P E O P L E
LEADING WITH
PASSION
Abdel-Rahman Sabriye is the environment, health
and safety associate manager at Deciem. Currently
completing a Master of Science in Occupational
Safety & Health/Environmental Management at
Columbia Southern University, he is also working
toward obtaining CRSP and ROH designations
Q
How did you get into health and safety and why?
A
I was previously a Biology major in my first year of university and didn't
particularly love it. I was looking to change fields and had a friend who
was doing an undergrad in health and safety. He asked me to come to one of
his classes and see what the program was about; I was immediately hooked. I
loved the idea of using science to best protect workers' health and safety while
ensuring compliance with legal legislation.
Q
What do you like the most about being a safety professional?
A
What I like the most about being a safety professional is the appreciation
from my colleagues and knowing the difference you make; it is definitely
rewarding. I really love it when people come and tell me how my coaching or
new training really benefited them and that they can't wait for more! I like
being engaged and being a problem solver, and a career in the safety
profession definitely gives you that.
Q
At work, what takes up most of your time?
A
It would be without a doubt engaging with my colleagues and spending
time on the floor. I genuinely believe that safety is not conducted from
behind a desk or at your workstation. You have to go out, engage, help, coach
and be involved to build that relationship. You will reap the benefits later on as
you will be ingrained in the business and not be a "safety cop" and only arrive
when there is an incident or an issue.
Q
How do you promote safety outside of work?
A
I promote safety outside of work by meeting with small businesses in my
area to help and consult with them about basic health and safety
legislation and how best they can stay compliant. I also serve as a mentor to
people in my community. As someone who is from an underprivileged area, it
is essential that I am a resource to them and can actually share the
importance of health and safety as well as show it as a potential career path.
Q
What motivates you to do your best at work every day?
A
The people! This is, without a doubt, my biggest motivator. Coming in
every day to ensure everyone goes back home safe and healthy is
everything to me.
M Y S A F E T Y M O M E N T
www.thesafetymag.com/ca 35
Sabriye's recent hobby
is flying planes. This
was taken at a small
airport in Burlington.
Sabriye and his wife
(Anisa Mohamud) in
Hong Kong in 2019.
