Othuke Okah

As a Senior HSE Manager, I have extensive experience in managing health and safety risks across various heavy industries. My expertise includes developing and reviewing project-specific HSE deliverables and implementing practical safety measures that align with company policies and regulatory requirements. I excel in problem-solving and driving continuous performance improvement. With a strong background in Safety, Health, and Environment management, I am dedicated to promoting a safe work environment by training staff on health and safety practices.

UK and European HSE Manager

Ameresco Inc. – London, United Kingdom,

March/2022 – Present

• I oversee the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) function for renewable energy projects, including solar, battery energy storage, and wind farms. My responsibilities include ensuring compliance with UK and European safety regulations and international standards.
• Implementing innovative safety practices and training programs reduced incident rates by 45%. I also successfully led the organisation to obtain ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 certifications.
• Reviewed and assured company on all contractor-agreed HSE documentation throughout the lifecycle of the project, as per agreed contract exhibits
• I oversee Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) compliance for two significant projects: a $249 million, 300 MW Atlantic Green Battery Energy Storage System in the UK and a €395.15 million, 560 MW solar project by Light Source BP in Greece. Additionally, I provide HSE compliance support for our £20 million project, which involves constructing and fitting out an Energy Centre in Barking, London. I manage teams across multiple sites and collaborate closely with government agencies, including the Health and Safety Executive, the Environmental Agency, and local council authorities, to ensure compliance with all regulations.
•  Evaluating contractor’s and suppliers’ HSE tender submissions and performance documentation.

HSE Manager

Natta Building Company Ltd – London, United Kingdom

September/2020 – February/2022

• I managed health, safety, and environmental (HSE) operations while executing multi-million-pound infrastructure and civil engineering projects. I developed site-specific safety management systems and conducted regular inspections and audits.
• I investigated and analysed workplace incidents, implementing corrective and preventive measures where necessary. Additionally, I trained over 2,000 employees and contractors on occupational safety, environmental protection, and emergency response protocols.
• I led and investigated significant incidents using the 5 Whys and TapRoot methods. This resulted in the successful resolution of RIDDOR-reportable events with the implementation of preventive measures. Additionally, I monitored contractor compliance with UK HSE regulations by conducting regular audits and inspections and providing to maintain HSE performance standards.

HSE Manager

Xylem Inc – London, United Kingdom

December/2017 – September/2020

• I managed Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) operations for multi-million-pound construction projects that focused on optimising water treatment processes, water distribution, and wastewater network management. My role involved placing HSE at the core of monitoring and control measures and conducting pipe condition assessments to prevent bursts and reduce leakage and pollution events for clients such as Thames Water and Southern Water. Throughout these projects, I ensured compliance with relevant UK HSE legislation.
• I created safety management systems tailored to specific sites and performed risk assessments for high-risk activities.
• I collaborated with contractors to ensure compliance with project-specific HSE requirements. I also monitored environmental impacts and implemented sustainability measures to reduce our carbon footprint.

Senior HSE Manager 

Skanska Construction Ltd – London, United Kingdom

May/2015 – November/2017

• I led Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) in London for an eight-year, £1.6 billion joint venture infrastructure (gas pipeline) project with Cadent Gas (formerly National Grid Gas). During the AMP6 period, I was involved in £1.75 billion worth of capital investment projects with the eight2O alliance and Thames Water (Water pipeline project), ensuring compliance with the CDM Regulations 2015 and other relevant HSE legislation.
• I conducted detailed risk assessments using methodologies such as FMEA, HAZOP, and fault tree analysis, implementing robust control measures for high-risk activities.
• I monitored contractor compliance with UK HSE regulations through regular audits, inspections, and feedback.
• I assisted project teams in developing environmental sustainability practices, reducing carbon emissions by 20%. Additionally, I investigated and resolved HSE-related issues, ensuring prompt resolutions and preventing recurrence.

HSS Manager

UK Power Networks – London, United Kingdom

May/2011 – May/2015

• Managed Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) operations for various electrical energy distribution infrastructure projects valued between £7 million and £80 million. This included the installation of gas-insulated switchgear, construction of substations, and grid expansion projects. 
• I facilitated workshops for Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and conducted safety-by-design reviews, implementing control measures to mitigate identified risks. Additionally, I led initiatives to achieve OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001 certifications, ensuring compliance with global safety and environmental standards.
• I investigated incidents and near-misses to identify trends and recommend process improvements to reduce risks. Furthermore, I developed and tested emergency response plans for high-risk operations, ensuring all teams were adequately prepared.

HSE Advisor 

          Halcrow Group – Glasgow, United Kingdom

January/2008 – April/2011

• I managed health, safety, and environment (HSE) compliance for a £113 million construction project, which included the National Indoor Sports Arena and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow. I ensured adherence to UK legislation.
• I performed regular safety audits and inspections to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Implemented HSE compliance strategies for various power, renewable, and construction projects valued between £10 million and £65 million.
• I delivered training sessions on risk methodologies, focusing on task risk assessments and incident investigation techniques.
• I developed safety plans tailored to specific sites that complied with UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations.
• Furthermore, I compiled comprehensive reports on incidents and near-misses, ensuring that the lessons learned were integrated into our safety protocols.

Various HSE Advisor roles – Oil and Gas 

      NNPC, Shell and Petrolog – Nigeria

      January/2001 – September/2006

• Oversaw HSE operations in Oil & Gas projects, mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with international standards.

Master of Science in Safety Management with Environmental Management 

University of West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom

October/2008

Bachelor of Science in Applied Geophysics

Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria

February/2001