With over 10 years of experience as a health and safety practitioner, I have cultivated a profound understanding of diverse industries, encompassing building construction, road projects, warehouse and retail, recycling, and waste management. Throughout my career, I have effectively empowered and trained numerous leaders in health and safety, several of whom have subsequently established their own enterprises. As evidence of my commitment and proficiency, I was honoured with an award as one of the top 10 health and safety practitioners in 2021.

1. Securing a desirable position upon relocating from South Africa to the United Kingdom, serving as the HSEQ Manager for a recycling company in London.
2. Establishing Health and Safety groups wherein I support aspiring health and safety students who will emerge as leaders of the future. These platforms facilitate the exchange of information, including trainings, job opportunities, career guidance, and the latest updates on health and safety.
3. Formulating a Noise monitoring plan for my recycling company.
4. Implementing wellness programs designed to enhance employee health and diminish absenteeism.

In 2023, numerous Workplace Safety and Health initiatives were effectively implemented in my workplace to safeguard the well-being of employees. Initially, a thorough risk assessment was conducted to pinpoint potential hazards and devise appropriate control measures. Subsequently, regular safety training programs were introduced to educate employees on safe work practices and emergency procedures. Furthermore, a robust incident reporting system was established to encourage employees to report any safety concerns or near misses promptly.

To further bolster safety measures, routine inspections and audits were carried out to ensure adherence to safety regulations and pinpoint areas for enhancement. Finally, a robust safety culture was cultivated through active engagement and communication with employees, including the formation of a safety committee tasked with addressing safety-related issues and fostering continuous improvement.

These initiatives have significantly contributed to the establishment of a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.

As a health and safety practitioner, my capacity to influence has been pivotal in the successful execution of various initiatives. For example, when introducing a new safety protocol, I have effectively conveyed the significance of compliance to all tiers of the organisation. By articulating the potential risks and consequences of non-compliance, I have garnered support and commitment from employees, managers, and stakeholders alike. Furthermore, my adeptness in cultivating relationships and instilling trust has enabled collaboration with diverse departments and teams, ensuring the seamless integration of safety measures into their daily operations. Through consistent communication, training sessions, and tailored feedback, I have fostered a positive safety culture that places a premium on employee well-being. Overall, my influencing capability has been pivotal in fostering a proactive stance towards health and safety, resulting in decreased incidents, enhanced compliance, and a healthier work environment for all.

During my tenure as a health and safety practitioner, my initiative had a profound impact on the safety and health management of our workplace. Through the implementation of comprehensive training programs, regular safety audits, and the introduction of innovative safety protocols, we significantly reduced the number of workplace accidents and injuries. Additionally, I nurtured a culture of safety awareness and responsibility among employees, resulting in improved safety performance and a decrease in near-miss incidents.

Our initiative extended beyond the workplace and into the community, as we organized workshops and seminars to educate local businesses on best practices for safety and health management. Overall, our efforts not only created a safer and healthier working environment but also set a new standard for safety excellence within our industry.

In my view, a safety influencer should possess several key attributes. Firstly, a deep understanding of health and safety regulations and procedures is essential, enabling the effective identification and mitigation of risks in the workplace. Secondly, excellent communication skills are vital, facilitating the effective education and training of others on safety practices. Additionally, as a safety influencer, demonstrating leadership qualities is crucial, involving taking initiative to implement safety measures and setting a positive example for others. Lastly, being proactive in staying updated on industry best practices and advancements in health and safety technology is imperative.

Throughout my daily work, I have consistently demonstrated these attributes by conducting thorough risk assessments, delivering engaging safety training sessions, leading safety committees, and actively seeking out opportunities to enhance safety practices in my workplace. It is through these efforts that I believe I have earned the recognition of a WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award Winner.