Case Studies

In 2009, you completed your NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. Why did you choose this qualification?

I chose NEBOSH because its qualifications were recommended by my colleagues, and I could see they are well recognised in the health and safety field. At the time, I was working as a HSE officer on the Dubai Metro Project, and I felt the NEBOSH International General Certificate would help me perform better and support my future progression. I worked hard on my NEBOSH studies and was delighted to pass with distinction on my first attempt.

After completing this qualification, I can see you secured your first health and safety management position. Do you think your NEBOSH International General Certificate helped?

Absolutely - I have no doubt about it. Passing the NEBOSH International General Certificate with distinction, gave me a real boost in confidence and motivated me to seek a new challenge.

Within a year, I had secured my first safety manager role on the Chennai Metro Rail Project, where I led a team responsible for ensuring safety and accessibility across 10 construction sites. It was a varied and rewarding role, and I was fortunate to work with a fantastic team. Without my NEBOSH qualification, I wouldn’t have even made it onto the shortlist for this position.

In 2014, you completed your NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. How did you find it, and how do you think it benefitted you?

I struggled at first but, once I got into the rhythm of studying, I realised that I could achieve this goal. The assessments were challenging, but that didn’t deter me - I just had to apply myself and make time for my studies. Achieving both the NEBOSH International General Certificate and the International Diploma allowed me to gain a substantial understanding of health and safety, which has helped me progress in my career.

After completing the Diploma, I didn’t want to stop learning and developing. I’ve since passed an MBA in Safety Management Systems (SMS), attended RAMS in Railway Systems at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, and have become a Chartered Fellow of IOSH and a Certified Fire Protection Specialist by NFPA.

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

NEBOSH built my knowledge and understanding of health and safety, which helped me achieve other goals in my professional journey.

 

It’s been over ten years since you completed your NEBOSH Diploma. Has your health and safety career so far been a rewarding one?

It certainly has. I’m originally from God’s Own Country – Kerala, India, where my health and safety career began with a Safety Officer role in the construction industry.

I’ve now been based in my second home, the Middle East, for 17 years. After working on the Dubai Metro and Chennai Metro Rail Projects, I took up a role in Oman working on the Convention and Exhibition Centre development. I really enjoyed this project, as it gave me experience of a different type of construction.

My next move was to the iconic Riyadh Metro Rail Project — a challenging but rewarding opportunity. I then joined a subsidiary of the Qatar Foundation, which provided a fantastic opportunity to work on the world's first sustainable downtown regeneration project. At the time, Qatar was in the midst of a construction boom ahead of the 2022 Football World Cup. I learned a great deal in Qatar, especially as the regulatory framework evolved rapidly in response to the scale of development. After that, I returned to Saudi Arabia to work again on the Riyadh Metro, this time as HSE Manager on what was then the largest metro project in the world.

Two years ago, I joined Parsons Corporation as a HSE Manager and Delivery Partner on the Qiddiya Entertainment City— and I’m really enjoying it. I find working in this profession hugely rewarding, and my own career shows how it can open doors to work across different sectors and countries.

I understand that you now enjoy supporting and mentoring the next generation of health and safety professionals?

Absolutely. Throughout my career, I’ve gained a wealth of experience, and I’m passionate about sharing that knowledge with the next generation—while continuing to listen, learn, and grow myself.

I’ve had the privilege of working across India, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, spanning a wide range of disciplines within the construction industry. These experiences have given me valuable insights that I’m eager to pass on.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my current role with Parsons Corporation, is mentoring young Saudi HSE Engineers within our team. Watching them develop and grow into confident professionals is incredibly fulfilling.

I also support the wider OSH community through volunteer work. I am a certified IOSH mentor and offer professional guidance, career development support, role modelling, and encouragement. I also serve as an executive committee member of IOSH’s Singapore branch.

Additionally, I am a NEBOSH trainer for accredited training institutes in India, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. It’s deeply satisfying to help students achieve their qualifications and take their first steps into the field of Occupational Health and Safety.

Whether inside or outside of work, I’m committed to using my knowledge to raise OSH standards. Supporting others has always come naturally to me, and becoming a mentor has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career.

What advice would you give to someone who isn’t currently working in health and safety but wants to?

Start by researching the qualifications available to you and the learning providers who offer them. It’s important to choose a course format that suits your learning style—whether that’s classroom-based, online, or blended.

For me, building competency through a combination of qualifications and hands-on experience has been essential. Selecting the right qualifications is key. If you aspire to work in the Middle East, I highly recommend the NEBOSH International General Certificate and International Diploma. They are both widely recognised, and many employers in countries like the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia specifically look for NEBOSH-certified professionals.

I’d also encourage you to find good mentors who can offer guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate your career path.
Creating a career development plan was a game-changer for me. It helped me clarify what I wanted to achieve and focus on the steps needed to get there. Take the time to create your own plan—and revisit it regularly to track your progress and adjust your goals.

The support of family and friends can be a powerful motivator during challenging times. My family—especially my wife Divya and our children, Gautham and Gouri—has been instrumental to my success. They help me stay focused and are my greatest source of encouragement.

What are your tips to landing your first opportunity in the profession?

Having given considerable thought to this question, here are my top tips:

• Be open to new opportunities – Don’t be afraid to explore sectors you may not have considered before. Some of the best opportunities can come from unexpected places.
• Set clear personal objectives – Take the time to reflect on what you want to achieve and use those goals to shape your career plan. Knowing where you want to go helps you map out how to get there.
• Build a strong foundation of qualifications and experience – A winning combination of both is essential. In my experience, having relevant and recognised qualifications significantly increases your chances of securing opportunities.
• Be honest – Integrity is a vital quality for any health and safety professional. Being transparent and trustworthy builds credibility and respect.
• Champion safety as a core value – Strive to make health and safety a top priority in your organisation. Protecting the wellbeing of workers is not just a responsibility—it’s the right thing to do. Developing and maintaining an effective health and safety management system is a proactive way to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.

For me, safety should always come first, it is morally right to ensure our workforce return home safe and healthy at the end of every working day!