Our series of articles with students who are currently studying Safety Management Training Courses at NOSA College in Durban continues with Muhammed Ridwaan Adams, a 38-year-old junior safety officer at Farm-Ag International.

With a role that involves ensuring compliance with legislation and safe storage of hazardous chemicals, Muhammed recognises the importance of ongoing education in the field.

Muhammed, from Verulam, north of Durban, completed the Introduction to SAMTRAC course in 2014. He’s now pursuing the SAMTRAC qualification, citing NOSA’s international recognition and accreditation as a major draw.

“I’ve always loved safety and I’ve always loved to work in a very safe environment, taking into consideration the major hazards that we face,” Muhammed explains. “We deal with extremely dangerous chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, and rodenticides, some of which are carcinogenic or mutagenic.”

With plans to continue his studies with a NEBOSH course and other specialised courses, such as Accident Investigation, Muhammed advises students interested in safety to start with SAMTRAC. “SAMTRAC gives you a very deep understanding of safety,” he notes. “It’s a good career to invest in.”

As regulatory requirements and concerns about workplace incidents continue to grow, Muhammed is optimistic about the demand for safety professionals. With his passion for safety and commitment to ongoing education, Muhammed is an inspiration to anyone pursuing a career in occupational health and safety.