Case Studies

When and why did you decide you wanted to make health and safety your career?
After completing my BSc in Zoology, I decided to pursue a career in health and safety. Over time, I had become increasingly drawn to the importance of protecting lives and creating safe working environments. My greatest inspiration came from my father, who dedicated his life to supporting our family. He worked in Dubai for nearly 25 years, beginning as a mechanical fitter and eventually becoming a foreman. His strong values and unwavering commitment to workplace safety left a lasting impression on me. I take immense pride in my decision to become a safety professional. I believe occupational health and safety is about supporting and protecting others—without expecting anything in return. My father’s influence, combined with my passion for improving people’s well-being, has made this more than just a career—it’s a calling.

How did you secure your first opportunity?
Breaking into the health and safety field wasn’t easy—it required resilience, risk-taking, and a few hard lessons along the way. After completing my degree, I was eager to start my HSE career and took a leap of faith by accepting what I believed would be my first opportunity. Full of hope, I travelled over 1,000 kilometres to a place where I didn’t even speak the language, only to discover the job offer was fake. It was a painful experience. I returned home disappointed and disheartened, but refused to give up. That moment tested my resolve but ultimately strengthened my determination. While waiting for a genuine opportunity, I took a temporary job at a hotel just to stay afloat. I kept applying for HSE roles, sending out my CV every single day—and finally, a breakthrough came. A construction company in Bangalore offered me an entry-level safety role, which marked the beginning of my journey in OSH. My long-term dream was always to work overseas in the H&S field, but I knew I had a journey ahead to make that a reality. I needed to gain experience and secure a relevant international qualification. NEBOSH had always been something I aspired to. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a difficult time for so many, I chose to turn the isolation and uncertainty into an opportunity. I committed myself to study and, in 2021, successfully passed the NEBOSH International General Certificate. That moment changed everything. It gave me the confidence, recognition, and the clarity I needed to move forward. It firmly set me on the path to a global career in safety.

Why did you choose the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety in particular?
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is one of the most respected and globally recognised qualifications in occupational health and safety. As someone who aspired to work internationally, I knew this certification would open doors and help me meet the standards expected by leading employers. NEBOSH had always been on my bucket list, as for me, it symbolised both credibility and competence. I wanted to build a solid foundation in HSE, and knew this qualification was the right step forward.

What are your thoughts on the qualification’s content and assessment?
The course content was comprehensive, practical, and well-structured. It covered not only core HSE principles but also real-world applications that closely aligned with my on-site experience. The case study-based assessment was particularly effective because it challenged me to apply my learning in a practical context. This helped to reinforce key concepts. It wasn’t just about passing an exam; it was about truly understanding risk management and learning how to create safer workplaces.

How did achieving this qualification benefit you?
Passing the NEBOSH International General Certificate was a true turning point in my career. It gave me the confidence to take on greater responsibilities and apply for international roles. Many roles with well-established companies and major projects specifically require NEBOSH-certified professionals, and after passing I met that essential criterion. Not only did it help me secure interviews it also boosted my professional credibility and confidence in them. After obtaining my NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC), I received an offer to work in Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the oil and gas sector. In this role, I gained extensive experience working on various operations, including drilling activities, running in hole (RIH) processes, offshore platforms, refineries, and terminals. This opportunity allowed me to apply and expand my health and safety knowledge in a highly regulated and complex environment. Achieving my IGC gave me a deep sense of alignment with global safety best practices, which had been a longstanding personal and professional goal.

You now work for Construction & Roads Services Est for General Contracting (CRSE). Can you tell us a little about the company and its health and safety ethos please?
I joined Construction & Roads Services Est for General Contracting (CRSE) in Saudi Arabia in August 2023 as an HSE Supervisor. Health and safety play a central role in all its operations, and the organisation has built a strong reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects, particularly in road and bridge construction. The sectors that CRSE operate in mean that strict compliance with industry standards and employing qualified safety personnel are both vital. Many of the projects the company undertakes are challenging—whether due to their remote locations or sheer scale—and the safety planning that is undertaken reflects that. One standout project involved the use of a 500-ton crane to lift and install 70-ton girders through tandem lifting operations. As you can imagine, this required meticulous planning and strict adherence to safety protocols.

In February 2025 the organisation promoted you to the position of Project HSE Specialist -Senior Advisor. Can you tell us a little about how you secured the role and what it entails?
Over time, I assumed greater responsibilities, including overseeing the implementation of international standards such as ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management). I managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring compliance with Aramco’s stringent safety requirements and driving improvements in HSE performance.

My NEBOSH IGC, combined with my strong performance in managing critical safety activities, gave me a distinct advantage when I applied for my current Project HSE Specialist -Senior Advisor role in February 2025. Some colleagues hold other Level 3 safety certifications, but professionals with NEBOSH qualifications are highly regarded—especially on Aramco projects. As a Project HSE Specialist -Senior Advisor , I oversee all health, safety, and environmental aspects of the project. My responsibilities include ensuring compliance with company policies and Aramco’s stringent HSE standards, leading comprehensive risk assessments, and fostering a strong safety culture among all personnel.

Given your extensive experience, what do you think makes a good health and safety professional?
A good health and safety professional should possess both strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience, supported by relevant qualifications such as a NEBOSH General Certificate or Diploma. It’s essential to be skilled at proactively identifying and addressing risks to maintain a safe working environment. Equally important are attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively with staff and contractors at all levels.

What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?
The opportunity to protect people’s lives and well-being. Seeing safety improvements lead to fewer accidents and a safer workplace is very rewarding. It’s fulfilling to contribute to a culture where safety is genuinely valued, and where everyone works together to prevent harm.

What advice would you give someone who wants to build a career in the health and safety profession?
If you're starting a career in health and safety, my advice is simple: begin by obtaining a NEBOSH General Certificate as a strong foundation, then aim for the NEBOSH Diploma to reach the top. These globally respected qualifications can open many doors and set you apart. Alongside formal credentials, gaining hands-on experience and committing to lifelong learning are essential to building a successful career in this field.