When I reflect on my career journey—from India to Qatar, and now Canada—the common thread has always been one belief: everyone deserves to go home safe, every day.
My interest in health and safety began during my Mechanical Engineering studies in India, where courses on ergonomics and the physics of the human body sparked my curiosity about how engineering could protect people. That led me to pursue a master’s in Industrial Engineering and later a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, where my research focused on material science and occupational noise. Alongside my PhD, I completed the NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, which I considered the international benchmark for OHS practice.
In 2021, I moved to Qatar and worked as a Safety Officer on roadwork projects. That experience taught me adaptability, the importance of trust, and how safety is a universal language connecting workers and leaders across cultures.
When I became a Permanent Resident in Canada in mid-2024, I arrived with years of international knowledge and qualifications. But credibility in a new country must be earned. To prove myself, I completed the National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) program (Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association) and then pursued the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation. For me, the CRSP is Canada’s gold standard in occupational health and safety, and I am proud to now be one of just over 8,800 certificants in the past 50 years.
Achieving the CRSP was more than a professional milestone—it was a journey of resilience, continuous learning, and commitment. The process challenged me to consolidate my global experience, academic training, and practical skills into a framework that met Canadian standards of excellence. Today, as a Safety & Asset Protection Advisor at Tolko Industries – Meadow Lake OSB Division, holding the CRSP gives me confidence and credibility when working with colleagues, contractors, and leaders.
What I value most about the CRSP designation is that it isn’t static—it demands ongoing growth and development. This aligns with my belief that safety professionals must remain lifelong learners, staying ahead of emerging risks, new technologies, and evolving best practices.
If I could offer advice to anyone considering the CRSP, it would be this: don’t think of it as just a certificate. See it as a commitment—to yourself, to your profession, and to the people you serve. Pursuing the designation will test your patience, discipline, and adaptability, but it will also open doors, expand your network, and most importantly, strengthen your ability to make a difference in people’s lives.
For me, the CRSP is not just about recognition—it is about responsibility. A responsibility to protect, to lead, and to inspire. And I am proud to be part of a profession that carries such a meaningful purpose.