HSE People is proud to be working with a team of Champions to raise the profile of the HSE industry and to support our members. Today we speak with Paul Feely, Managing Director, Paul Feely & Associates.
What is your job title, where do you work and what do you do?
Paul Feely, Managing Director, Paul Feely & Associates. I help construction and design companies eliminate all their health & safety worries by streamlining their paperwork and creating safe sites, so they can reduce the risk of accidents and huge pay-outs.
How did you get started in HSE?
I was working as an electrician for 10 years and saw first hand how accidents happened when they could have been prevented. A health and safety career starts with an interest in the subject and I was interested in finding out more, knowing that I would have the potential to save lives. I decided to put myself through my NEBOSH exams whilst holding down my full time electrician job (to support my young family). It was a tight experience, but the rest is history. I have over 2 decades experience in various management and director roles in large company’s and I’m now self-employed, consulting for small to medium sized construction companies all over Ireland. I’m a chartered health and safety practitioner and have held prestigious role’s such as Chairman of both The British Precast Health and Safety Committee and The Precast Flooring Federation Health & Safety Committee. I’m an OSHCR registered consultant and a chartered member of Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). So, I guess in the end my NEBOSH exams were worth it!
Why did you want to become an HSE People Champion?
Health and safety sometimes gets a bad wrap for just ticking boxes and lots of paperwork. It brings people together through engagement and communication and ultimately saves lives. That’s why I enjoy working with small to medium sized businesses so much – it allows them to concentrate on growing their own business in a safe environment, with the peace of mind that they are in good hands when it comes to their company’s health and safety.
Who or what inspires you?
I get inspired by people who want to make that health and safety change in their business. They can see the future vision and they work hard to achieve it for their employees and clients.
What are you excited about for 2023?
I started training Muay Thai about 4 months ago and I love it, it’s a great stress reliever. I’m no Bruce Lee but I really enjoy going to keep my mind and body clear and focused. I’m excited to continue to grow my business too – I have a feeling 2023 is going to be a good year!
If you could have a superpower what would it be?
A mind reader because sometimes in this industry you have to be!
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined. Diligent. Dangerous (only joking!) Driven.
Thanks Paul, welcome on board!!
