John Watson Bsc.PgCertHealSci

Background

Before going into consulting I worked across a number of organizations including Department of Health, Otago University, Pharmaceutical industry, ICI chemicals. This has given me a broad base of experience from which to draw on when applying my skills to a client’s industry.

In particular I have spent many years in the mining industry (underground) and in hospital and university laboratories. With a strong background in chemistry, I particularly enjoy in-depth investigations into complex mixtures of workplace chemicals and determining the risks that they may pose to staff.

I enjoy working with a client’s staff and using their knowledge of the workplace to produce a healthier environment for all.

My day to day experience currently includes workplace exposure assessments for inhalable and respirable particulates (wood dust, silica, diesel particulate) welding (welding fume, welding gases), solvents/organics hydrocarbons, formaldehyde etc, gases (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulphide), acids (sulphuric, nitric, hydrochloric etc.), metals (aluminium, chromium, lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, zinc, nickel etc.), heat stress, mould & bacteria.

I also have a strong systems knowledge and can provide qualitative and quantitative risk assessments that will help clients meet their regulatory requirements.