Bernadino Ramazzini, the grandfarther of occupational hygiene said in his famous book of 1713 titled Disease of Workers, that ill health from work is the result of two causes: “The first and most potent is the harmful character of the materials they (workers) handle, for these emit noxious vapours and very fine particles inimical to human beings and induce particular diseases; the second I ascribe to certain violent and irregular motions and unnatural posture of the body”. Although now over 300 years old much of this is still true and worker health continues to pose a major challenge in the work environment. As such, New Zealand workers are 10-15 times more likely to die from exposure to agents hazardous to health, than from a workplace safety event.

My passion for occupational hygiene stems from addressing this imbalance and knowing that every day we are improving workers lives through, education of workers, and the assessment and control of workplace health hazards. Coming from a chemistry research background and gaining valuable experience in the semiconductor and petrochemical industries overseas, I joined the Safe and Sound Solutions team in early 2020 establishing the Occupational Hygiene division.

I am Safe and Sound Solutions Principal Occupational Hygienist and a Certified Occupational Hygienist (COH®) with the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene (AIOH). I completed my Ph.D. in organic and analytical chemistry from the University of Otago and a Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Workplace health and safety from the University of Newcastle. I am a professional member of both the New Zealand Occupational Hygiene Society (MNZOHS) and Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene (MAIOH) and the current President Elect of NZOHS, as well as a Professional member of the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (ProfNZISM).

As Senior Occupational Hygienist and Team Lead for the Occupational Hygiene Division, my core functions include ensuring unwavering quality and success of all Occupational Hygiene projects whilst supporting a team of specialists to perform at their highest level, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. I am a Registered Occupational Hygienist with the Southern African Institute of Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH), affiliated with the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA), as well as being a professional member of both the New Zealand Occupational Hygiene Society (MNZOHS) and Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene (MAIOH).

Having obtained a BSocSc Honours Degree in Environmental Management, I have worked across 15 countries assessing and monitoring both health hazards and environmental contaminants from a variety of industries and sectors. I have extensive experience in several Risk Assessments formats (Health and Environmental Risk Assessment), Exposure Monitoring and Environmental Monitoring. Experienced in management, mentorship, training, and teaching, I have worked at various organisational levels, striving to impart leadership and encouragement to all people I work with. Passion and curiosity are fundamental in my pursuit to constantly learn, share and collaborate with others.

My professional development goal is to make a significant contribution to the field of Exposure Science. Over the past 15 years I’ve developed a passion for Exposure Science – an interdisciplinary field that focuses on understanding how people encounter various environmental agents, such as chemicals, pollutants, and other hazards. It involves studying the routes, levels, and durations of exposure to these agents and assessing their potential health effects. Exposure science aims to identify and mitigate risks associated with exposure to environmental agents to protect both employees and the public health to ultimately improve their overall well-being.

With an array of hobbies and interests, I love trying new things. Outdoor adventures and great coffee are necessities. Good food, travelling and meeting new people is another bucket-filler for me!

My working life initially involved implementing quality management systems for companies in the UK and NZ before I moved to a role in Health and Safety. Since then I have worked as a Health and Safety Advisor in the public and private sector, ranging from civil construction projects in the rural sector to New Zealand Post and New Zealand Police. I have a Diploma in Workplace Health & Safety, I am graded at Professional level by the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management and I am listed on the HASANZ Register of health and safety professionals. I enjoy working with a range of clients on their health and safety journey and finding solutions that are pragmatic, not dogmatic. I believe that keeping people safe and healthy is just part of doing great business.

In my spare time I mostly enjoy dreaming up adventures and getting outdoors with our loopy dog.

Ever since my first encounter with health and safety in the workplace, I have been driven by the potential to change and influence safety decisions, leading to positive outcomes for businesses and individuals. This passion led me to pursue a career in health and safety, obtaining a Level 6 Diploma in Workplace Health & Safety, graded at Professional Level by the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management and am listed on the HASANZ register.

Safety is always at the forefront of my mind, and I find great satisfaction in working closely with individuals and businesses to develop practical solutions that ensure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day. Having previously worked in the construction industry, working at Safe & Sound has given me the opportunity to apply my skills and expertise in diverse fields and gain further knowledge in real world safety practices.

I enjoy the outdoors, being social and staying active, whether it’s out exploring new places with my husband and our pup Herbie, spending time with loved ones, or trying out different restaurants around the city.

Like many people, I fell into Health and Safety by accident – that is to say that I had no inclination for Health and Safety as a career until I found myself working as Administrator in a compliance team and realized that it had in fact become my calling. I have since thrown myself into it as a career, recently gaining a Level 6 Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management.
A country girl raised in Otago, I have gained experience in the print and manufacturing industry and cut my ‘Safety Teeth’ in not only a Factory but also a Warehouse environment. I bring a pragmatic approach to finding the best solutions for keeping everyone safe.
I will enjoy exploring all the parks and walking spots in and around Christchurch with my Husband, our two boys and doggo Crash. Otherwise you’ll find me in the kitchen cooking up a storm!

I was born in a small town called Tullamore in Ireland. My academic journey began with a focus on Toxicology at Athlone Institute of Technology, I’m currently on the final stretch of my master’s degree in environmental Analysis and Pollution Monitoring. My educational background has provided me with knowledge to assess, identify and understand the effect hazards can have on our health. Before entering the world of Occupational Hygiene my previous experience was in a biopharmaceutical company, where my interest in health and safety first began. My mindset is always to ensure the safety of others comes first before the job, my passion for safety and positive attitude in the workplaces ensures that the job is completed precisely and accurately.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, crocheting and going to the gym.

I was born, raised, and educated in Christchurch. I earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Canterbury, and then a Doctorate in biomedical research from the University of Otago. I subsequently moved to London where I lived for 5 years carrying out HIV and COVID-19 research.

Through my experience working in a research laboratory, where I had constant exposure to hazardous substances, automated machinery, and a high stress working environment, I developed a strong interest in occupational health. Upon returning home to Christchurch live in 2021, I chose to pursue an occupational health career, and joined Safe and Sound Solutions as a Workplace Health and Safety Consultant.

I am family focused. I enjoy fishing, hiking, and travelling with my loved ones. My job is to make sure you and your staff get home safely to the people who matter to you.

I started my interest in occupational health in the early 1980’s when I trained and worked for the Department of Health and was involved in both public and occupational disease investigation and workplace monitoring of substances, noise and dust.

This passion continued with several compliance manager roles (QA, Enviro and H & S) with large organisations and in 2002 I established Safe and Sound Solutions.

I enjoy helping organisations to define, measure and improve their processes and performance across health and safety, QA and the environmental fields.

I am passionate about the industry and I am an active member of the NZISM and registered on the HASANZ.