and sustainability excellence at organisational and industry levels.

Over the course of your 20-year health and safety career, you have worked in numerous industries. What advice would you give to other safety professionals looking to switch between sectors?

First, it’s important to build strong foundational skills that are transferable across industries—such as risk assessment, incident investigation, behavioural safety, and a solid understanding of management systems like ISO 45001 and ISO 14001. These are essential whether you're working in construction, manufacturing, logistics, or maritime operations.

Next, it’s crucial to understand the operational context of any new sector. Each industry has its own specific risks, regulatory requirements, and cultural nuances. Taking the time to learn about sector-specific hazards, standards, and best practices will help you adapt quickly and build trust.

Seek out recognised qualifications, attend workshops, and engage with other professionals to stay informed about emerging trends and innovative safety practices across different industries.

Finally, maintain an open and flexible mindset. Every new industry presents unique challenges and opportunities for innovation. Embrace these as learning experiences, apply core safety principles with adaptability, and stay focused on the universal goal of protecting people, assets, and the environment.

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

What I love most about this profession is the sense of purpose and the tangible impact it brings. Knowing that my efforts directly contribute to protecting lives, enhancing workplace wellbeing, and creating safer, more sustainable environments is incredibly fulfilling. Each day presents an opportunity to make a real difference—whether by preventing accidents, promoting safe work practices, or fostering a culture where safety becomes second nature.

I also find great satisfaction in the strategic and problem-solving aspects of the role. Health and safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about understanding operations, anticipating risks, and developing practical, innovative solutions that improve both safety and efficiency. Collaborating with diverse teams to embed safety into everyday business decisions is something I particularly enjoy.
Additionally, I value the continuous learning and evolving nature of the field. With emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and sustainability challenges, there’s always something new to explore. This keeps the profession intellectually stimulating and encourages me to grow both technically and as a leader.

Above all, I cherish the connections with stakeholders—mentoring others, encouraging positive behaviours, and witnessing genuine shifts in attitudes towards safety. Seeing teams take ownership of safety and return home safely each day is the ultimate reward.

Given your extensive experience in H&S, what do you think makes a good health and safety professional?
A good health and safety professional combines technical expertise, practical judgment, and strong interpersonal skills. They must be able to apply their knowledge of regulations and standards to real-world situations, ensuring solutions are both safe and operationally practical. Key qualities include:

• Technical competence: including understanding risk assessment, incident investigation, and management systems like ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
• Risk-based thinking: Identifying root causes and systemic issues rather than focusing only on immediate hazards.
• Operational credibility: Building trust with frontline teams by proposing realistic, implementable safety measures.
• Leadership and influence: Effectively engaging and persuading management and staff to prioritise safety.
• Communication skills: Translating complex safety concepts into clear, actionable guidance for different audiences.
• Integrity and courage: Upholding safety standards even under commercial or operational pressure.
• Continuous learning: Staying up to date with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices.

Ultimately, a great health and safety professional not only protects people but also fosters a proactive safety culture, driving continuous improvement while aligning safety goals with organisational objectives