Case Studies

You seem to have decided very early on that Health and Safety is the career for you? Why attracted you to the profession?

My interest in health and safety was inspired by my father, who held various roles in the oil and gas sector. Hearing about his experiences and the emphasis he placed on safety helped me appreciate the critical role HSE professionals play in protecting lives and workplaces.

As the saying goes, behind every success is someone who inspires and guides you and for me, that person has always been my father. His insights and values shaped my determination to pursue a career in health and safety. After choosing to focus my higher secondary education on science, I enrolled at the Western Institute of Technology to pursue Diplomas in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) and in Fire and Safety.

You took your first NEBOSH qualification, the Health and Safety at Work Award, in 2016. Why did you choose it and how did your studies help you?

When I began my Diploma studies, I knew I wanted to work in Health and Safety and hoped to build an international career. To support this ambition, I sought a qualification that was internationally recognised for providing a solid introduction to health and safety. On the advice of my instructor, I enrolled in the NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Award, which reinforced the basics and gave me a strong grounding in HSE principles.

Holding this NEBOSH qualification helped me secure my first role as an HSE Technician in Abu Dhabi. I gained essential skills in all aspects of workplace safety and had the confidence to apply them in practical, real-world situations; something that proved invaluable in my first role. Completing the qualification also deepened my curiosity and commitment to learning, laying the foundation for the next steps in my HSE career.

 
You went on to pass the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, in 2020:

• Why did choose this qualification in particular?

After completing a short-term project in Abu Dhabi, I joined an international diversified conglomerate in the Kingdom of Bahrain as a Junior QHSE Officer. This role was a step up for me, and the major projects I was to be involved with required a deeper understanding of health and safety practices. To strengthen my knowledge and better prepare for these responsibilities, I decided to pursue the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, which I successfully completed in June 2020.

This qualification provided a strong international foundation in occupational health and safety, particularly in areas such as risk assessment, hazard identification, and workplace safety. It gave me the confidence to communicate safety requirements effectively and contribute to a robust safety culture. Completing the NEBOSH International General Certificate built on what I had learnt during the NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Award, and the content was perfectly pitched for my needs at that stage in my HSE career.

• How has this qualification helped you?

The NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (IGC) gave me the knowledge and confidence to take on greater responsibilities. I developed a strong understanding of international HSE standards, advanced risk assessment techniques, incident investigation skills, and the ability to implement effective safety management systems across complex projects. After passing the qualification, my employer recognised my growing confidence and capability, which directly contributed to my promotion from Junior QHSE Officer to QHSE Officer.

I was entrusted with Ministry of Works projects in Bahrain, which required me to pass a formal assessment before being allowed on-site. With the foundation of my NEBOSH IGC and hands-on experience, I was approved as a Ministry of Works–accredited QHSE Officer and received further approval from the Bahrain Petroleum Company. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of combining learning with practical application and marked a turning point in my journey as a health and safety professional.

In 2025 you completed the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals. Can you tell us:

• Why you chose this Diploma level qualification?

In 2024, I secured a new role in Qatar as a Health, Safety, and Environmental Officer with EMKAN for Engineering Contracting Services WLL (EMKAN Engineering). Within a year, I was promoted to HSE Supervisor, giving me the opportunity to lead the HSE team, participate in audits, and take on greater responsibilities.

With this promotion, my role evolved to include regular interaction with senior management and involvement in strategic HSE decision-making. This required a deeper understanding of organisational safety systems and enhanced leadership skills. While the NEBOSH IGC had provided a strong foundation in practical HSE, my HSE Manager encouraged me to consider the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma, as its content would support my development, particularly in managing HSE systems at an organisational level, influencing safety culture, and providing strategic guidance to leadership. With his encouragement, I enrolled on the course and successfully completed it with credit.

• How achieving this qualification will benefit you?

Achieving the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma has significantly enhanced my professional capabilities. When engaging with clients on HSE matters, I am now able to assess complex situations and make informed decisions independently, drawing on the advanced knowledge and strategic skills gained through my Diploma studies.

It has empowered me to implement HSE systems efficiently, lead my team through ISO audits, manage pre-qualification documentation for contractors, and provide actionable recommendations to senior management. This qualification has strengthened my credibility, prepared me for senior HSE roles internationally, and enabled me to make a meaningful impact in occupational health and safety by combining practical expertise with strategic decision-making.

In one sentence, please could you tell us: What was the best thing you learned through your NEBOSH studies?

The most valuable lesson I learned through my NEBOSH studies was understanding how strategic HSE management can shape workplace culture and genuinely improve people’s safety. These studies helped me evolve from being task-oriented to becoming a proactive leader who guides teams, makes confident decisions, and champions a positive safety culture across all levels of an organisation.

During your career you have moved between countries. Do you have any tips to help others to manage change well?

Moving between countries has been a valuable learning experience, though not without its challenges, especially when adapting to new cultures, local safety regulations, and communication styles across different levels of the workforce. With each change, I have made it a priority to learn from senior colleagues, observe local practices, and continuously deepen my understanding of each country’s HSE expectations.

My advice to others is simple: never stop learning and always strive to add value wherever you go. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence helps you overcome any challenge. Be humble, listen actively, understand different perspectives, and share your knowledge generously, as that’s how you grow and become a true leader in health and safety.

You mentioned that your current employer is EMKAN for Engineering Contracting Services WLL. Can you tell us about the company and its health and safety ethos?

EMKAN Engineering is a leading provider of engineering, fabrication, and contracting services to the oil and gas, petrochemical, and industrial sectors. The company has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality solutions across piping and mechanical works, structural steel, fabricated equipment, modular structures, site project management, installation, and plant maintenance.
With a state-of-the-art 200,000-square-metre fabrication yard and a workforce of over 3,000 highly skilled professionals, EMKAN Engineering blends innovation, expertise, and operational excellence to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

Health and safety are at the heart of EMKAN Engineering’s operations and culture. The company’s ethos prioritises the wellbeing of every employee, contractor, and stakeholder. Through strong leadership commitment, continuous training, and a proactive approach to risk management, EMKAN Engineering ensures safety is not merely a policy, but a core value embedded in every aspect of its work.
The company’s vision, to be the most reputed and reliable engineering organisation in the GCC, is underpinned by its unwavering dedication to the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental care.

As an HSE Supervisor for the organisation, what are your key responsibilities?

In my role as HSE Supervisor, I play a pivotal part in maintaining a safe and compliant working environment across all operations. My responsibilities include conducting regular site inspections, leading risk assessments, investigating incidents, and ensuring that all HSE KPIs are effectively monitored and achieved. I also develop and update HSE procedures, conduct internal audits, and deliver training sessions that empower employees to take ownership of safety in their daily work.

Beyond compliance, I focus on cultivating a strong, positive safety culture. I plan and lead HSE campaigns, organise incentive programmes to recognise safe behaviour, and promote open communication so that everyone feels confident to speak up about safety concerns. I work closely with management and clients to ensure that safety and productivity go hand in hand, and I actively participate in meetings to drive continuous improvement. I also oversee contractor assessments and pre-qualification documentation to ensure all partners align with our high safety standards.

Leading my team and seeing their confidence and proactivity in safety grow is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

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

Knowing that my work directly helps protect people’s lives and ensures everyone goes home safely at the end of the day is the enjoyable aspect of being a health and safety professional.

Working with individuals from diverse cultures and industries has been deeply rewarding. Every project brings fresh challenges, opportunities to learn, and a chance to share knowledge and experience.

Over time, I’ve come to understand that safety isn’t just about reports or numbers; it’s about people. I make it a priority to engage with workers at every level, listen to their challenges, and explore how we can make their environment safer and more supportive. With the right guidance, teamwork, and commitment, we can create workplaces where everyone feels valued, protected, and motivated to do their best.... safely.

What advice would you give someone who wants to build a career in the health and safety profession?

For anyone aspiring to build a career in health and safety, my advice is to approach it with both dedication and curiosity. Start by learning the theory thoroughly and then focus on applying it in real-world situations. NEBOSH qualifications are a great option as there are options that will support every stage of your development.

Once you begin working, be humble, observe carefully, and learn from everyone around you, while also sharing your own knowledge and experiences.

Effective communication is crucial, as how you guide, influence, and build trust with people can determine the success of your safety initiatives.

Most importantly, never stop learning and growing; every new challenge is an opportunity to improve, make a real difference in people’s lives, and become not just a skilled HSE professional, but a thoughtful and effective leader.