Case Studies

Binu, your H&S career spans over 20 years. What made you decide to follow this path and how did you secure your first opportunity? 
From an early stage in my professional journey, I was drawn to the idea that safety is not just a protocol—it’s a promise we make to every person who steps into a workplace. With a background in engineering and a natural curiosity for systems and structure, I found myself gravitating toward the world of health and safety, where I could directly influence environments to be more secure, efficient, and people-centric.

My first opportunity came when I began applying this mindset on the ground—observing risks, asking critical questions, and translating technical knowledge into actionable safety practices. That hands-on experience lit a spark that has never faded, and what began as a role quickly became a calling. Over time, I came to realise that safety leadership isn’t just about rules; it’s about creating cultures of care, earning trust, and making a lasting impact—one decision, one workplace, and one life at a time.

You completed your first NEBOSH qualification, the International General Certificate, in 2008:

• Why did you choose this qualification? - At the time, there was a growing recognition of the importance of international safety standards, across the Middle East and Asia, particularly in high-risk sectors. I chose the NEBOSH International General Certificate because it offered both credibility and practical knowledge. It wasn’t just a certificate—it was a toolkit that allowed me to speak the language of safety across geographies and industries. NEBOSH’s global recognition gave me the edge I needed to demonstrate professional commitment in an increasingly competitive landscape.

• How did achieving the NEBOSH International General Certificate help you? - It unlocked opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to access otherwise. With the certificate in hand, I was quickly trusted with higher-responsibility roles, including cross-site supervision and internal audits. More than that, it gave me structure in how I approached safety—risk assessment, root cause analysis, and workforce engagement all became systematic rather than reactive. It laid the foundation for a long-term vision and career in HSE management.

You went on to complete the NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety in 2018:

• Why did you choose this qualification? - After spending several years in the field and advancing to senior roles, I felt it was time to pursue a qualification that went beyond compliance and focused on leadership. I was increasingly involved in strategic decision-making, policy development, and cross-functional team coordination. The Diploma offered the advanced insight I needed—covering regulatory frameworks, behavioural safety, leadership principles, and governance. It was the natural next step to position myself as a transformative safety leader, not just a functional officer or engineer.

• How did it help you? - The Diploma was instrumental in sharpening my critical thinking and decision-making skills. It helped me to confidently lead audits and inspections, develop incident prevention strategies, and liaise with government bodies and international stakeholders. In my current role, it underpins many policy and regulatory decisions. It also played a pivotal role in mentoring young professionals in the field, enabling me to give back and strengthen the pipeline of safety leaders.

In one sentence, please could you tell us: What was the best thing you learned through your NEBOSH studies?
Proactive safety is far more powerful than reactive safety—prevention is not only possible, but also essential. Understanding this changed my philosophy from "fixing what went wrong" to "ensuring things don’t go wrong in the first place."

During your career you have moved between countries and worked in a wide range of industries. Do you have any tips to help others to manage change well?
Change is a constant in a global career. Whether it’s adapting to different regulations or shifting between sectors like real estate, free zones, and manufacturing—my approach has always been to observe first, adapt quickly, and build credibility through action. Listening is vital - every location has its cultural nuances and regulatory demands. I make it a point to build relationships with local teams and authorities, understand their pain points, and propose solutions that are both compliant and operationally practical. Resilience, empathy, and adaptability are crucial, as is the courage to question practices when safety is at stake.

You joined Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone - Government of Ras Al Khaimah in 2021. Can you tell us about the organisation and its safety ethos?
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is one of the most dynamic and diversified economic zones in the UAE. We cater to a broad range of sectors—manufacturing, services, trading, and logistics—and proudly became home to over 35,000 companies. At RAKEZ, safety is not viewed as a box-ticking exercise; it's embedded in our growth strategy. From the layout of industrial zones to the integration of digital permitting and compliance systems, safety is considered at every stage. We actively engage with clients through awareness campaigns, inspections, audits, and HSE advisory support. Our goal is to create a zero-harm culture where businesses flourish within a robust regulatory ecosystem.

You were promoted to the position of Director of Permits and Regulations in April 2025. Can you tell us a little bit about your role and responsibilities please?
As Director of Permits and Regulations, I oversee the regulatory infrastructure that supports thousands of businesses in RAKEZ. This includes industrial permits, construction NOCs, HSE approvals, and ensuring our processes are aligned with both federal and emirate-level regulations. My focus is twofold: first, ensuring that every permit or regulation issued supports safety, sustainability, and efficiency; and second, driving digital transformation. We’ve streamlined several workflows using automation and AI-enabled decision-making, reducing approval times while increasing compliance rates. I also work closely with civil defence, environmental authorities, and internal departments to ensure cross-functional synergy in our regulatory efforts.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the health and safety profession?
There’s immense personal satisfaction in knowing that my work has a direct impact on people’s lives. Whether it's preventing workplace injuries or guiding organisations toward safer practices, every success feels meaningful. I enjoy the challenge of creating systems that blend safety, productivity, and innovation—especially in fast-growing business environments.

Given your extensive experience, what qualities do you think help an individual be an effective health and safety professional?Technical knowledge is only part of the equation. Great HSE professionals are curious, courageous, and deeply committed to ethical practices. You must communicate effectively with everyone—from workers to executives—translate data into action and remain calm under pressure. Above all, integrity is everything. People must trust that you stand for what’s right, even when it's not easy.

What advice would you give someone who aspires to make health and safety their career?
Start with a learning mindset. Don’t rush to climb the ladder—spend time on-site, understand how people work, and ask why things are done a certain way. Build relationships, stay informed about global standards, and keep refining your skills. Safety is a field where your impact is only as strong as your credibility—so invest in it early and consistently.