Steve Ridgley – How did I get here?

How did you get into health and safety?

I was working at Canary Wharf in London as a contracts manager, and safety was very high on the agenda. A big part of my role was safety-orientated so instead of completing the CITB SMSTS, I self-funded the NEBOSH General Cert. It was after this I was approached to be the safety coordinator for one of the principal contractors on the development. Since that time, I have never really looked back.

What qualifications do you hold?

I hold the NVQ Level 4 in Occupational Health and Safety Practice, NEBOSH General, Construction and Fire Safety Risk Management Certificates. I also hold the IEMA Associate Certificate in Environmental Management, IRCA 9001:2008 Lead Auditor Certificate, plus numerous HSE standalone certificates.

Which aspects of your health and safety role do you most enjoy?

You never know what each day brings. One day could be undertaking risk assessments, another day auditing the environmental management system. Above all, I think it would have to be talking to the people at the coalface, getting their views and their ideas and then, of course, tackling problems head-on in a logical and safe manner.

What have been the highest and lowest points in your career?

The lowest point would have to be when I had to deal with a major injury to a colleague. Experiencing the sadness of the family was extremely difficult, as was trying to boost morale in the company after the incident. There isn’t really one high point but I do enjoy delivering training and sharing my knowledge and experiences with employees, especially when they comment at the end of the session that they really enjoyed it.

What has been the biggest change in health and safety since you have been working in it?

I think the Corporate Manslaughter Act and the Health and Safety Offences Act (which seemed to slip in through the back door.) These two pieces of legislation have made our organisation – and many others – really look into their safety management systems to ensure compliance and promote a positive safety culture throughout the organisation.

What do you think will be the biggest developments in the next 10 years?

I work in the construction and waste management sector, so the introduction of occupational health and well-being programmes has to be at the forefront of our minds. Even in these times I have seen employees exposed to occupational risks on a daily basis, with no formal surveillance programmes implemented. Employees are our best asset so we must look after them.

If you were prime minister for a day, which health and safety law(s) would you introduce, or repeal?

I would introduce a new law to prohibit ambulance-chasing lawyers, no-win no-fee, etc. or I would cap fees and payouts to these lawyers, so that it would not be worth their while to take such cases, as the benefits would be meagre even if they won.

How do you capitalise on your IOSH membership?

It has given me a sense of pride to be involved with the biggest health and safety group in the world. I have also met some very interesting people at IOSH HQ and at the Essex Branch meetings. I also maintain my CPD, which I believe is an excellent tool for maintaining competency levels and reflecting on my experiences.

What are your top two pieces of advice on getting a job in health and safety?

I would definitely advocate undertaking the NEBOSH General Certificate as a first step. It opened my eyes to a whole new world and I became a lot more confident in myself and at work. My second tip would be to ensure you have gained enough industry experience and always be yourself in whatever you do.

Who has had the biggest impact on your career, and how?

My line manager when I was at Canary Wharf was the one who got me to undertake the NEBOSH General Cert and to really move forward in safety. I don’t think I’d be where I am today if I hadn’t listened to him, or taken his advice. 

If you could be anything other than a health and safety practitioner, what job would you choose?

A professional footballer. I played semi-professionally for some 18 years and I had many opportunities to turn professional but, like so many others, I didn’t quite make the grade.