Success sends student Derrick “over the moon”

Derrick Atsu Patamia, who is studying for an MSc in occupational safety, health and environment, was judged to have given the best five-minute recorded talk. His talk was on the process of risk management in a changing, post-pandemic working landscape of different employment models.

Runners-up prizes of £150 went to safety, health and environment (SHE) technician apprentices:

• Umayya Rahman, from RHG Consult Ltd, in Market Harborough, Leicestershire
• Alivia Keirle, of Penshaw View Training, in Sunderland.

Derrick described himself as being “over the moon” when hearing of his competition success. He said: “I wanted to challenge myself and add to the conversation about how risk assessments should evolve around today’s world of work.

“The competition gave me a chance to connect classroom learning to real world issues and situations.”

In encouraging other IOSH Student Members to enter next year, Derrick gave this advice: “Be authentic. Back up you points with real-world examples and follow your heart.”

Runners-up Umayya and Alivia both spoke of the boost their competition success had given their confidence.

“The process was both engaging and rewarding, ” said Umayya. "This allowed me to bring my creative perspective and approach to the norm of safety, with a new and innovative mindset.”

Alivia said she found the process of taking part “thought provoking and challenging.”

“A great opportunity”

Future leaders community steering group member and competition judge, Olivia Barrett, congratulated all the winners of this year’s competition. Olivia described it as “a great opportunity for student members to put their knowledge into practice in a real-world scenario.

“This year’s challenge was especially relevant, asking students to consider the realities of flexible and dynamic risk assessments shaped by the global pandemic and remote working,” she added.

“It was interesting to see the approach that students took, including how they structured their answers, researched relevant examples, and provided an analysis of their findings.

“Well done to everyone who took part – we’re looking forward to seeing what you do next.”

And look out for another IOSH Student Competition next year.