PJ began his career in occupational Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in 1987 after completing a Diploma in Occupational Hygiene at Mount Royal University in Calgary. PJ graduated on the “Deans List” and following graduation, he was invited to teach in the program, which he did for 2 years. Prior to pursuing a career in HSE, PJ completed a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Botany.

PJ received his Canadian Certified Safety Professional (CRSP) designation in 1997 and his Registered Occupational Hygienist (ROH) in 1998. Being an accredited professional in both occupational hygiene and safety allows PJ to take an integrated approach to HSE.

As a practicing safety specialist and field occupational hygienist, PJ has visited hundreds oil and gas sites in Western Canada where he conducts safety, industrial hygiene and environmental assessments. PJ uses a risk rating system he developed for evaluating health risks, as well as a simplified hazard assessment and risk rating process that utilizes an on-line database. PJ’s industrial hygiene practice specializes in Asbestos and hazardous materials management, laboratory chemicals, ventilation evaluation and design, Infection Prevention, Product Evaluation, and Indoor Air Quality.

Ponnachan was employed with Alberta Health Services (AHS) for 8 years, where he coordinated the provincial Occupational Hygiene Program. He conducted site visits at AHS locations throughout Alberta, evaluating and supporting the health, safety, and waste management programs for over 145 healthcare facilities.

Whether it is heavy industry such as oil and gas, or a school or health care facility, PJ can identify, evaluate and recommend controls for the health and safety hazards that exist at your worksite. PJ is a member of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), the Alberta Waste Management, the Building Operators, and the Hospital Engineers Associations.

Prior to entering the field of HSE, PJ worked as a Licensed Autobody Mechanic for 9 years and this gives him a valuable understanding of workers’ perspectives on HSE.

Ponnachan is active in the community and as a volunteer in HSE organizations for the past 23 years. PJ has been a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (Alberta Section) since 1987 and is a past-President. PJ is President-Elect of the Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists (CRBOH) and serves on Board of the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA), representing CRBOH.