Dr. Veera Kumar, PhD, M.Eng., M.Sc., B.Eng., CEng, CFIOSH, CSP, CIT, SMS, CRSP, MSOE, MIplantE, NEBOSH I Dip, is a renowned HSE professional with over 24 years of expertise across industries. Based in ADVETI, UAE, he drives excellence in safety education and assessment. Holding a Ph.D. and multiple certifications, he integrates technical expertise with innovative leadership. A dedicated mentor for BCSP and IOSH, he has shaped global safety education. In 2024, he received the BCSP Award of Excellence (CIT category) and the Safety Specialist Award (SOE, UK), reinforcing his impact on occupational safety and professional development worldwide.

In 2024, Dr. Veera Kumar achieved significant milestones in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), earning global recognition for his contributions to safety excellence. He was honoured with the Safety Specialist Award 2024 by the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), UK, acknowledging his leadership in fostering a culture of safety resilience. Additionally, he became the first HSE professional worldwide to receive the BCSP Award of Excellence for the category of Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT), USA. This historic achievement highlights his dedication to advancing safety education and training. Further reinforcing his commitment to professional excellence, he attained Chartered Fellow (CFIOSH) status from IOSH, UK, the highest membership level, recognising his expertise, strategic leadership, and innovative contributions to workplace safety. As part of his volunteer contributions, he actively serves as a mentor for BCSP and IOSH, a peer reviewer for MJMHS, and an External Quality Assurer for IOSH AO, playing a key role in shaping global safety education, research, and professional development. Additionally, he was appointed as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for EHS qualifications at ACTVET, UAE, ensuring compliance with rigorous quality assurance standards. He also served as an adjudicator in Hazard Identification and Environmental Monitoring at the ADVETI, UAE, in September 2024.

In 2024, Dr. Veera Kumar led several Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) initiatives at Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI), UAE, integrating technology-driven solutions to enhance safety education and competency-based assessments. He played a key role in advancing digital assessments in vocational education, improving the reliability and accessibility of competency-based e-assessments for Environment Health and Safety (EHS) qualifications. Recognising the value of immersive learning, he implemented VR-based training and formative assessments, enabling learners to engage in Risk Assessment Simulations, Incident Investigation Training, and Work at Height Simulations. These innovative tools strengthen critical thinking, logical reasoning, and decision-making in high-risk environments. He also introduced e-portfolios and SharePoint-based assessment validation, ensuring real-time competency tracking and seamless evaluation processes. Additionally, he established a HSE Laboratory, providing learners with hands-on experience in hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety procedures. Furthermore, he contributed to EHS curriculum enhancements by aligning unit standards with industry demands and best practices. He actively engaged in faculty training, industry consultations, and research-driven innovation to keep safety education relevant and effective.

Dr. Veera Kumar's ability to influence key stakeholders has been instrumental in successfully implementing Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) initiatives at ADVETI. By leveraging his expertise in safety management, quality assurance, and vocational education, he effectively communicated the benefits of digital assessments, VR-based learning, and competency-driven evaluation methods to decision-makers. Through strategic discussions and evidence-based presentations, he secured leadership support for the integration of technology-enhanced assessments, ensuring alignment with industry needs and regulatory standards. His strong collaboration with faculty members, assessors, and industry experts played a crucial role in driving curriculum enhancements and assessment reforms. He conducted training sessions, workshops, and mentoring programs, empowering educators to adopt new teaching methodologies and digital assessment tools. Additionally, his involvement in external quality assurance and professional networks helped advocate for best practices in safety education, further strengthening ADVETI’s reputation as a leader in vocational training. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of his initiatives—such as enhanced learner engagement, improved competency validation, and streamlined assessment processes—he influenced both internal and external stakeholders to embrace these advancements.

Dr. Veera Kumar's initiatives have significantly enhanced Safety and Health management and performance at ADVETI, going beyond standard practices to create a sustainable, technology-driven safety culture. By implementing VR-based training, digital assessments, and competency-focused evaluations, he transformed safety education, ensuring learners develop practical, industry-relevant skills. These advancements led to more effective risk assessment training, improved incident investigation capabilities, and heightened preparedness for high-risk work environments. Beyond the workplace, his influence extended to the vocational education sector and industry partnerships, where he actively collaborated with regulatory bodies, industry experts, and professional organisations to align training programs with evolving safety standards. His contributions in EHS curriculum renewal, digital learning frameworks, and faculty development strengthened the overall quality of safety education, benefiting both learners and employers. In the broader industry, his efforts in quality assurance, policy development, and mentoring have shaped the next generation of safety professionals, ensuring they meet internationally recognised safety standards. By advocating for technology-driven safety assessments and competency-based learning, he has contributed to a more resilient and proactive safety culture.

A safety influencer embodies leadership, innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement in occupational safety and health, Dr. Veera Kumar believes. They inspire change, advocate for best practices, and drive a proactive safety culture by integrating emerging technologies and aligning safety education with industry standards. He has demonstrated these attributes through pioneering technology-driven safety training and assessments at ADVETI, including VR-based learning, digital portfolios, and competency-focused e-assessments. These innovations have enhanced engagement, accessibility, and practical skill development, ensuring that learners are industry-ready safety professionals. His role as an Internal Quality Assurer, mentor, and subject matter expert has allowed him to influence policy, shape qualifications, and elevate training standards. Beyond his workplace, he has actively engaged with regulatory bodies, professional organisations, and industry leaders to promote best practices in safety education. By driving initiatives that enhance workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and professional development, he has made a lasting impact on the safety community, deserving recognition as a WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award Winner.