Case Studies

What made you decide to pursue a career in health and safety, and how did you make it happen?
My journey into health and safety was not entirely planned. While growing up and early in my career, I saw first-hand how preventable workplace incidents and other public incidents can drastically affect the lives of victims and their loved ones long-term. This exposure created a deep sense of passion and responsibility in me.

I gained admission to study Industrial Safety and Environmental Technology at the prestigious Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Nigeria. When I joined GZ Industries Limited, I saw that by implementing what I had learned you can make a difference, and this further reinforced my passion to make health and safety my career.

To make it happen, I started further educating myself. I sought mentors, attended safety training programs, and immersed myself in learning the fundamentals of occupational health and safety. I took on responsibilities beyond my job description, volunteered for safety committees, and eventually pursued certifications that would formalise my learning. Each step reinforced my passion, and over time, I transitioned fully into the field.

You completed the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) in 2020:

• Why did you choose this qualification?  - It was a strategic choice for me. At that point in my career, I needed a globally recognised qualification that would solidify my knowledge and open doors to greater opportunities. The NEBOSH IGC provided a strong foundation in risk management, workplace hazards, and legal compliance—key competencies I needed to excel in health and safety.
• How did achieving this qualification help you? - The NEBOSH IGC certification was a game-changer. It gave me credibility and boosted my confidence in engaging with senior leaders on safety matters. It also helped me secure more significant roles where I could influence workplace safety culture. Beyond that, the knowledge I gained allowed me to implement practical and cost-effective safety solutions that had a direct impact on reducing workplace risks.

In 2023, you were one of 20 recipients of the Michael Adamson NEBOSH Diploma Scholarship. Can you share how you felt when you found out?
Receiving the Michael Adamson NEBOSH Diploma Scholarship was an incredibly humbling experience. Special thanks to NEBOSH for initiating the program and to Louise Adamson, who is the sister of Michael Adamson who the scholarship is named after. When I got the notification, I was excited and had to read the email several times to make sure it was real! I felt a deep sense of gratitude—not just for the scholarship itself but for what it represented. It was validation that my contributions to health and safety were being recognised on an international level.

Beyond the personal achievement, this scholarship carried an emotional weight. Michael Adamson's story—a preventable workplace tragedy—reinforced my commitment to ensuring that no one suffers a similar fate under my watch. The scholarship fuelled my motivation to push further, learn more, and make an even greater impact.

You passed the final unit of your NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Health and Safety Management Professionals in 2025. Congratulations! Can you tell us how achieving this qualification has helped you?
Completing the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma was both challenging and rewarding, laced with many learnings. This qualification has elevated my strategic approach to health and safety and deepened my understanding of risk management, leadership, and organisational safety culture. Most importantly, it has given me the confidence to take on complex challenges, engage with executive leadership, and drive safety improvements at a higher level.

The diploma has also expanded my career prospects. I have been able to contribute to policy development, conduct high-level audits, and implement management system standards more effectively. It has truly been a transformational step in my journey.

Over the course of your 10-year career, you have worked in a range of industries. How easy have you found switching between sectors, and do you have any hints or tips for others making similar moves?

Transitioning between industries comes with challenges, but I have always seen it as an opportunity to learn and grow. While the core principles of health and safety remain the same, each industry has unique risks, regulations, and cultures. My approach has always been to learn fast, listen more, and adapt quickly.
For anyone considering a move between industries, here are my key tips:

• Understand the industry-specific risks – Do your research and get familiar with the key hazards and compliance requirements.
• Leverage transferable skills – Hazards management and risk assessment, incident investigation, policy and procedural development and implementation, auditing, and safety leadership are valuable in any industry.
• Seek mentorship – Connecting with professionals already working in your target industry who can help you bridge any knowledge gaps.
• Be adaptable and proactive – Every new sector will require you to adjust. Be open to learning, ask questions, and apply your expertise creatively.

Switching industries has helped me become a well-rounded safety professional, and I encourage others to embrace the challenge.

You are very generous with your time and volunteer for several organisations. Can you share details and explain what motivates you to do this?
Volunteering is a big part of who I am. I actively serve in various capacities and roles in professional organizations like ASSP and IOSH because I believe in giving back to the profession that has given me so much. Through these platforms, I mentor young professionals, contribute to safety advocacy, and help drive initiatives that improve workplace safety standards.

What motivates me is the impact I can have by giving my time. Knowing that I can help someone advance in their career or contribute to making workplaces safer is incredibly fulfilling. Volunteering has also expanded my network, improved my leadership skills, and exposed me to diverse health and safety perspectives.

What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
One of the achievements I am most proud of is mentoring and guiding aspiring HSE professionals through platforms like the American Society of Safety Professionals Nigeria Chapter (ASSP-NC) and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) West Africa Branch. Over the years, I have had the privilege of supporting young and emerging professionals like myself in their career journeys, providing them with insights, resources, and encouragement to help them grow in the field of health and safety. Whether it is reviewing CVs, sharing career advice, helping them navigate professional certifications, or simply being a sounding board for their challenges, I find immense fulfilment in being part of their success stories.

What makes this achievement truly special is seeing those I have mentored take bold steps into the profession, securing HSE roles, earning certifications, and actively contributing to workplace safety. Witnessing their growth and confidence in applying safety principles reinforces my belief that knowledge sharing is one of the most powerful ways to impact the industry. Through mentorship, I am not just shaping individual careers but also contributing to the future of occupational health and safety, ensuring that workplaces become safer through the next generation of dedicated professionals.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing health and safety professionals today?
I would say the biggest challenge is balancing compliance with engagement. Many organisations see health and safety as just a box-ticking exercise rather than a core organisational value. Changing that mindset and getting leaders and workers genuinely engaged in safety is one of the most crucial and ongoing battles in this profession.

How do you see the future of the health and safety profession evolving?
The health and safety profession is experiencing great change, driven by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and an increased focus on mental health and well-being. The integration of digital tools, such as AI-driven risk assessments and real-time monitoring systems, is revolutionising how safety is managed in the workplace.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 will focus on the impact of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) on workers' safety and health. The adoption of advanced robots, AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to enhance hazard identification, risk assessment, and incident prevention. However, it is crucial to address the challenges these technologies may introduce, such as data privacy concerns and the need for upskilling the workforce to effectively interact with new systems.

The profession is likely to also see a stronger emphasis on mental health and well-being, recognising that a holistic approach to employee health encompasses both physical and psychological aspects.

Additionally, organisations are increasingly embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their safety strategies to align with global sustainability goals.

As we navigate these changes, continuous learning and adaptability will be essential for health and safety professionals to effectively safeguard workers in an evolving landscape.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the health and safety profession?
What I enjoy most is the impact I have and giving back to the community. Every decision, intervention, and piece of advice given in this profession has the potential to save lives. It is a field where you can see the results of your work—whether it is a reduction in workplace incidents, an improvement in safety culture, or a worker going home safely because of a control measure you implemented.
I also love the continuous learning aspect. Health and safety knowledge and information is ever-evolving, and there is always something new to discover—be it emerging risks, industry and regulatory changes, or innovative safety technologies.
What advice would you give someone pursuing a health and safety career?

• Build a strong foundation – Start with recognised certifications like the NEBOSH IGC, but don't stop there. Keep learning.
• Gain practical experience – Volunteering, internships, and on-the-job training will set you apart.
• Develop soft skills – Communication, leadership, and problem-solving are just as important as technical knowledge.
• Network and find mentors – Join professional organisations, attend webinars, and connect with industry experts to learn the ropes.
• Stay adaptable – Regulations and best practices change, so remain open to continuous improvement.

The most rewarding part of this career is knowing that your work truly matters. Stay committed, stay passionate, and always remember why you started.