Case Studies

You’ve worked in health and safety since graduating from university with a BSc in Chemical Engineering. Was it always your intention to pursue a career in health and safety, and how did you secure your first opportunity?

My interest in health and safety began at university, where my course included topics on lab safety and safety devices. I also enrolled on a NASP course whilst at university, which gave me a basic understanding of HSE principles.

During a two-month summer placement, some of my time was focused on lab safety, organising chemicals and briefing students on how to handle them safely. That experience reinforced how essential safety is, even in controlled environments like laboratories.

After graduation, the first role I secured was a health and safety supervisor position in a small plastics factory. The knowledge I had gained from university and the NASP course was sufficient for the needs of the business at the time. I found I enjoyed the work and made the decision to fully commit to a career in health and safety.

I researched which sectors were growing in Saudi Arabia and discovered that construction was expanding rapidly. I pursued further studies, starting with the OSHA General Industry certification, which enabled me to transition into the construction industry.

You passed your first NEBOSH qualification, the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, in 2022:

Why did you choose it?

I chose the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) because it’s globally recognised and respected across industries. At that point in my career, I was seeking a qualification that would offer a strong, structured foundation in health and safety that had relevance in the construction sector. NEBOSH stood out for its depth, credibility, and practical relevance.  It was also clear to me that employers in Saudi Arabia—and internationally—view NEBOSH as a benchmark for competent HSE professionals, making it a smart investment in my future.

 

How did achieving this qualification benefit you?

Achieving the NEBOSH International General Certificate in 2022 was a major turning point in my career. It provided me with a strong foundation in risk management, control measures, and legal responsibilities—boosting both my confidence and performance, especially when conducting audits, engaging with clients, and meeting regulatory requirements. One of the most significant impacts for me personally was financial. Just two months after completing the IGC, my salary doubled. This increase reflected the value employers place on NEBOSH credentials and gave me the financial freedom to reinvest in my professional development. I was inspired to pursue further studies—ultimately leading me to enrol in the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals.

Can you tell us why you chose this qualification in particular.

I chose the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma because I wanted to elevate my knowledge and capabilities to a more strategic level. Having already achieving the NEBOSH IGC and gaining solid practical experience; I recognised that if I wanted to lead health and safety across more complex projects, this would require deeper insight and a broader perspective.

While exploring diploma options, I came across several alternatives to NEBOSH, but my research revealed that some lacked credibility, often because they could be obtained with minimal assessment or genuine learning. That raised concerns for me. In our profession where decisions can have a profound impact on people’s lives, integrity and competence are non-negotiable.

I chose NEBOSH because of its strong reputation, the rigour of its assessments, and the respect it commands both locally and internationally. The NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals is a qualification that can’t be faked—you must earn it. That gave me full confidence that it was the right step for my career and my commitment to professional excellence.

How have your NEBOSH Diploma studies helped you?

The NEBOSH Diploma has fundamentally transformed how I approach my work. It shifted my mindset from simply ensuring compliance to thinking strategically about health, safety, and organisational performance. I’m now better equipped to lead HSE systems across multiple projects, influence senior management, and make informed decisions that align with business objectives.

It also strengthened my ability to support others. I can confidently assess newcomers, mentor junior HSE professionals, and deliver training with clarity and structure. The NEBOSH Diploma provided the technical tools and leadership skills needed to become a trusted advisor on safety matters.

On a personal level, completing the Diploma was a milestone achievement. Wearing my NEBOSH pin may seem like a small thing but for me, it carries deep significance. It’s a daily reminder of the commitment I made and the effort I invested, and it’s had a genuine impact on my confidence and sense of purpose.

Since 2022 you have worked as a Regional HSE Manager for Building Roots Co in Saudi Arabia. Can you tell us a little about the company and your role?

Building Roots Co. is a growing construction company based in Saudi Arabia, which operates across a range of civil, infrastructure, and finishing projects. Serving both private and government clients, the company has steadily expanded its operations throughout the Kingdom.

When I joined in 2022 as the Regional HSE Manager, health and safety was not yet a strategic priority at board level. While many senior managers cared deeply about safety on a personal level, there was no formal structure or appointed leader to champion it. My role went far beyond site-level implementation—I needed to drive a full cultural shift with my fellow health and safety professionals.

I introduced a proactive, system-led approach to HSE and worked closely with senior management to embed safety into core decision-making. Today, health and safety is not only a central operational focus, but also an integral part of the bidding and planning process—an area previously overlooked. Every project now begins with a comprehensive HSE risk assessment, which ensures risks and controls are considered before any work commences. This has transformed how the company manages safety and risk

I currently oversee HSE performance across four active construction sites, lead a team of safety professionals, and ensure compliance with both Saudi regulations and international standards. I also design and deliver training programs, conduct internal audits, and collaborate closely with engineering and project teams.

One of our proudest achievements is reaching 20 consecutive months without a Lost Time Incident (LTI)—a milestone that reflects the collective effort of our teams and the depth of the safety culture we've built.

Most of your health and safety experience has been in the construction industry. In your opinion what are the key health and safety considerations in this sector?

Construction is one of the highest-risk industries, and effective health and safety management is essential to protect workers and ensure projects are successful. One of the most critical challenges is managing dynamic risks—site conditions change rapidly, making constant monitoring and reassessment vital.

Working at height remains a key hazard and demands rigorous control measures such as proper scaffolding, fall protection systems, and trained personnel.

Lifting operations can also pose a serious risk, especially when heavy equipment or cranes are involved. Their operation requires detailed planning, competent riggers, and strong inter-team communication.

Other major safety concerns include confined space entry, electrical hazards, traffic management, and heat stress—particularly in Saudi Arabia’s extreme climate.

Consistent use of the correct PPE, daily risk briefings, and regular toolbox talks all contribute significantly to keeping workers safe on construction sites. Of equal importance though is the safety culture. Even the best systems won’t be effective if the workforce is not genuinely engaged. That’s why I place strong emphasis on training, open communication, and empowering site teams to report hazards and actively contribute to safety improvements.

Ultimately, in construction, health and safety must be embedded in every phase—from bidding and planning through to execution and handover.

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

Knowing that the work I do has a direct impact on people’s lives is the biggest reward. Helping workers return home safely to their families each day is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s not just about rules and compliance—it’s about building a culture where people feel protected, respected, and empowered.

I also enjoy solving problems and thinking ahead. In construction, every day brings new challenges, and I find real satisfaction in anticipating risks, developing practical solutions, and collaborating with different teams to create safer environments.

Another part of my work that I truly value is influencing change—whether it's shifting a company’s mindset toward safety, mentoring junior staff, or securing buy-in from senior leadership.

Seeing the difference that strong safety leadership can make—like transforming how a company manages risk or achieving long periods without an incident—is both motivating and deeply fulfilling.

Given your extensive experience, what do you think makes a good health and safety professional?

In my view, a good health and safety professional needs more than just technical knowledge. Strong communication and leadership skills are just as important—because safety is ultimately about people, not just procedures. You need to engage with workers on the ground, earn the trust of management, and influence behaviour at every level.

A good HSE professional is also proactive and observant: someone who can spot risks before they escalate, and who continually looks for ways to improve systems and culture.

Integrity is essential. You must be willing to speak up—even when it’s uncomfortable—because people rely on you to do what’s right, not what’s easy.

And finally, a good HSE professional never stops learning. Whether it's new regulations, technologies, or methods, staying informed and investing in development is key to remaining effective and credible in this role.

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

My first piece of advice is to approach this career with genuine passion. If you truly care about protecting people and making workplaces safer, everything else will follow. This profession carries great responsibility, and it's vital to take that seriously.

Second, build a strong foundation through proper education. Start with qualifications like the NEBOSH IGC and build from that. Choose certifications that are respected and credible—not just easy to obtain. Knowledge is power, but how you apply it matters even more.

Most importantly, stay humble and respectful. Wearing a safety vest or holding a senior title doesn't make you superior. Treat every worker with dignity—like a family member, not just a name on a roster. That human connection builds trust, and trust is what makes safety real on-site.

Spend time in the field. Listen more than you talk. Gain understanding of how things work before telling people how to improve them. When workers see you're there to support—not just enforce—they’ll work with you, not against you.

And finally, never stop learning. The best safety professionals are the ones who stay open, grounded, and are always willing to grow.