From Doha to Donegal and beyond

Chanille said: “My initial career choice was not occupational health and safety. I initially envisioned myself working in primary healthcare as a frontline provider of aid to individuals in need. But as I became immersed in workplace safety, my viewpoint changed. I realised that preventing workplace hazards is just as critical as treating illnesses because no amount of medical care can undo the damage caused by unsafe conditions. Healthcare alone cannot compensate for preventable risks, making occupational safety essential to protecting lives. 

“Beyond conformity and compliance, occupational safety and health is about protecting lives, preserving mental and physical health, and cultivating a culture that views safety as a fundamental right rather than an afterthought. Every worker going home safely at the end of the day, every injury avoided, and every life saved serves as a testament to the career path I’ve taken and to which I’ve devoted my professional life. 

“IOSH membership represents more than access to resources. It is a catalyst for my growth in this profession. It has helped me deepen my expertise, work towards important certifications, and take advantage of opportunities that enhance my ability to drive meaningful change. With this support, I am determined to become a leader in occupational health and safety, advocating for safer workplaces. Empowered with the right knowledge and resources, I am committed to making a lasting impact, creating work environments where safety is prioritised and every individual is respected and protected.”

Rastko said: “Occupational safety and health was an unknown concept to me, right until the very end of my secondary school days, in Donegal, Ireland. To a child of Croatia and Montenegro, where occupational safety and health has only been introduced recently, safety in the workplace was like some kind of science fiction. This all changed when my career guidance teacher planted the seed of hazard and risk control in my mind. He then made me 100 per cent certain which course I should pick.

“In the beginning, the course seemed like any other science-based degree until my second year and a very valuable work placement. That enlightening process opened my eyes and showed me just how much occupational hazard and risk I had been exposed to during my employment history. Manual handling injuries, occupational stress and lack of training, are some examples of the risks that were luckily avoided or dealt with once I started working and earning money. These incidents had a short-term impact on me and didn’t evolve into chronic trouble, though some others weren’t so lucky.

“Being an IOSH Student Member has been a great boost in helping me climb the occupational safety and health career ladder. IOSH-approved courses and development opportunities have supported my continuous professional development and helped me build valuable knowledge and skills. I am soon to become an ISO 45001 lead auditor, and IOSH has played an important role in supporting my journey.”