Career Guide For Pakistanis

Introduction

In the journey of life, acquiring knowledge and skills, gaining experience in any field, and then disseminating accurate information to others is a form of continuous charity.

In a country like Pakistan, where almost everyone, especially the youth, is concerned about their future, individuals with knowledge, competence, and professionalism have a responsibility to guide the younger generation in their respective fields. This guidance is crucial to help our youth progress in life, stand firmly on their feet, and navigate through challenges without succumbing to unwarranted difficulties.

Just as the world witnesses the beginning of new fields due to changes and technological advancements, there are instances when the advent of new regulations also gives rise to new sectors.

One such field is Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), which has become a legal requirement for various industries and organizations due to its significant impact on work practices.

Understanding the job description before starting any work in any sector worldwide is essential. This familiarity ensures that when an opportunity arises, you are already well-versed in the intricacies of working in that sector, minimizing the chances of facing difficulties or encountering undesirable situations.

Internships, often undervalued, serve as an extraordinary means of gaining insights into a particular job. Regardless of the industry, internships offer the best option to learn, understand, and acquire practical experience and skills in the chosen field.

Internships allow you to observe, comprehend, clarify mental confusion through questions and answers, establish industry specific connections, seek guidance from industry experts, and even obtain assistance in securing a job.

In this era of rapid technological and industrial evolution, the demand for qualified professionals in the field of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is rising. Initiating a career in this field has become relatively straightforward.

Requirements For Safety Field

To start working in this field, an individual can obtain the minimum required certification, the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC). This certification is recognized globally and serves as the foundation for a career as an HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) Officer.

It is important to note that theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and a valid certification are essential elements in this field. Possessing only one of these elements without the others would not ensure success.

The demand for HSE Officers is particularly high in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where individuals can secure entry-level positions with a monthly remuneration ranging from 2000 to 2500 Saudi Riyals or Dirhams. Additional benefits such as accommodation, transportation, and medical coverage are typically provided by the employer.

Which Course Is Good

After obtaining the NEBOSH International General Certificate, the next milestone in this career path is the Lead Auditor Course in Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001:2018). This course is crucial because most large companies operate under this international standard system.

While this course may seem to be a short five-day program, succeeding in it requires at least a month of dedicated effort. The course is somewhat expensive, with a fee of approximately one lakh rupees.

Furthermore, it is recommended to pursue other specialized courses that enhance your skills and make you stand out in the job market.

These include Fire Safety, First Aid, Risk Assessment, H2S Safety, Manual Handling, Scaffolding, Confined Space Entry, Work at Height, Chemical Handling, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Courses: NEBOSH (IGC) UK, OSH Academy USA, NASP USA, and RSPH London HABC UK Level 4 Certified Safety Professional

Important In HSE

In conclusion, entering the field of Occupational Safety and Health is relatively easy, but progressing requires continuous learning, professional development, and a commitment to acquiring both theoretical and practical knowledge. By maintaining a balance between education and practical skills, individuals can not only secure better job opportunities but also contribute to their personal and professional growth.

Apart from short courses, other diploma courses and postgraduate diploma level courses are also available. For example, NEBOSH Diploma, accredited by the British Council, OSH Level 06 Diploma, and Strategic Management and Leadership Diploma Level 07, which serves as a pathway to the final semester of M.Sc. in the UK.

In addition, you can pursue American qualifications such as ASP and CSP, Certified Safety Professional.

Advantages OF HSE Field

The significant advantage of this field is that starting as an Assistant Safety Officer, individuals can progress to roles like Safety Officer, Safety Inspector, Safety Supervisor, Safety Engineer, Safety Manager, Safety Trainer, Safety Advisor, Safety Consultant, and Safety Specialist.

HSE Field Benefits In Gulf Countries

Staying in this field, especially in GCC countries, offers several benefits:

Attractive salaries
Tax-free income
Opportunities for family status residence
Building a strong identity, recognition, and references through the best employment opportunities
Access to high-quality learning and experience
Opportunities for career advancement
Ease of obtaining further education
Immigration opportunities
Easy visa processes for Europe
Entry into the training industry
Investment opportunities
Representation of Pakistan internationally
Participation in international conferences
Employment opportunities for Pakistani youth

Must Know Tasks

Despite completing safety courses, many people are unaware of the job description of a Safety Officer or the daily routine of a Safety Officer.

They should know that typically a Safety Officer’s day begins with a Toolbox Talk, checking work permits, conducting inspections of various items, completing assigned tasks, and finally, reporting at the end of the day.

Some individuals, despite completing a safety officer course, face difficulties in job interviews. Most candidates are nervous during interviews, where simple and basic questions are asked.

Important Information For HSE Jobs

It is essential to have a clear understanding of basic concepts. Important questions that are often asked during interviews include:

What is safety?
Why is safety necessary?
What is a hazard?
What is risk?
What is an incident?
What is an accident?
What is risk assessment?
What is SSOW (Safe System of Work)?
What is PTW (Permit to Work)?
What is JSA (Job Safety Analysis)?
What is PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?
What is LOTO (Lockout/Tagout)?
What is a safety tag?
What is work at height?
What is scaffolding?
What is confined space?
What is housekeeping?
What is manual handling?
What is emergency planning?
What is attitude?
What is safety culture?
What is a safety program?
What is a safety policy?
What is a safety plan?
What is HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment)?
What is MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)?
What is an assembly point?
What is safety induction?
What is a safety audit?
What is TBT (Toolbox Talk)?
What is the job description of a Safety Officer?
How many ways are there to implement HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment)?
What is zero-tolerance policy?
What actions can be taken against safety violations?
What to do in emergency situations?
What are the main hazards on a construction site or the most likely accidents?
What are unsafe conditions and unsafe acts?
What should we do when we see unsafe conditions and unsafe acts?
What is a near miss, and why is it necessary to report it?
What is the most crucial thing for new employees and visitors on a construction site?

Regardless of the type of question, one should keep in mind whether it is related to a place, activity, document, process, or procedure.

To learn in the field of safety, it is easiest to build a good relationship with seniors and learn new things through questions. Along with the Safety Officer course, learn basic computer skills like MS Office and the basic English language.

Try to build self-confidence, learn communication and relationship-building skills. Throughout the world, those who succeed are the ones who present themselves actively in various tasks and complete their assigned tasks.

If you have a little practical experience along with initial knowledge, you can get ahead of other candidates.

For the interview process, research about the company, be confident, dress well, present your CV and documents effectively, think positively, stay hopeful, and compromise on salary for the first job. Opportunities for advancement will come later. It’s a game of luck to some extent. Believe in it and accept it.

Life is with hope, and as my teacher Mr. Qaiser Abbas says, the person who is on the train is the one who is waiting.

Just keep yourself in the train to move forward in life.

Last Words

I am grateful to all my teachers and Pakistan’s top-level safety professionals who have supported me step by step. May Allah be the supporter and helper of all of you, and grant you many successes. Amen, O Lord of the worlds.

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