About Saif Al Shadfan
Saif Al-Shadfan, from Jordan and originally form Palestine, holding a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Mu’tah University in Jordan, start working in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) field from 2006, currently employed to QatarEnergy as a HSE Officer. Prior worked as a HSE Manager/HSE Engineer for CCC in Qatar, focusing on the oil and gas sector, Pipelines, and Aviation. I have contributed my HSE expertise to five significant projects within the oil and gas industry across various industrial regions in Qatar, including RLC, MIC, Dukhan, and Doha.
Cert IOSH member, complete level 6 in HSE Studies, Chartered Club President of HSE Toastmasters club, lead auditor, approved trainer, volunteer by nature, member of IOSH, JEA, MMUP, SFEP, Highfield, NEBOSH, and JMJ.
List the Safety and Health achievements/contributions you have achieved in 2023.
Throughout 2023, I engaged in diverse fields aimed at fostering my personal and professional development, both within my organisation and externally, thereby expanding my professional network.
Here are the areas I focused on:
Conducting Specialised Training Courses:
I seized the opportunity to lead various training sessions and workshops as a freelance instructor for targeted groups across different training centers. These engagements necessitated meticulous preparation of materials, exams, and other components essential to the training process. Immersing myself in the subject matter during the preparation phase enabled me to anticipate and effectively address any queries that arose during the training sessions. Consequently, this experience bolstered my prowess in presentation and delivery.
Data Analysis:
In a recent project assignment, I collaborated with contractors to enhance data collection and analysis procedures. Beginning with the inception of data collection, I oversaw the entire process, including input-output mechanisms, graphing, and tabulation. Together, we generated comprehensive analyses using Excel, presenting insights such as percentages, numerical figures, and actionable insights. These findings were shared in various forums and meetings with both management and clients, facilitating discussions on project progress and areas requiring refinement. This informed decision-making process streamlined the implementation of action plans and ensured the involvement of relevant stakeholders.
Outline the Workplace Safety and Health initiatives that have been implemented by you in your workplace in 2023.
Improving Management Leadership: Becoming Safety Role Models Through Commitment to Wearing Gloves On-Site
In any organisation, effective leadership is not only about making decisions and overseeing operations but also about setting a positive example for others to follow. One area where management can truly lead by example is in the realm of safety practices. By demonstrating a steadfast commitment to safety protocols, particularly the consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, leaders can instill a culture of safety throughout the organisation and inspire their teams to prioritise safety above all else.
Management's role in fostering a culture of safety begins with their own actions. By consistently wearing gloves on-site, regardless of the task at hand, leaders send a powerful message about the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. This visible demonstration of commitment not only reinforces the significance of wearing gloves but also underscores the broader culture of accountability and responsibility for safety that permeates the organisation.
Moreover, when management prioritises safety and makes it a non-negotiable aspect of daily operations, it sets a standard for excellence that others are compelled to emulate. Employees are more likely to take safety protocols seriously when they see their leaders actively practicing what they preach. This alignment between words and actions creates trust and respect, fostering a collaborative environment where safety is everyone's responsibility.
Furthermore, by embodying safety leadership through their commitment to wearing gloves on-site, management serves as role models for their teams. They demonstrate that safety is not merely a set of rules to be followed but a core value that guides every aspect of the organisation's activities. As such, employees are encouraged to internalise these values and integrate them into their own behaviours, both on and off the job.
In conclusion, improving management leadership involves more than just making decisions from the boardroom; it requires active engagement and demonstration of commitment to safety on the front lines. By consistently wearing gloves on-site, management not only prioritises the well-being of their employees but also sets a powerful example for others to follow. Through their unwavering dedication to safety, leaders become catalysts for cultural change, shaping a workplace where safety is paramount and everyone plays a part in creating a safer environment.
Describe and support in detail on how your influencing capability has assisted in the successful implementation of these initiatives.
My influencing capability has played a crucial role in the successful implementation of initiatives aimed at making management safety role models through their commitment to wearing gloves on-site. Here's a detailed explanation of how this capability has contributed to achieving this goal:
Building Awareness and Understanding: One of the first steps in influencing others to prioritise safety, including wearing gloves, is to build awareness and understanding of the importance of this practice. Through effective communication and education initiatives, I've been able to highlight the risks associated with not wearing gloves and the potential consequences for both individual safety and organisational success. By providing clear and compelling explanations, backed by relevant data and real-life examples, I've helped stakeholders grasp the significance of this initiative and understand why it's essential for everyone to adhere to it.
Gaining Leadership Support: Influencing management to become safety role models requires gaining their support and commitment to the initiative. By engaging in open dialogue and presenting a persuasive case for the benefits of leading by example, I've been able to secure buy-in from key decision-makers. I've highlighted how management's visible commitment to wearing gloves not only sets a positive example for others but also fosters a culture of safety throughout the organisation. Through collaborative discussions and by addressing any concerns or objections they may have, I've been able to enlist management's full support and participation in this important initiative.
Empowering Others to Take Ownership: Influencing capability also involves empowering others to take ownership of safety initiatives and actively participate in their implementation. I've encouraged team members at all levels of the organisation to embrace their role in promoting safety and holding themselves and their colleagues accountable for wearing gloves on-site. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility and emphasising the collective impact of individual actions, I've motivated employees to prioritise safety as a core value and integrate it into their daily routines. This empowerment has been instrumental in driving widespread adoption of the glove-wearing practice and sustaining it over time.
Addressing Resistance and Overcoming Challenges: In any initiative, there are bound to be challenges and resistance from some quarters. My influencing capability has enabled me to effectively address resistance and overcome obstacles to the implementation of the glove-wearing initiative. Through active listening and empathy, I've sought to understand the concerns and perspectives of those who may be hesitant to embrace the change. By acknowledging their concerns and offering reassurance, support, and additional training or resources as needed, I've been able to alleviate fears and garner greater acceptance of the initiative.
Celebrating Successes and Recognising Progress: Finally, my influencing capability has helped in celebrating successes and recognising progress toward the goal of making management safety role models through their commitment to wearing gloves on-site. By publicly acknowledging and rewarding individuals and teams who consistently adhere to the practice, I've reinforced the importance of their efforts and motivated others to follow suit. This positive reinforcement has helped to sustain momentum, boost morale, and further embed the glove-wearing practice into the organisational culture.
In summary, my influencing capability has been instrumental in driving the successful implementation of the initiative to make management safety role models through their commitment to wearing gloves on- site. By building awareness and understanding, gaining leadership support, empowering others to take ownership, addressing resistance, and celebrating successes, I've been able to create a culture where safety is prioritised, embraced, and exemplified by all levels of the organisation.
Describe and provide support on how your initiative impacted the Safety and Health management and performance of your workplace/community/industry that was above and beyond.
The initiative to improve management leadership by making them safety role models through their commitment to wearing gloves on-site has had a profound impact on safety and health management within our workplace/community/industry, surpassing expectations in several key area:
Cultural Shift Towards Safety Excellence: The initiative sparked a significant cultural shift within our organisation/community/industry towards prioritising safety as a core value. By visibly demonstrating their commitment to safety through consistent glove-wearing practices, management set a powerful example for employees at all levels. This cultural transformation not only elevated awareness of safety protocols but also fostered a shared sense of responsibility for ensuring a safe work environment. As a result, safety became ingrained in the organisation's DNA, permeating all aspects of operations and contributing to a proactive approach to risk management.
Reduction in Incidents and Injuries: The initiative led to a tangible reduction in workplace incidents and injuries, resulting in a safer and healthier environment for all stakeholders. By embracing glove-wearing as a non-negotiable safety measure, management minimised the risk of hand-related injuries and mitigated potential hazards associated with handling various materials and equipment on-site. This proactive stance on safety not only safeguarded the well-being of employees but also enhanced productivity and operational efficiency by minimizing downtime and absenteeism due to workplace accidents.
Enhanced Employee Engagement and Morale: The commitment of management to wearing gloves on-site served as a catalyst for enhanced employee engagement and morale. Employees felt valued and respected knowing that their leaders prioritised their safety and well-being. This sense of trust and mutual respect fostered a positive work environment characterised by open communication, collaboration, and teamwork. As a result, morale soared, and employees were more motivated to actively participate in safety initiatives, contributing their ideas and feedback to further improve safety practices.
Recognition as Industry Leaders in Safety: The proactive stance of management towards safety, exemplified by their commitment to wearing gloves on-site, garnered recognition from peers, stakeholders, and industry regulators alike. Our organisation/community/industry became known as a leader in safety excellence, setting the benchmark for best practices and innovation in safety management. This reputation not only enhanced our brand image but also attracted top talent and business opportunities, further solidifying our position as a trusted partner in the industry.
Long-term Sustainability and Continual Improvement: Perhaps most importantly, the initiative laid the foundation for long-term sustainability and continual improvement in safety and health management. By ingraining safety consciousness into the organisational culture and making it a fundamental aspect of leadership, the initiative set the stage for ongoing efforts to identify, assess, and mitigate risks proactively. Management's unwavering commitment to safety, exemplified through glove-wearing practices, served as a guiding principle for future decision-making and strategic planning, ensuring that safety remains a top priority in all endeavours.
In conclusion, the initiative to improve management leadership by making them safety role models through their commitment to wearing gloves on-site has had a transformative impact on safety and health management within our workplace/community/industry. By fostering a culture of safety excellence, reducing incidents and injuries, enhancing employee engagement and morale, gaining recognition as industry leaders in safety, and promoting long-term sustainability and continual improvement, the initiative has exceeded expectations and set a new standard for safety leadership and performance.
In your opinion, what are the attributes of a safety influencer? Do share with us on how you have demonstrated these attributes in your daily work that will earn you the recognition of a WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award Winner in your workplace/community/industry.
In my opinion, the attributes of a safety influencer include:
Passion for Safety: A safety influencer is deeply passionate about promoting safety and well-being in the workplace/community/industry. They genuinely care about the health and safety of others and are committed to making a positive impact.
Leadership: A safety influencer demonstrates strong leadership qualities, inspiring others to prioritise safety through their words and actions. They lead by example, setting a high standard for safety practices and empowering others to do the same.
Effective Communication: A safety influencer possesses excellent communication skills, enabling them to convey safety messages clearly and persuasively. They can articulate the importance of safety protocols and procedures in a way that resonates with their audience.
Collaboration: A safety influencer recognises that safety is a collective responsibility and actively collaborates with others to promote a culture of safety. They seek input from stakeholders, listen to concerns, and work together to find solutions that benefit everyone.
Innovation: A safety influencer is open to new ideas and approaches to improve safety outcomes. They are proactive in identifying potential hazards and implementing innovative solutions to address them effectively.
Adaptability: A safety influencer is adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges and changes. They are able to navigate complex situations and adjust their approach as needed to ensure safety remains a top priority.
Continuous Learning: A safety influencer is committed to ongoing learning and development in the field of safety. They stay informed about industry best practices, regulations, and emerging trends, seeking opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills.
Recognition of Others: A safety influencer recognises and celebrates the contributions of others to safety initiatives. They acknowledge the efforts of their colleagues and team members, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
In my daily work, I have demonstrated these attributes through various actions and initiatives that have earned me recognition as a safety influencer:
- I have consistently advocated for safety in all aspects of my work, demonstrating a genuine passion for the well-being of my colleagues and community.
- Through my leadership roles, I have led by example, consistently following safety protocols and encouraging others to do the same.
- I have effectively communicated safety messages through presentations, training sessions, and written materials, ensuring that everyone understands the importance of safety and their role in promoting it.
- I have collaborated with colleagues across departments to develop and implement innovative safety initiatives, such as new training programs or safety protocols.
- I have remained adaptable in the face of challenges, finding creative solutions to safety issues and adjusting my approach as needed.
- I have prioritized continuous learning, staying informed about the latest developments in safety practices and seeking opportunities for professional development.
- I have recognized the contributions of my colleagues to safety initiatives, celebrating their efforts and fostering a positive safety culture within my workplace/community/industry.
- Overall, my commitment to safety and the demonstration of these attributes have positioned me as a safety influencer in my workplace/community/industry, earning me the recognition of a WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award Winner.