Ubong Ekanem – CCPSC®, CSP®, TUV SUD Functional Safety Professional®, CMIOSH
Years as an ASSP member: 1 Year
Years in the safety industry: 19 Years
Key responsibilities of your job
- Lead and Sustain EHS & PSM Programs
Implement and maintain robust Corporate EHS and Process Safety Management and develop systems, policies, and training to ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, Illinois state laws, and corporate standards, while driving continuous improvement in safety performance across the Niles Manufacturing Plant. - Advise and Partner with Plant Leadership
Act as a subject matter expert to the Plant Steering Team and department leaders by providing guidance on regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational safety priorities; establish EHS functional goals aligned with corporate objectives; and prepare and manage the plant’s annual EHS budget. - Drive Risk Reduction and Safety Culture
Lead incident investigations, audits, and safety committee initiatives to identify hazards, implement corrective and preventive actions, and foster a proactive safety culture. Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations to ensure mechanical integrity, safe change management, and continuous improvement in plant productivity and associate well-being.
What or Who inspires you
I’m inspired by my wife and our four children. My wife’s patience and belief in me give me the courage to keep moving forward, while my children’s curiosity and joy remind me why the work I do matters; not just for industry, but for the generations to come. Their love and support drive my commitment to resilience, safety, and making a positive impact.
Most Meaningful Professional Achievement
Led the implementation of an Advanced Electronic Permit-to-Work (e-PTW) System in 2014 at the world’s largest polyolefins site with a production capacity of 4.5 tonnes as of 2013 – Abu Dhabi Polymers Company LLC (an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Group Company) in the United Arab Emirates; and also implemented a similar system at OQ8 Duqm Refinery in Oman, which has a capacity of 230,000 barrels of crude production per day. I was honored with the prestigious ADNOC EHS Award for successfully implementing the system at Abu Dhabi Polymers Company LLC.
Future Career Goal or Aspiration
I am a practicing PSM, Risk Management, and EHS professional and passionate about sharing my expertise in Process Safety Engineering and Management, applying my global experience in EHS, risk management, sustainability, and process safety to prevent hazards and protect people and the environment. I aim to lead the implementation of innovative safety systems, digital permit-to-work solutions, and risk-based process safety strategies that enhance operational reliability. My goal is to set new benchmarks for safety excellence while helping industries become safer, more sustainable and resilient for generations to come.
Go-to Comfort Food
Homemade lightly spiced coconut rice with fresh tomatoes and air-fried spicy chicken
Hobbies/Enjoy Doing Outside of Work
Swimming
Photography
Research on new technologies
Sit out with Family and Friends
Recommended TV Series to Watch or Book to Read
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Grew up in (city, state)
Port Harcourt – Overseas
College Attended / Degree Major
RIT-New York/Masters of Science Degree – EHS Management