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Rob Cooling BA MA BSc PGCE CMIOSH
Principal Health & Safety Consultant
Rob has gained experience in providing safety training and consultancy services within Government organisations, construction, agriculture and chemical processing sectors. He is based in Dubai and trains on the NEBOSH Diploma, along with other accredited international qualifications. |
What was your motivation for working in health & safety?
The diversity of health & safety has always appealed to me. It touches upon so many issues and every day as a safety practitioner you are faced with different challenges. I have also always possessed a passion and enthusiasm as a trainer and enjoy the opportunity of passing on knowledge to others.
What qualifications have you done and how have they helped you in your career?
I have a NEBOSH Diploma, Bachelor of Science Degree in Safety and Environmental Management and a Masters Degree in Health and Safety Law. Qualifications provide credibility and certainly help enhance your employability if backed up by industrial experience.
Are you involved in health & safety groups or committees? And what benefits are these to you and you to them?
When I was based in the UK I was involved with local safety groups and since moving to Dubai I have attended the IOSH Middle East branch meetings. These type of forums are always an invaluable opportunity to meet fellow safety professionals and develop new contacts.
What journals/magazines or newspapers do you read in connection with work/health & safety?
Even though I am based overseas, I make an effort to read the Safety and Health Practitioner. Reading safety magazines and journals is an important aspect of continuing professional development and helps me keep abreast of health and safety issues within the UK, should I ever decide to leave the sun in Dubai and come back home!
Do you read any regular online blogs/websites/e-newsletters in connection with work?
Due to my work as a trainer, I tend to refer to the NEBOSH and IOSH websites on a fairly regular basis. In particular, the chat forums on the IOSH website often address a wide range of topical health & safety issues; provide advice for students and often quite useful links in relation to employment opportunities.
Give an example of training or consultancy work you have done, which sums up why you work in health & safety:
I am currently involved in a project providing specific health & safety awareness training for all employees at Serco Middle East, who are going to be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Dubai Metro, once construction is completed. Our UK standards in health, safety & environmental work are held as the 'gold Standard in this part of the world and I feel that I am making a genuine difference in raising levels of awareness which will help to prevent accidents and cases of ill health.
If someone was considering changing their career to health & safety, what advice would you give them?
Somewhat of an old adage, but 'don't be afraid to start at the bottom and work your way up.' Even if this involves taking a cut in salary, in the long term once you have gathered the experience you will gain the rewards. In most cases the best safety practitioners are those who are able to have an empathy with people at different levels of the organisation and if you are the type of person who enjoys the challenge of working with people and shaping attitudes and behaviours then health and safety may be the job for you . | 
