I began my Health and Safety career working for the Ministry of Defence. I was the Health and Safety Advisor for an army barracks with responsibility for “Force Protection” – the safety of several hundred soldiers plus their families, visitors and contractors.

Queens’ Birthday Honours

In 2015 I was awarded the Chief of Defence Staff’s Commendation for my work – the only civilian to receive this award. In particular I was commended for creating the Explosive Protection documentation to assess and control flammable chemicals.

Rare and varied skill set

Everything in the community was on-site and so my experience includes risk assessments and inspections of a wide variety of hazards and premises including children’s nursery/pre-school & play parks, vehicle repair and servicing, gym & pool, restaurants & kitchens, fuel pumps, storage & warehousing/fork-lift-trucks, road safety, sleeping accommodation, public events, retail, offices, contractor management, and many more.

I believe that everyone should be able to go home in one piece at the end of the working day

I decided to share my knowledge and experience with people outside the military world and I left the MOD in 2016 to begin health and safety consultancy work.

My mission is Sensible Safety

The usual image of health and safety is grey, boring and bureaucratic.

My approach is risk-based. I give practical advice which is appropriate to the hazards, activities and requirements of my clients. I explain everything clearly (no jargon and I don’t quote the Acts and Regulations at you) and I provide you with a report and action plan which you can easily follow to control risks in your business.

IOSH

I’m on the committee of the IOSH MidShires branch; my role is Speaker and Programme coordinator, liaising with specific industry experts who give presentations at our branch meetings.