Safety isn’t about rules, but inspiring people to care

Growing up in Madhya Pradesh, India, close to the epicentre of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, profoundly shaped my life. I was actually born in Bhopal and witnessed the devastating impact of one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. This left more than just physical scars on our community – it planted in me a seed of responsibility and a powerful drive to ensure such a tragedy should never happen again. That moment, and the many stories I lived through, became the foundation of my career choice.

After completing my Master’s in Industrial Safety Engineering, I joined the Al Hamad Group, in Abu Dhabi. 

The oil and gas sector, particularly onshore and offshore operations, presents extreme challenges, where one wrong step can risk lives, destroy assets, and harm the environment. Yet, it is this very complexity that attracts me. I thrive in high-pressure environments where strategic planning, fast decision-making and a genuine passion for human welfare converge.

What made me stay in this field for over a decade was the sense of purpose I carry every day. My mission is simple, but powerful: protect the workforce, safeguard the assets and preserve the environment. I enjoy every opportunity to teach, advise and engage directly with the workers, be it during toolbox talks, behavioural safety observations, or one-on-one mentorship sessions. Safety isn't about enforcing rules, but inspiring people to care for each other.

High stakes

Over the years, I have worked on multiple onshore and offshore projects, especially with the Abu Dhabi government-owned ADNOC Group of Companies' main contractors, in the UAE. The stakes are high on such projects, but so are the opportunities to make a difference. I’ve been part of incident investigation committees, led Health and Safety Executive (HSE) audits, and driven initiatives that have reduced incidents and improved worker morale. 

Career development in the oil and gas sector is robust for those who are passionate and persistent. The industry needs sharp minds who can understand technical systems, interpret risks and lead by example. There are opportunities in training, auditing, compliance and emergency management – all of which demand continuous learning and leadership.

Looking ahead, my personal goal is to become a mentor to the next generation of safety professionals. I believe in passing on not just technical knowledge, but also the emotional intelligence and ethical grounding needed in this field. Platforms like the IOSH Future Leaders Community, and I’m a member of its steering group, are vital in creating those bridges between experienced professionals and emerging talent.