David Whomsley

Over his long and distinguished career in the field of health and safety at work, David Whomsley worked tirelessly to help raise standards in both labour inspection, and in the education of safety professionals.

Having started out as an assistant production manager with British Steel, David worked as an inspector of factories for the Department of Employment, before his first involvement in training development and provision while senior training adviser to the Construction Industry Training Board. Joining HSE in 1971, he served for more than 20 years, progressing through the ranks of the Factory Inspectorate, becoming area director for the Welsh region and then deputy chief inspector of factories.

Since 1992, David has provided expert consultancy on inspection practices to clients including the European Commission, the Government of Poland and the Labour Inspectorates of Hungary and Lithuania. Working with NEBOSH over the same period, he was responsible for the development of the NEBOSH two-part diploma, then the recognised qualification for health and safety professionals in the UK and beyond. He continues to act as standards adviser to several NEBOSH course providers. David is also assessor for the Corporate Health Standard for the Welsh Assembly Government.

Awarded the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Distinguished Service Award.