Case Studies

Leanne, when did you decide you wanted to work in health and safety, and how did you know it was the right career for you?

An opportunity in health and safety arose at a previous company I worked for. I secured the role and started undertaking administrative duties for the health and safety department. I saw how much of a positive impact health and safety can have on the workforce and the company overall, both from a practical and administrative point. It quickly became apparent to me that this was an area I wanted to get more involved with because I could see that I would be able to build a rewarding career in health and safety.

Can you tell us what you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?

I enjoy being able to make a difference in the workplace by collaborating with colleagues across different departments to mitigate risks, prevent injuries, and problem-solve. I take pride in seeing tangible results that I’ve had an input in.

Please tell us why you chose NEBOSH qualifications and how taking them has helped you

NEBOSH offers highly recognised qualifications and I undertook my first, the National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, in 2020. I was pleased with the delivery and information I gained through my studies which I was able to apply and implement in my workplace. This first NEBOSH qualification helped me develop my knowledge and further my career and so I chose to go with NEBOSH again for the Environmental Management Certificate. As part of my role I oversee environmental management, and I wanted to improve my skills and knowledge on the topic to, in turn, benefit my career and the company I work for.

The Environmental Management Certificate has given me a better grasp of the aspects and impacts assessment, as well as an enhanced knowledge of how to approach different elements of environmental management that I can implement in my workplace. I am also currently undertaking the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety to further develop my knowledge and skills in fire safety.

What was the best thing you learned through your NEBOSH studies?

What I have found very useful from both qualifications that I have undertaken so far with NEBOSH is the exposure to other people in different industries, and having open discussions about how they implement guidance and law in real-world scenarios. It is really useful to learn from others and make connections.

Tell me about your employer and your current job role. What would you say is the best thing about this job?

I am the QHSE and Facilities Manager at egeplast UK and have worked with the company since 2021. egeplast UK is a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of polyethylene pipe systems, fittings and fabrications, who have a reputation for providing exceptional standards of customer service and technical support.

I would say the best thing about my role is the variety, challenges and opportunities the role brings. I feel very supported in my role to take those opportunities and face those challenges to benefit the company and provide me with experience.

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

I would eventually like to undertake the NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals, and the National Diploma in Environmental Management, expanding my knowledge and my experience in the field.

I aim to become a senior leader in QHSE in an industry setting, advising and guiding the company I work for to continuously improve while expanding my knowledge and experience. A long-term career goal for me is to share the knowledge and experience I have gained with others as a trainer and/or advisor.

What achievement are you most proud of?

I am proud of where I have got to in my career so far. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as a career, and happened to get into health and safety by chance. Within the short space of time since I started in health and safety, I have managed to move up in my career to where I am now.

What would your advice be to anyone who aspires to make health and safety their career?

A career in health and safety offers people the chance to make a positive impact. Health and safety isn’t just about carrying out checks and risk assessments, it’s about connecting with the people you work with to influence and encourage improvements to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy. Continuously developing your knowledge and skill is key, and knowledge sharing and learning from other health and safety professionals’ experiences goes a long way. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question.

Health and safety is a highly diverse and meaningful field, and there are many industries and roles you can go into to start your career or as you develop. There will be one to suit your interests. Qualifications such as those offered by NEBOSH can provide the foundations you need to get started on this career path.