Why health and safety matters in every role

Introduction

Nathan Fabricius is a testament to how diverse career experiences can converge into a specialised expertise in health and safety. From customer service in the airline industry to reinforcing steel products, his employment journey illustrates a profound appreciation for the importance of safe working environments.

“Through each role, whether in customer service, tutoring, furniture deliveries, or reinforcing steel products, I’ve noticed the critical role that health and safety play in employee wellbeing and operational efficiency,” explains Nathan.

Nathan’s journey to a scholarship

These observations seeded a strong appreciation for creating secure workplaces, ultimately guiding him towards a formal study. When the opportunity arose in his current role as Embroidery Machine Operator at NZ Safety Blackwoods, the leading supplier of safety equipment across New Zealand, to apply for a Site Safe Scholarship to complete the Health and Safety in Construction Programme (HSCP), Nathan saw it as a natural progression.

“I was eager to deepen my knowledge and make meaningful contributions to my working environment. The decision to pursue this qualification was driven by a desire to integrate health and safety expertise more formally into my career,” Nathan adds.

At NZ Safety Blackwoods, safety is a core value. Believing safety is everyone's responsibility, they empower team members to lead and implement safe practices company-wide.

“As part of this commitment, we’re looking to implement the Site Safe HSCP for all team members who are passionate about health and safety and want to grow in this space. By supporting their development through our own HSCP scholarship, we’re not only investing in individual capability but also strengthening our collective culture of care, accountability, and continuous improvement,” explains Yasmin Kahn, HSW Business Partner at NZ Safety Blackwoods.

Advancing health and safety through strategic learning and practical application

Nathan's approach to selecting courses was strategic. He aimed to balance practical knowledge with the ability to adapt safety practices to the variety of safety scenarios presented at NZ Safety Blackwoods. By focusing on Risk Management and Site-Specific Safety Planning, Nathan ensured that his studies were relevant to the types of projects and risks he encountered in his role. This comprehensive approach helped him build a solid foundation and apply his knowledge effectively in the workplace. These courses reshaped his approach to safety, emphasising the identification of hazards and the implementation of effective controls tailored to specific sites.

Nathan found the programme to be exceptionally well-organised. “The tutors played a significant role in my journey, offering informative and supportive guidance, especially crucial for someone without a construction background,” says Nathan

Following graduation from the Health and Safety in Construction Programme, Nathan has actively applied his newfound expertise to enhance safety within the embroidery department at NZ Safety Blackwoods. Leading by example, he has improved the design and organisation of workspaces, attended health and safety meetings, and shared key insights with his team members. These efforts have not only made the workplace safer but also more efficient.

Conclusion

While Nathan has yet to apply Site Safe course skills directly to a specific construction scenario, he regularly shares insights at Toolbox Talks. By sharing insights on risk management and safety planning, he has raised awareness about potential hazards and the importance of proper ergonomics and machine handling. Nathan looks forward to utilising these skills in more direct applications as new opportunities arise.

“I highly recommend the Site Safe Health and Safety in Construction Programme to others in the industry. The Programme offers valuable, practical knowledge that is applicable beyond construction, enhancing safety awareness and contributing to improvements in health and safety standards across various sectors,” Nathan shares.

Nathan’s journey highlights the value of diverse career experiences and formal education in health and safety. His proactive approach and commitment to improving workplace safety exemplify how formal training can lead to practical, impactful changes in any professional environment.