1. How Many Years Have You Been in Construction Safety?
I started in the construction industry in 2015 and began an EHS-specific role the following year.
2. Women in Construction Has Recently Grown Over the Years. Why Do You Think More Women Are Joining the Construction Industry?
I think the national Women in Construction (WIC) Week initiative and the overall changing demographics across the board are a testament to my predecessors. The women that paved the way in construction have really done such an amazing job sharing the vast opportunities in the industry. I would also be remiss not to mention the local organizations and our many male counterparts that have encouraged women to not only participate, but to really excel in our passion and chosen field.
I also believe, like most careers, it is so important to share the opportunities with the next generation. For example, our local NAWIC Chapter (Philadelphia) hosts a MyWIC camp each summer in partnership with Girls Inc. which allows the campers to learn trade-specific skills at the local union halls, tour construction projects, and learn from women working in various roles within the industry including EHS, Estimators, Project Managers, Presidents, etc.
3. What’s One Thing You Learned While Working in Construction Safety?
Well, this is a tough question as I learn many things each day! One vitally important concept that I believe isn’t addressed or stressed enough is effective communication. Effective communication, at all levels of an organization or project, can literally be the difference between life and death in our innately hazardous workplace. Strong intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, organization, and coordination, are key elements of success.
4. What Advice Would You Give Women Looking for a Career in this Industry?
Do it! If you have an interest or passion in the industry, follow that voice. It can undoubtedly be an intimidating jump, but there are plenty of resources to help you. It isn’t an “easy” journey by any means, but it is well worth it!
5. What Are Some Challenges That Women Face in the Industry?
Women face unique challenges in the industry as a result of lack of representation. For example, tools and equipment are generally designed for the typical male. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a similar issue. I personally always struggle to find gloves, glasses, boots that fit properly AND achieve the level of protection required. Fall protection is also a really big topic here as well as general work clothes and high visibility outerwear.
6. Are You Currently Working on Any Interesting Projects You Can Share with Us?
One of my favorite things about this role is the diversity! I have clients and projects throughout the country working in various industries- pharmaceutical construction, manufacturing, military and government contracts, power generation, oil and gas, residential, and general construction. No day is ever the same and it is continuously challenging to develop unique solutions to hazards.
My most interesting projects right now are a couple of high-rise mixed-use residential structures in Center City. The project teams are really great to work with and it’s always cool to be a part of the changing Philly skyline!
7. What’s the Most Rewarding Thing About Working in Construction Safety?
When I first started in construction safety, a superior told me that I was working a thankless job and not to take it personally. I vehemently disagree with that school of thought. If you don’t take this role to heart, you’re doing it wrong. The most rewarding thing about working in construction safety is making a positive difference in someone’s life and you can only do that successfully by building relationships. We have such a small and close-knit group in the Greater Philadelphia area that we often see the same employees, managers, vendors, and EHS folks year after year. It is incredibly rewarding to run into a worker from a previous project and hear how much you helped them. It is rewarding to have an “old school mentality” become an ally. It is rewarding to get that phone call “hey, I want to bounce a safety question off of you” even when you are no longer working with that person.
One of my favorite career moments occurred on a long-term project early on in my career. I had a labor foreman who was quite suspect of safety folks and would not give me the time of day. I’m not exaggerating when I say it took me months if not a year to build the trust and become a true resource for this foreman and his crew. Towards the end of the project, he came STORMING into the trailer at some pre-dawn hour waving a piece of paper furiously at me with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. I took the paper and read it. It was his son’s acceptance letter to an Ivy League University. The actual letter, not even a copy. This was life-changing news that he couldn’t wait to share with me. That’s what it is all about, keeping folks safe on the job so they can provide for and celebrate life with their loved ones. I’ll never forget that one.