Congratulations to the recipients of the One Percent Safer Bursary 2025

More than 50 emerging risk professionals from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt, of which nearly 30 per cent are female, have received one year’s free membership of IIRSM at Affiliate level. 

One Percent Safer is a global movement aimed at promoting the benefits of marginal gains in workplace safety, and its vision is to cut the number of lives lost to work-related injuries and illnesses each year by one per cent.

To achieve its vision, One Percent Safer has a set of charitable objectives, which include the provision of practical help in the form of small grants or support with professional education and development to individual safety and risk practitioners.

Louis Wustemann, Trustee of the One Percent Safer Foundation, said: “The One Percent Safer Board is proud to be able to work with IIRSM to fund another set of bursaries for membership in countries where trained safety professionals can make a real impact on accidents and deaths at work. We have great examples of previous bursary recipients who used the access to resources their membership unlocked to improve their own skills and to educate others."

IIRSM CEO Phillip Pearson said: “One Percent Safer is a force for good in the world of safety and we’re pleased to play our part in helping risk and safety professionals lead the way by providing access to the many membership benefits we have to offer.”

Some of the One Percent Safer Bursary recipients said:

“This is a recognition of my efforts and a valuable opportunity to deepen my expertise and broaden my professional network through IIRSM. It strengthens my resolve to continue making meaningful contributions toward safer, more sustainable workplaces, one step at a time.”
Abanum Iruoghene Isakpa, Nigeria

“The One Percent Safer Bursary is a symbol of inclusion, a catalyst for global impact and a personal call to elevate the profession with renewed purpose.”
Vincent Idamie, Nigeria

 “My journey as a risk manager has just begun. With this membership, I will be able to start as soon as possible, learn and grow the industry that I am part of.”
Sarah Anas Ali, Kenya

“I am looking forward to accessing all possible resources to build my knowledge on risk management. This membership also positions me more strategically for my career aspirations.”
Susan Mshai Sembua, Kenya

"Being awarded the One Percent Safer Bursary marks a pivotal moment in my professional journey, highlighting my commitment to the field of risk and safety management and enabling me to enhance my knowledge and skills with prestigious IIRSM membership.”
Francis Ayaga, Kenya

“The bursary empowers me to further develop my skills, expand my impact and actively promote a proactive safety culture within my organisation and the broader industry.”
Harry Amoono Gwira, Ghana 

“Receiving the One Percent Safer Bursary validates my commitment to occupational health and safety. I'm excited for the opportunity to grow professionally.”
Sadick Mohammed, Ghana

“What excites me most is the opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge that will be used to change costly situations with unwanted consequences, including fatal accidents in my workplace and community.”
Rougy Daanaah, Ghana

“This support not only makes it possible for me to advance my education, but also opens the door to growing my knowledge, skills and professional network in the field of risk management.”
Esther Mutuku, Kenya

“This is an opportunity to join a community, interact and learn from experts managing various risks to health, safety and wellbeing – people with immense knowledge and first-hand experience in creating a safe, supportive and protective workplace environment that saves and prolongs life.”
Joseph Njoroge, Kenya

 “This opportunity will give me a great opportunity to understand real-world risk and safety management strategies and frameworks to implement in various industries. Thanks to IIRSM and One Percent Safer Foundation for giving me this opportunity to grow as a risk and safety professional.”
Ohipeni Prosper, Ghana

"This affirms my dedication to advancing in the field of risk and safety management and provides valuable access to professional resources, networks and learning opportunities that will support my growth and contribution to creating safer, more resilient environments. I am deeply grateful for this support and inspired to make a meaningful impact in the industry.”
Emeka Jenle, Nigeria