I’m Ricky Nelson, Director of Safety Inspectors UK Ltd, and I want to share a personal story that has defined not only my career, but also the way I approach health, safety, and fire risk management for businesses across the Northeast of England. It’s not just another anecdote—it’s a lived experience that continues to influence the work I do for my clients every single day.
A Personal Turning Point
Several years ago, while employed in a job that I never expected to be dangerous, I found myself exposed to harmful fumes. At the time, I had no idea how severe the repercussions would be. What started as a seemingly manageable workplace risk triggered a significant respiratory reaction, ultimately leading to pneumonia. The aftermath was tough: persistent chest infections, lingering health issues, and a struggle that has now spanned almost five years. Even today, I continue to feel the ongoing effects, I owe a debt of thanks to Dr Graham Miller my Consultant Lung Physician.
For most, health and safety might seem like a collection of strict rules or red tape meant to tick boxes. But when you’ve lived through the consequences of a workplace hazard firsthand, these regulations and precautions become very real, very fast. They stop being “just paperwork” and evolve into critical safeguards that can prevent life-changing events.
From Setback to a New Mission
My health ordeal was not just an unfortunate event; it became a catalyst. Instead of allowing it to define me solely as a victim, I used the experience as motivation to help ensure others never have to go through the same hardship. Recognising that robust health and safety measures could have prevented my ordeal, I decided to dedicate my career to making workplaces safer, healthier, and more compliant.
Shortly after regaining enough strength and stability in my health, I began shaping Safety Inspectors UK Ltd into the consultancy I had always envisioned. We’re not a faceless firm checking boxes; we’re an independent health, safety, fire, and training service provider that genuinely cares about people. Our mission? To ensure employees go home safe, healthy, and confident that their employers prioritise their well-being. We offer everything from compliance audits and risk assessments to accredited training programs, all designed to raise the bar in workplace safety.
Reflecting on a Past Journey for a Better Future
Around the time of my incident, I spoke openly about the challenges I faced—both health-related and entrepreneurial. In an article featured on GazetteLive, I shared how life had taken an unexpected turn, pushing me into new roles and forging a new understanding of what matters most. Running two businesses and rebuilding my life after a physically and emotionally draining year taught me resilience. It helped me appreciate that a truly valuable service doesn’t just focus on profit or reputation, but on making a meaningful difference.
These lessons are woven into the fabric of Safety Inspectors UK Ltd. They guide how I interact with clients, how I structure training courses, and how I advise on everything from fire safety to occupational hygiene. When I walk into a client’s facility—whether it’s a factory in Stockton, a warehouse in Middlesbrough, or an office anywhere across the Northeast—I’m not just looking for hazards to flag. I’m looking for ways to protect people, to keep them from ever having to experience what I went through.
Why This Matters to Me—and to You
My personal journey wasn’t easy, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Yet, the understanding it gave me is something I draw upon daily. It’s the reason I approach health and safety not as a theoretical field, but as a practical, people-first discipline. When we provide training, it’s about more than passing a test or earning a certificate—it’s about instilling real awareness and capability that could one day save a life.
If you’re a business owner, manager, or supervisor, I want you to know that every recommendation we make, every policy we help put into place, and every training session we conduct is grounded in this deep understanding. We’ve seen how much damage unchecked hazards can do. We’ve felt the long-term consequences. And that’s exactly why we’re so committed to helping you prevent them.
Looking Ahead
My story might have started with a personal setback, but it’s grown into a professional calling. By turning my own hardship into a driving force for positive change, I’ve made it my life’s work to strengthen workplace safety standards throughout Stockton, Middlesbrough, and the Northeast as a whole.
No one should ever feel that their health—and their future—is at risk simply by going to work. If you share that belief, or if you’re just starting to think about what meaningful health and safety measures could look like in your organization, Safety Inspectors UK Ltd is here to help. Together, we can create safer, healthier, and more secure workplaces, ensuring that what happened to me never happens to you or your team.