Case Studies

Awais, could you please begin by telling us about your WHS role and what this involves day-to-day?

My WHS focuses on driving the HSE agenda across operational activities. Day-to-day, I conduct risk assessments, coordinate incident and accident investigations, perform regular site inspections and audits, and deliver safety training and toolbox talks. I also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with my organisation's global safety standards and German regulatory frameworks.

An organisation's strongest asset is its people—protecting them should always be the priority, and all my activities are focused on this. Therefore, a key responsibility is ensuring all health and safety risks are identified, assessed, and controlled proactively—fostering a culture where "safety isn't a priority, it's a core value."

What would you say is the best thing about the job?

The most rewarding part of working in HSE is protecting people and preventing harm. Knowing that the systems I help implement can save lives, reduce injuries, and promote a sustainable working environment is incredibly fulfilling. I also enjoy the analytical aspect of the role—identifying hazards, assessing risks, and developing creative, compliant control measures. Every day presents a new challenge, and I take pride in being a catalyst for positive safety culture change.

 When did you decide that you wanted to make Health &Safety your career, and how did you make it a reality?

My journey into HSE began during my undergraduate studies in Mechatronics Engineering, where I realised the importance of integrating safety into engineering systems. My passion for occupational health and safety solidified during my early professional years working in the UAE construction and industrial sectors.

To formalise my path in health and safety, I pursued globally recognised qualifications, including the NEBOSH International General Certificate and the NEBOSH International Diploma. I complemented these with real-world experience across high-risk industries such as oil and gas, facilities management, and logistics.

The first NEBOSH qualification you completed was the International General Certificate in Occupational Health. Why did you choose to study this qualification?

A strong safety culture begins with knowledge—only when we understand risks can we effectively control them.I chose the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) because it is recognised as a benchmark qualification for occupational health and safety professionals worldwide. I was actively involved in risk management and workplace safety at the time. I wanted to build a strong foundation in HSE principles, hazard identification, and legal compliance applicable across different industries.

The IGC provided me with technical expertise in occupational health and safety, risk assessment methodologies, and incident prevention strategies. More importantly, it helped me understand the broader impact of safety culture on operational efficiency, employee well-being, and legal compliance.

One of the key reasons I pursued the NEBOSH IGC was its global recognition and credibility. As an HSE professional aiming for an international career, I knew this certification would open doors to better career opportunities and help me contribute effectively to high-risk industries such as construction, logistics, and manufacturing.

The IGC was my career stepping-stone to more advanced HSE roles and further professional development, including the NEBOSH International Diploma.

You studied your NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety with NEBOSH during the pandemic. What was the motivator for this? Can you tell us about your studies and how you found the transition from Certificate to Diploma level study? 

The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining moment for workplace health and safety professionals worldwide. The crisis underscored the urgent need for advanced risk management strategies, emergency preparedness, and strong occupational health and safety leadership. This was my key motivation to pursue the NEBOSH International Diploma. I wanted to develop a deeper understanding of complex HSE systems and be equipped to handle high-level safety challenges in diverse industries.

The transition from the NEBOSH IGC to the Diploma was significant. It required a shift from basic compliance knowledge to a more strategic, analytical, and leadership-focused approach to safety management. The Diploma covered advanced risk assessment techniques, legal frameworks, human factors in safety, and leadership principles, making it a far more intensive and intellectually demanding qualification, which challenged me to learn new skills, including:

• Extensive research and report writing; in-depth analysis was a requirement of Diploma learning and study, a step change from the IGC's structured multiple-choice assessments.
• Applying theoretical concepts to real-world case studies helped refine my problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Remote learning and self-discipline; as I was studying during the pandemic, I had to adapt to an independent learning style, balancing my professional responsibilities with advanced studies.

Despite these challenges, the NEBOSH Diploma gave me a new perspective on safety leadership, behavioural safety, and corporate responsibility. It transformed me from a technical HSE officer into a strategic safety professional capable of influencing higher-level decision-making. One lesson I took away from this experience is best summarised in this quote:

"Health and safety isn't just about policies and procedures; it's about leadership, influence, and making the workplace a safer, healthier environment for all."

Did achieving your Diploma benefit you?

As the saying goes, "With knowledge comes responsibility. The more we learn about safety, the more we must apply it to protect lives."

Absolutely! Achieving my NEBOSH International Diploma has been one of the most significant milestones in my career as a health, safety, and environment (HSE) professional. It has given me in-depth knowledge, global recognition, and the confidence to lead high-level safety initiatives. The benefits extend beyond career growth—they have shaped my approach to risk management, leadership, and strategic decision-making in workplace safety and include:

• Global Career Advancement: The Diploma positioned me as a highly competent safety professional, enabling me to transition into international HSE roles, including my current position at a leading logistics and technology corporation in Germany. It is an internationally respected qualification, helping me gain recognition not only in my home country but also in global markets. 

• Advanced Risk Management Skills: The qualification deepened my technical expertise in hazard identification, control measures, emergency planning, and occupational health regulations. I became more confident analysing complex safety issues and proposing data-driven, legally compliant solutions.

• Leadership and Influence in HSE: The Diploma taught me how to integrate safety into business strategy and communicate effectively with senior leadership teams, operational managers, and front-line workers. It strengthened my ability to drive cultural change and create a proactive safety-first mindset in the workplace.

• Ability to Implement and Influence Safety Culture: The Diploma has made me a better safety practitioner and leader who can influence culture, improve safety behaviours, and drive long-term safety excellence.

The NEBOSH Diploma was more than just a certification—it was a catalyst for professional growth and long-term career success in HSE. It has been a game-changer in my professional journey, opening doors to new opportunities, greater responsibilities, and a deeper impact on workplace safety standards.

What achievement are you most proud of?

My proudest achievement as an HSE professional was leading a safety improvement project at a leading multinational facilities management company (UAE). The project focused on enhancing workplace safety culture, reducing incidents, and improving compliance with international safety standards and its key outcomes included:

• Increasing operational efficiency by 25% through the implementation of streamlined safety protocols

• Achieving a 95 %+ compliance score in external HSE audits, demonstrating a commitment to best practices.

• Significant reduction in workplace incidents due to proactive hazard control measures.

• Increased workforce engagement in safety initiatives, resulting in better hazard reporting and behavioural safety improvements.

The achievement was not just about numbers and compliance scores but about making a real difference to workplace safety. Seeing workers adopt safer practices and actively contribute to a positive safety culture was immensely rewarding.

More than anything, the project underlined for me that safety is not a box-ticking exercise; it's about people, processes, and purpose. When safety becomes second nature, we know we've succeeded.

What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?

The most fulfilling aspect of being a health, safety, and environment (HSE) professional is the ability to protect lives and create safer workplaces. Every decision, risk assessment, and safety intervention I implement directly impacts the well-being of workers, operational efficiency, and overall business sustainability.

I take immense pride in my work preventing accidents, reducing occupational hazards, and ensuring compliance with global safety standards. The ability to analyse risks, implement proactive safety measures, and influence organisational culture makes this profession both challenging and rewarding.

A strong safety culture is not built overnight—it is cultivated through leadership, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As an HSE professional, my role is more than a job—it's a commitment to safeguarding lives, fostering a culture of safety, and driving sustainable workplace practices. That's what makes this profession so rewarding and inspiring.

As the famous quote goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

You have undertaken mentoring relationships to help you move forward. Can you tell me more about how this has benefited you and your career progression?

Mentorship has played a crucial role in my career development as an HSE professional. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to receive guidance from senior safety leaders, industry experts, and NEBOSH-certified professionals, who have significantly influenced my approach to workplace safety, risk management, and leadership.

Mentoring expanded my knowledge and technical expertise, enabling me to learn from experienced mentors. This helped me bridge the gap between theory and real-world application in occupational health and safety. I also gained practical insights into complex risk assessment techniques, safety culture transformation, and global HSE best practices that went beyond textbooks and certification.

It also provided strategic career growth & professional development with my mentors providing valuable career guidance, helping me identify growth opportunities, select the right certifications, and navigate career transitions into leadership roles. Their advice was instrumental in my decision to pursue the NEBOSH International Diploma, which significantly elevated my professional standing.

"A good mentor doesn't just teach you what they know; they inspire you to achieve what you never thought possible."

Inspired by my mentors, I have now taken on a mentoring role myself, guiding junior HSE professionals and helping them develop the necessary skills to succeed in the field. This has strengthened my own knowledge and reinforced my commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Through mentorship, I have gained technical expertise and strategic insights and developed the leadership mindset necessary to drive safety excellence globally. This transformative experience continues to shape my career.

 What advice would you give someone pursuing a health and safety career?

 Pursuing a career in health and safety is a commitment to making a difference. You'll be the voice for people's well-being, the advocate for safer systems, and the guardian of organisational integrity. Embrace the responsibility with passion, humility, and a lifelong drive for excellence. For those considering this path, my advice is rooted in experience, passion, and a commitment to lifelong learning: 

• Build a strong foundation with recognised qualifications: Start your journey with internationally respected certifications like the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC). It lays the groundwork for understanding risk management, hazard control, and legal compliance. As you progress, consider advanced qualifications like the NEBOSH International Diploma, which equips you with strategic and analytical tools to lead safety programs effectively. 

• Develop a ‘safety-first’ mindset, not just knowledge: Being an HSE professional means living and promoting a safety culture. It's not just about knowing the regulations but truly believing in the value of protecting people and the environment. Your mindset should always prioritise prevention over reaction. "Health and safety is not a department. It's a mindset, a responsibility, and a value system.” 

• Be curious and keep on learning: The world of HSE is constantly evolving. Stay updated with emerging risks, new technologies, behavioural safety techniques, and regulatory changes. Attend webinars, read case studies, join professional bodies like IOSH, and strive for continuous improvement. 

• Find a Mentor and BE a Mentor: Surround yourself with experienced professionals who can guide you, challenge you, and open doors. As you grow, give back by mentoring others. The profession thrives on shared knowledge and collective improvement. 

• Lead by example: Safety doesn't start in the rulebook—it begins with you. Always practice what you preach. Your integrity and consistency will build trust and influence others to adopt safe behaviours. Leadership in HSE is not about enforcing compliance—it's about inspiring commitment.

 HSE is more than a profession—it's a commitment to protecting lives, promoting well-being, and supporting sustainable business practices.