|
Dr Alex Hills GRSC PGCE PhD CMIOSH MFOH
Principal Health & Safety Consultant
Alex has a background in the rail and electricity industries as a Scientist before moving into health, safety & environment work. His particular specialisms include occupational hygiene, hazardous area classification and risk assessment, including HAZOP studies. |
What was your motivation for working in health & safety?
I wanted to save lives and make a difference! Like many people, it is an area I moved into almost by chance. I was working as a scientist for British Rail Research and wanted a change from laboratory work, but still wanted to use my technical background. An internal opportunity in the area of Occupational Hygiene arose which seemed interesting; from there through a series of choices and re-organisations I have experienced various health, safety & environmental roles.
What qualifications have you done and how have they helped you in your career?
I have the NEBOSH H&S Diploma, Environmental Diploma and BOHS Occupational Hygiene Diploma. These qualifications are important to demonstrate professional competence, particularly as a consultant. My Chemistry PhD gives me the title of 'Dr' which helps to add gravitas on occasions!
What journals/magazines or newspapers do you read in connection with work/health & safety?
The Safety and Health Practitioner is a useful way of keeping up with developments, I always have the latest copy in my bathroom at home - good toilet reading! I also get the Annals of Occupational Hygiene, however to be honest it is quite academic and a bit heavy going; I always intend to read it but rarely get a round to it.
Do you read any regular online blogs/websites/e-newsletters in connection with work?
I am a member of an Occupational Hygiene discussion forum which can be quite useful; I have asked some questions on it and had good responses as well as trying to answer other people's questions. I also look at the HSE on-line newsletter and website from time to time - a quick and easy way to keep up to date.
Give an example of training or consultancy work you have done, which sums up why you work in health and safety.
I enjoy feeling that a client has genuinely been helped and learned something rather than just tweaking some procedures. During a recent trip to Uganda to review school safety there were a number clear improvements which we identified, which if implemented correctly, could save lives.
On a more mundane level I enjoy an occupational hygiene challenge involving, for example, a novel measurement scenario.
If someone was considering changing their career to health & safety, what advice would you give them?
Go for it, people rarely look back once they have entered the H&S profession. However, even if you do go back, your H&S experience would enhance any line management role. It is worth mentioning however that there are a wide range of H&S topics, so when considering a career, it is worth deciding which aspect would most interest you and seek opportunities accordingly.
| 
