IOSH
Being a fellow with purpose
Emmanuel Fernandez looks back on his route to CFIOSH and forward to developing his legacy
It takes a lot to reach our top membership grade. Emmanuel Fernandez has worked his way up to become a Chartered Fellow during a decade as an IOSH member. Find out about his career path, reflections on the Fellowship application experience and what’s next.
“In my childhood, I witnessed workers climbing trees to pluck coconuts that soared to heights of 60 to 80 metres, with no fall protection measures in place. This practice was considered normal. However, the child in me was always curious about ways to ensure their safety.
“I had personally seen workers fall and become paralysed, observing first-hand the enduring hardship faced by their families. It was then, that I realised the impact I could have as a health, safety and environment professional in saving lives.”
Those early experiences on the beaches of Kerala in India became the driving force for a life focused on making work environments safer.
Emmanuel has now clocked up more than 20 years in the profession. His impressive CV includes operational, strategic and training roles for major companies based in India and across the Middle East. He has experience in many different sectors, including construction and petrochemicals.
Developing with IOSH
Taking advantage of every opportunity to learn and develop is a theme throughout Emmanuel’s career. He joined IOSH in 2015 as a Graduate Member (now known as Certified Member) and has since drawn on many of the resources and networking available to our members.
For example, Emmanuel credits insight from a free IOSH webinar on emerging technologies with his solution for a construction client facing a significant challenge. A lack of manpower to monitor unsafe acts and conditions across multiple shifts was leading to recurring incidents at their sites.
“The webinar highlighted the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven systems, including smart cameras, to track unsafe acts and conditions in real-time, a perfect fit for the resource constraints my client faced. Inspired by this, I shared the webinar recording and supporting materials from IOSH’s YouTube channel with their leadership team, helping them understand the potential of such technologies.
“I went a step further by offering guidance and tailored advice on implementing this emerging technology. I walked them through the process of selecting and installing AI cameras capable of real-time monitoring and tracking of safety issues on-site.
“This system not only provided them with 24/7 oversight but also enabled immediate intervention to prevent incidents, effectively compensating for their manpower limitations. The client is in the process of deploying this system, and the early signs of improvement in safety management are promising. This collaboration underscores the critical role IOSH resources and the exchange of ideas with fellow professionals play in driving meaningful change.”
Mission possible
Emmanuel described it as a ‘personal mission’ to reach our highest membership level.
He said: “Becoming a Chartered Fellow wasn’t merely about titles or accolades. It was about embodying leadership and serving as a beacon of excellence for others in the profession. It’s an acknowledgment of not just what I’ve achieved, but also of my ongoing responsibility to drive change, influence policy and nurture the next generation of HSE professionals.
“Achieving Chartered Fellowship represents a legacy, a commitment to leave the profession stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for the challenges of tomorrow. That, to me, is a purpose worth pursuing.”
“Chartered Fellowship represents a legacy, a commitment to leave the profession stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for the challenges of tomorrow. That, to me, is a purpose worth pursuing.”
Emmanuel Fernandez CFIOSH
Applying to become an IOSH Chartered Fellow involves putting together a portfolio of evidence which is then evaluated by three independent assessors. The process allowed Emmanuel to look back with pride on a working life spent in keeping others safe.
He said: “It was a 21-year rigorous journey that challenged me to critically reflect on my contributions, refine my strategic insights, and underscore my commitment to advancing our profession.
“Through the Fellowship process, I gained a heightened appreciation for the impact that our work as HSE professionals has on organisational resilience and the welfare of society at large.”
Emmanuel encourages other members considering applying for their Fellowship to go for it. His top three tips are:
- believe in your moral responsibility to make a difference
- understand that service goes beyond money and recognition
- always have the zeal to learn and improve.
“Fellowship is not merely an achievement, it’s a responsibility to uplift others, challenge norms, and champion a safer, healthier future. Step onto this path with purpose, passion, and a commitment to excellence, you won’t just transform your career, but the world around you.”
Powering forward
So what next for Emmanuel now he can add the coveted CFIOSH post-nominals after his name?
He is looking at opportunities to innovate within the profession through the use of new technologies.
“My next professional challenge lies in integrating artificial intelligence into the management of occupational health, safety and environment,” he said.
“The aim is to enhance both the engineering and managerial sides of OSH through data-driven insights and predictive capabilities.
“I am also passionate about developing a transformative programme to combat substance misuse, targeting both workers and university students with high-impact interventions designed to effect genuine behavioural change. Additionally, I am committed to volunteering within local communities, imparting safety knowledge and services to foster a safer, more informed public.
“To achieve these goals, I seek to deepen my understanding of emerging technologies that can elevate OSH practices and contribute meaningfully to a safer, more sustainable world.”
Find out more about the eligibility requirements and how to make your application.
