The HSE People team were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of HSE People Panel member Tom Baines.
Tom had a long and impressive career with particular success in the Middle East where he worked for companies such as Arcadis and Atkins. Aside from being an expert in his field, Tom was an inspirational leader and mentor to many. His positive attitude was infectious, summed up by his motto “Happy days (even on a bad day!)”.
Tom loved working abroad but missed his family and returned to work in the UK in 2020. When asked what he enjoyed doing to relax he stated “Since I’ve returned to the UK I have loved helping my wife turn our garden into somewhere where relaxing summer weekends are a mixture of BBQs and G&Ts!”. Despite enjoying working abroad, Tom kept the UK and in particular his native Sunderland close to his heart. When we asked him if he could only eat one meal for the rest of his life, he replied with the witty response- “Fish and chips from a seaside chippy in Sunderland. Simply the best even in a -10 wind chill from the North Sea!”.
Tom will be fondly remembered as a generous family man who was a pillar of the health and safety industry.
We have reached out to Tom’s widow to pass on our condolences on behalf of the HSE People family.
