Case Studies

Desma, your H&S career spans over 7 years. What made you decide to follow this path and how did you secure your first opportunity?

I got into health and safety quite by accident. While studying Environmental Health at university, I took OSH as one of my units, but I didn’t initially plan to pursue it as a career. After graduating, while interning at an Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) as a public health practitioner, I was offered an opportunity to work as an OSH Officer on a road construction project. I took it, not fully understanding what the role involved—but eager to grow professionally.

When I arrived on site, I was shocked by the conditions. The safety culture was practically non-existent, and incidents were being reported almost daily. I quickly realized that this wasn't just a job—it was an urgent need. I felt a responsibility to be part of the solution and help create a safer, more responsible working environment where people could go home safely every day.

Those first few months were challenging. I spent a lot of time reaching out to friends in the industry, asking questions, and going back to my university notes—literally studying them page by page. That solid academic foundation, combined with my eagerness to learn on-site, helped me navigate the steep learning curve. I was also fortunate to work under a team leader who believed in mentoring young professionals, and that support made a huge difference early on.

You completed your first NEBOSH qualification, the International General Certificate, in 2020:

Why did you choose this qualification?

The NEBOSH International General Certificate was highly recommended in the industry and recognised globally.

I chose it because I wanted to deepen my understanding of health and safety principles and build credibility in the profession.

It provided structured, practical knowledge that aligned with my growing responsibilities at work.

 

How did achieving the NEBOSH International General Certificate help you?

The qualification gave me the confidence and competence to apply health and safety principles more effectively. It improved how I conducted risk assessments, engaged with teams on safety culture, and communicated with both site workers and senior management. Shortly after completing my NEBOSH International General Certificate, I was offered a new role as a Health and Safety Supervisor on a mega dam construction project. The qualification gave me the confidence and credibility I needed to take on greater responsibility. It helped me understand structured risk management and reinforced my ability to apply best practices on site. It marked a turning point in my career, opening the door to more complex projects and leadership opportunities.

You went on to complete the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals in 2023:

Why did you choose this qualification?

I saw the Diploma as the natural next step to elevate my expertise to a strategic level. I wanted to move from compliance-focused tasks to influencing systems, culture, and leadership in health and safety. The Diploma’s content—particularly around risk management, organisational factors, and leadership—aligned with where I saw my career heading.

How did it help you?

It transformed my thinking. The Diploma challenged me to be analytical, to look at systems holistically, and to embed safety in business strategy. It also gave me the language and tools to engage with senior leadership more effectively. Shortly after completing it, I was appointed EHS Lead at Blockchain Africa Ltd—a role I might not have secured without the Diploma.

Completing the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma was a key moment in my career. It was like a ripple effect—opening doors I never imagined possible. I became a Certified Member of IOSH and a Full Member of IIRSM, and a Graduate member of the Institute of Leadership, which elevated my professional credibility. The Diploma also led to opportunities such as being accepted into the Women in Safety programme by RoSPA, L’Oréal, the Institute of Leadership and Leaderlike. It deepened my knowledge, strengthened my confidence, and positioned me for strategic leadership roles that wouldn’t have been accessible without it.

As someone who has studied NEBOSH qualifications at both Certificate and Diploma levels, please tell us how you found the transition to Diploma-level study.

The transition to Diploma-level study was definitely challenging but incredibly rewarding. Unlike the Certificate, which builds foundational knowledge, the Diploma required me to think more strategically and approach problems with a broader perspective. It pushed me to engage deeply with real-world issues, apply theory to complex scenarios, and evaluate decisions through a risk management lens. The level of depth and responsibility expected was much higher, it felt like stepping into the mindset of a senior safety professional. It also taught me the importance of discipline, planning, and balancing study with work commitments. Despite the intensity, the experience helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Can you tell us a little bit about Blockchain Africa Limited and your role please?

Blockchain Africa Ltd. is a leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure and technology services, operating across multiple regions. We aim is to empower clients with reliable, cost-effective, and innovative infrastructure solutions—spanning energy, connectivity, and security. Blockchain Africa is committed to delivering high-quality services that drive operational efficiency, enhance communication networks, and support sustainable growth. I oversee compliance, training, audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations, and I work closely with both operational teams and top management to embed a strong safety culture. Our biggest client is Safaricom PLC, which keeps the work both exciting and high-stakes.

You have always been very generous with your time and have volunteered for several organisations. What motivates you to do this?

I believe in giving back to the profession that has given me so much. Volunteering with organisations like IOSH, IIRSM, and WSPAK has allowed me to mentor others, learn from peers, and promote safety beyond my immediate workplace. I’m particularly passionate about supporting women in safety and encouraging young professionals. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help others grow and to be part of a larger movement for change.

Please, can you tell us about your ambitions for the future?

I aspire to be a thought leader in health and safety across Africa and beyond, helping organisations strengthen both OSH and enterprise risk management. I’m passionate about shifting the perception of safety from a compliance exercise to a core enabler of business success and employee wellbeing. My North Star is to be part of the policy-making space; contributing to frameworks that promote decent, dignified, and safe work for all. I also envision growing my impact through advisory and consultancy work that shapes safer, more resilient workplace across the globe.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the health and safety profession?

What I enjoy most is knowing that my work makes a tangible difference. Whether it’s preventing a life-altering injury or creating a psychologically safe workplace where people feel heard, the impact is real and meaningful. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, connect, and lead.

What advice would you give someone who aspires to make health and safety their career?

Start with curiosity and a genuine desire to protect people. Learn the fundamentals, but also develop your soft skills; communication, leadership, and empathy are just as important as technical knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek mentors, and stay updated. This profession is evolving, and those who are adaptable, authentic, and proactive will thrive.