NAME: STACEY THEREZA VAZ
JOB TITLE: IPAF INSTRUCTOR/HSC TRAINER, ENVIRONMENT FRIEND TRAINING CENTER - KSA (EFTC Saudi Arabia)

About Stacey Vaz

• Stacey is currently the only active female IPAF instructor for India.
• Stacey is the second woman actively working as an IPAF instructor in the Gulf region and in Saudi Arabia.
• She was recognised by Jason Woods, IPAF's Middle East and South Asia Regional Manager, at the IPAF L&T India Conference on 14-15 November 2025 in acknowledgement of her family (father, son and daughter) all working as IPAF instructors. 

What is your role in powered access?

My responsibilities extend beyond the immediate delivery of training sessions. A significant part of my focus is dedicated to fostering a robust safety culture throughout our operations. This involves actively promoting best practices and instilling a strong awareness of safety among all personnel. Additionally, I am committed to driving continuous improvement across all our safety trainings conducted at the center, as well as in all our Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) activities. This includes regularly reviewing and updating training materials and methodologies to ensure they remain effective and aligned with current safety standards.

How did you come into this industry?

I began my professional life in customer support, administration, and human resources, where I learned the importance of clear communication and structured processes. During that time, I was always observant of my father and brother, who are both part of the IPAF family working as instructors, and I consistently incorporated safety protocols and procedures into my daily routines. In 2024, I made a conscious decision to transition into the health and safety department; a move greatly influenced by my father and brother. I'm excited to continue their legacy in this field.

What I find most engaging in my current role is the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of production, construction, and maintenance processes. It's incredibly rewarding to discover how safety protocols and best practices can be integrated seamlessly without compromising efficiency or productivity.

What inspires you in your role?

I am deeply passionate about enhancing health and safety across organizations, driven by a core belief that safety awareness and the diligent application of best practices can truly change lives. My mission is to build and sustain a culture where safety is second nature –where every team member feels
empowered and protected.

Throughout my career, I have taken a proactive approach to health and safety through engaging stand-up learning sessions, thorough risk assessments, regular safety walks, and comprehensive safety reviews in health/environment and quality. These initiatives aim not only to mitigate risk but to instil lasting awareness and continuous improvement. I have led the design and implementation of robust safety protocols, ensured strict adherence to safety standards, and trained teams at all levels. I find great fulfilment in conducting performance reviews, driving corrective actions, and seeing measurable improvements in both safety outcomes and overall team wellbeing. Helping people feel safer, more confident, and more capable at work is what motivates me every day.
 

"My mission is to empower women to conquer their fears, chase their dreams with courage, work passionately, and show they belong in any field they choose."

Where do you see yourself in five years? 

I am committed to being an active example in our industry by championing strong safety cultures. My goal is to ensure that every worker is not only well-trained but truly empowered with the knowledge and confidence to contribute to a safe and healthy work environment. I firmly believe that effective, practical training is the foundation for preventing incidents and enhancing overall wellbeing. Equally important to me is building collaborative, trust-based relationships with our customers and industry partners. By deeply understanding their unique challenges and safety goals, we can co-create tailored, innovative solutions that drive real progress. I’m confident that through this partnership-driven approach, we can set new benchmarks for safety standards across the industry.

What advice would you give women considering entering the industry?

Women can be just as successful and impactful in our industry as men – by continuously building skills and knowledge, actively networking within the field, and staying focused and committed to our goals. With the right support and determination, there are no limits to what we can achieve.