Meet the SMEs at MOHR: Q&A with Nayab Sultan

Professor Nayab Sultan is a globally recognised leader in occupational health and safety, with extensive experience across high-risk industries and regions—from Southern Africa to the Pacific and beyond. As Owner and Principal Consultant of Global HSE Consulting Ltd, Nayab brings technical rigour, a deep knowledge of ISO standards and a personal commitment to improving health outcomes for workers globally. Nayabs work on silica dust exposure, health systems in developing countries and global standardisation makes him a vital voice in occupational health—especially in the context of MOHR’s mission to drive better prevention, early intervention and data transparency.

We’re proud to have Professor Nayab onboard as a MOHR consultant, lending his expertise to support our platform’s development for high-risk sectors like mining and construction.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to your current role?

I’m the Owner and Principal Consultant of Global HSE Consulting Limited, based in Vancouver. We work across high-risk industries, with a particular focus on silica dust management, occupational health and hygiene and ISO 45001 the International standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS).

I also serve in several academic and advisory roles—including as Visiting Faculty and Research and Ethics Committee Member at the Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences, and as Senior Consultant for Environmental and Occupational Health with the Southern Africa Miners Association and its national affiliates. I’ve previously held honorary advisory and academic roles across Malawi, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Botswana, and at the University of Birmingham in the UK.

These roles have provided me with a diverse, global perspective.

What drew you to consult with My Occ Health Record?

Australia has long been a progressive voice in the global occupational health and hygiene community particularly in mining, tunnelling and mineral extraction. The recent surge in silicosis cases in the artificial stone industry has placed Australia at the forefront of addressing silica dust exposure and early disease detection.

MOHR stood out to me as a pioneering platform, bridging workers, employers, and health professionals. Its ability to manage occupational health data safely and intuitively represents the kind of innovation I find exciting. For a traditionally hands-on industry like health and safety, MOHR’s approach to digital transformation is refreshing—and vital.

Where do you see the biggest opportunity for innovation in occupational health today?

The integration of AI and digital platforms has already transformed how we protect workers. We’re seeing better quality data, unified methodologies and stronger alignment across global stakeholders. Innovation and regulation play a key role in this shift, but so has a growing understanding that occupational health isn’t adversarial—it’s collaborative.

Governments, employers and employee organisations are starting to see the value of working together. Innovation that supports this cultural shift—towards proactive, systemised OHS—is critical.

What does “impact” mean to you when working on projects like this?

The term ‘impact’ in the context of MOHR and its innovative solutions alludes to the ability to make changes, i.e. not remain stagnant. In this regard, this impact is considered to be a positive impact in assisting in the streamlining of an organization’s ability to manage data relating to workers’ health.

What advice would you give to businesses looking to stay ahead of compliance and health risks?

Stress-test your systems against a high benchmark—like ISO 45001—even if you’re not seeking accreditation. Legal compliance is just the minimum. True excellence comes from aiming higher.

The same applies to workplace exposure limits. These limits aren’t targets to hit—they’re ceilings to avoid. Always aim lower where reasonably practicable.

Why is silica exposure such a critical issue right now?

The artificial stone industry in Australia has brought this issue into sharp national focus. The result has been stronger education, regulation and funding. Globally, we’re seeing greater awareness and growing expectations from workers for better protection—driven by connectivity and information sharing.

Australia’s leadership in this space is setting a valuable precedent.

How can digital tools like MOHR support better monitoring and prevention of occupational illnesses like silicosis?

Greater accessibility to health records allows for earlier recognition and intervention. It also creates a reliable reference point for tracking exposures—making it easier to identify where and when harmful exposure may have occurred.

What’s one major misconception in the industry when it comes to managing silica risk?

Two key misconceptions stand out:
One –  The underestimated hazard of silica dust and its many polymorphs not just for workers, but also for surrounding communities and the environment.

Two – Lack of awareness of the full range of diseases associated with respirable crystalline silica from autoimmune disorders to kidney disease. Misdiagnosis remains a global issue.

That’s why AI tools and early screening technologies are gaining momentum they can help us catch more than just silicosis.

Final Thoughts

Professor Nayab Sultan brings a rare global perspective to occupational health—combining technical depth, policy knowledge and a strong ethical compass. Nayabs involvement with MOHR reflects our belief that preventing occupational disease requires more than compliance—it demands collaboration, innovation and systems that scale across industries and borders.