Turning knowledge into action: A safety engineer’s journey

Case Study: Mohamed Mostafa


In our latest interview, we spoke with Health and Safety Engineer Mohamed Mostafa, who is based in Saudi Arabia. Throughout his career, Mohamed has been driven by a strong commitment to protecting people and preventing incidents by creating safer workplaces. Continuous learning, whether through hands-on experience or formal study, has been a defining feature of his journey. Achieving his NEBOSH qualification stands out as one of the most significant milestones in his career to date.

When did you decide that you wanted to work in health and safety, and how did you achieve it?
My interest in health and safety developed through my engineering background and experience in high-risk industrial environments. Early in my career, I realised that technical knowledge alone is not enough to ensure successful operations. Safety is the foundation on which productivity, quality, and sustainability are built. I was inspired by the opportunity to make a direct impact on people’s lives by helping to prevent injuries and occupational illness. To build my competence, I gained practical site experience, pursued professional qualifications, and continuously sought opportunities to expand my knowledge. This commitment led me to NEBOSH qualifications, which significantly enhanced my understanding of occupational health and safety.

You passed your first NEBOSH qualification, the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, in 2025. Why did you choose it?
I chose the NEBOSH International General Certificate because it is globally recognised as one of the leading qualifications in occupational health and safety. I wanted a qualification that would not only strengthen my theoretical understanding but also provide practical tools that could be applied in real workplace situations. What attracted me most was the qualification’s risk-based approach. Rather than focusing solely on compliance, the course teaches professionals to identify hazards, assess risks, implement controls, and promote a positive safety culture. This practical methodology aligned perfectly with my career goals and provided a strong foundation for professional growth.

How has achieving this qualification benefited your career?
It transformed the way I approach health and safety management. It improved my ability to conduct risk assessments, investigate incidents, develop control measures, and communicate safety requirements effectively. The qualification increased my confidence when dealing with workplace hazards and helped me gain greater credibility with employers, managers, and colleagues. It also enhanced my career prospects by demonstrating my commitment to professional excellence and international best practice. Most importantly, the knowledge I gained from studying the NEBOSH International General Certificate has enabled me to contribute more effectively to creating safer workplaces and improving organisational safety performance.

In 2026 you completed the NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management. Can you tell us why you chose this qualification and what benefits you gained from this success?
I chose the NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management because I wanted to improve my understanding of major hazard industries and process safety principles. Process safety is a critical discipline because failures in this area can have catastrophic consequences which can affect people, assets, and the environment on a much larger scale. This qualification provided valuable insight into hazard identification, process safety leadership, asset integrity, and the management of change, drawing on lessons learned from past industrial incidents. The course expanded my perspective and strengthened my ability to recognise critical risks before they develop into serious incidents. It also reinforced the importance of safety culture, leadership, and systematic risk management.

In one sentence, what has been the best thing you have learned through your NEBOSH studies so far?
Effective health and safety management is not about reacting to incidents. It is about identifying risks early, implementing robust controls, and creating a culture where safety is a shared responsibility.

What is next for your professional development?
In health and safety, continuous professional development is essential because change is constant and there is always something new to learn. My next goal is to pursue the NEBOSH Diploma, which I consider a natural progression in my professional journey. The Diploma will allow me to develop a deeper understanding of strategic health and safety management, leadership, risk governance, and organisational improvement. The knowledge and insight I gain will help me contribute at a higher level within the profession and support my long-term ambition of becoming a leading health and safety professional in high-risk industries.

You have worked for the Marble and Granite International Company in Saudi Arabia since 2024. Can you tell us about the company's and your role?
I have been working as a Safety Engineer with the Marble and Granite International Company in Saudi Arabia since 2024. The organisation delivers world-class marble and granite products, combining advanced technology, exceptional expertise, and unwavering quality. Premium natural stone is sourced from leading quarries before being crafted, delivered, and installed to create iconic skylines and interiors worldwide.

My responsibilities are varied and include conducting risk assessments, workplace inspections, and incident investigations, as well as delivering training and managing contractors to help ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements. I work closely with employees and management to promote safe working practices and continuously improve safety performance.
A key part of my role is helping to build a proactive safety culture, where hazards are identified and addressed before incidents occur.

In your opinion what qualities do you believe a health and safety professional needs to be successful?
A successful health and safety professional must have strong technical knowledge, but it is equally important to be able to engage with people at all levels of an organisation. Safety professionals should be approachable and objective, with strong communication skills, leadership, integrity, analytical thinking, and the ability to influence positive behaviours. They should also be committed to continuous learning and able to balance operational requirements with effective risk management.

What do you enjoy most about working in health and safety?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is knowing that my efforts help protect people and ensure they return home safely to their families every day. I also enjoy the variety of challenges that health and safety presents. Every workplace is different, and there are always opportunities to learn, improve systems, and make a positive impact.

How is the role of health and safety evolving based on your experience?
Health and safety is evolving from a compliance-focused function into a strategic business function that supports organisational success. Today’s safety professionals are increasingly expected to contribute to leadership decisions, organisational culture, sustainability initiatives, and operational excellence. Emerging technologies, data analytics, and digital safety solutions are also transforming the profession. As industries continue to evolve, health and safety professionals will play an even greater role in managing complex risks and supporting business resilience.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in health and safety?
My advice is to invest in learning, gain practical experience, and never stop developing your knowledge. Health and safety is a profession that requires both technical competence and a genuine commitment to protecting people. Be patient and remain committed to continuous improvement. Every experience, challenge, and learning opportunity contributes to your growth as a health and safety professional.

Qualifications provide an excellent foundation to build on. I chose NEBOSH because its qualifications combine internationally recognised standards with practical workplace application. They have been instrumental in my career development, and I am excited to continue my NEBOSH journey with the NEBOSH Diploma.