IOSH
From rail risk to Chartered success
How achieving CMIOSH through the experiential route transformed a safety leader’s career
Andrew Dobson leveraged two decades of high-risk industry experience to achieve Chartered membership via IOSH’s experiential route. His story shows how professional recognition can elevate credibility, influence safety culture, and open doors to leadership opportunities.
A rail risk
Starting his career in the high-risk rail industry, Andrew was exposed to both the real consequences of unsafe practices, but also how effective risk assessment, control measures and safe systems of work acted to prevent harm.
This experience fuelled his determination to make an impact in safety and health.
“Witnessing incidents firsthand made me determined to ensure everyone goes home safe, including myself.”
Andrew John Dobson
- Job role
- Safety Director
- Company
- Metrolinx
He was then inspired to take his OSH career further and lead change. “I saw how safety leadership drives cultural change and operational excellence. That inspired me to pursue OSH qualifications.”
He now holds over 20 years’ experience in transportation, from frontline safety-critical roles to directing safety strategies for multi-billion-dollar programs. With such an impressive record of experience, what was Andrew seeking from Chartered membership?
“Chartership elevated my professional credibility, aligning me with international standards and enhancing my ability to influence safety culture, governance, and strategic risk management. It’s helped me become a more well-rounded, accountable, and effective safety leader – capable of driving meaningful change across complex, high-risk environments.”
Andrew John Dobson
- Job role
- Safety Director
- Company
- Metrolinx
He also found CMIOSH a way of demonstrating his well-rounded technical and professional skills. “It allowed me to consolidate my expertise across engineering, project management, and safety leadership into a recognized OSH credential.”
A rewarding challenge
“Distilling two decades of diverse experience into concise, competency-based evidence was a challenge.”
But it wasn’t a challenge without reward, Andrew found as much value in the process of the experiential route as he has in becoming Chartered. “The experiential route was more rewarding than anticipated, offering a structured way to showcase my journey and reaffirm my dedication to safety leadership.”
“I expected a rigorous and reflective process, and it delivered. It pushed me to reflect deeply on my career and articulate the value I’ve brought to organisations and the profession.”
Andrew John Dobson
- Job role
- Safety Director
- Company
- Metrolinx
Top tips
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Show employer support early
Make sure your employer understands the value of CMIOSH. Mine was instrumental and strengthened my confidence and supported with evidence.
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Seek mentorship and peer feedback
Mentorship and peer feedback are invaluable. I got help from many different friends and peers and I was lucky enough to have a CMIOSH mentor.
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Plan your route like a project
Approach the route like any major project. Structured planning, clear milestones and protected time meant I was able to balance it alongside a demanding role and family commitments.
The next stop
Becoming a Chartered member is the start of a new chapter of influence for Andrew.
“Becoming a Chartered member is a launchpad for broader impact. It positions me to contribute at a higher level – whether advising boards, shaping safety culture, or mentoring future professionals. I’m committed to giving back by contributing to working groups, mentoring aspiring professionals, and staying active in the IOSH community to remain current, connected, and dedicated to lifelong learning.My goal is to start training IOSH courses and take on leadership roles within IOSH, whether chairing a branch or even starting a new one in Canada. And I’m already looking ahead to achieving CFIOSH as my next milestone.”
Andrew John Dobson
- Job role
- Safety Director
- Company
- Metrolinx
Ready to elevate your career and influence safety culture like Andrew?
Explore our internationally recognised qualifications and start your journey toward Chartered membership today.