Paul Snook ProfNZISM. MIIRSM.

Background

My Background

In the UK I left school in 1980 not knowing anything about Health and Safety as a subject or career.  As a 16 year old agricultural student I was introduced to an industry where I began to understand illness, injury and death to workers was commonplace.  I trained and qualified as a machinery operator and general farm worker and  worked in the industry for the next 10 years.  I moved to the industrial sector for 17 years working in Warehousing, Distribution, and Manufacturing progressing to a management role for a global organisation.  

During the last 2 years of my role as the groups UK warehousing and distribution manager I completed the National Examination Board of Safety and Health General Certificate. This was recognised then as a foundation qualification for a future career in Health and Safety.  I achieved membership of a professional body the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management in 2005 which I still maintain.  New Zealand is now home as of 2007 and I worked on the Parks and Reserves team at the Council for several years. My Health and Safety training from the UK was useful in my role as Health and Safety Representative for my team during this time. I received further training and experienced what it is like to be the interface between management and my workgroup. Between 2014 and 2015 I completed a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and transferred to a newly created Health and Safety Role at the Council mid 2015.

Current Status

Today I am the Health and Safety Officer for the Council responsible for the Health and Safety Management system, advice, support and development at all levels. I report to senior management and the Health and Safety and  Audit and Risk Committees.

My practical experience of working in other industries during my life so far has proved invaluable in my role today as the Council is a business with a vast range of hazards.  Listening, Understanding and responding with practical solutions involving teams are key parts of my work. Over time I have developed into a prudent and diligent Health and Safety Practitioner providing advice, solutions, information, training, coaching and a positive influence across the organisation. I emphasise a safety first approach always –  maintaining focus on continually improving worker health and wellbeing. I enjoy working with people and do so openly, honestly, fairly, respectfully and in good faith.