Construction Month is Here!

In the world of construction, where towering structures rise and intricate projects take shape, there exists a realm often dominated by men. Yet, here stands a beacon of inspiration, a woman whose journey through the industry has not only defied conventions but has also paved the way for others to follow suit. Meet Janice, an experienced Safety Manager whose story encapsulates resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Share a little bit of your career path. What initially drew you to a career in construction, and how did you navigate your path to becoming a Safety Manager?

In the late 70’s after graduation, I wanted to make a lot of money and the only high-paying job was in construction. So, I started operating mobile equipment.

After many years of working in Construction, I needed a career change. I went into Business, then Healthcare.

During that tenure of my career, I saw immeasurable safety infractions, which inspired me to become more proactive in changing the way safety is managed. People's safety was more important to me than profit or production which lead me to my path to becoming a Safety professional.

I started very “green” in Oil and Gas, now 13 years later, I am managing three companies succinctly.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, what unique challenges have you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field like construction, I have faced several unique challenges throughout my career. One significant obstacle has been the prevalence of harassment, bullying, and sexual provocation in the workplace. Despite reporting such behavior to my superiors, the issue often fell on deaf ears, leaving me feeling unsupported and frustrated. However, I refused to let these challenges deter me from pursuing my passion for construction. Instead, I chose to stand up for myself and forge ahead, ignoring the male-dominated behavior and asserting my right to work in the industry on equal terms. While it hasn't been easy, my resilience and determination have allowed me to overcome these obstacles and continue thriving in my career.

Could you share an instance where you felt particularly empowered or uplifted by your role as a leader in the construction world?

During a large-scale construction project, I faced a significant challenge when I realized our workforce comprised 300 employees who did not speak English. Communication was crucial to ensure safety protocols were understood and followed. Despite the language barrier, I took the initiative to implement various strategies to bridge the communication gap.

Firstly, I arranged for multilingual training sessions and translated the contents to their native language, where important safety instructions and procedures were demonstrated visually and through hands-on activities

Secondly, I promoted a culture of inclusivity and teamwork on the construction site.

How do you think you impacted positively others?

Seeing the 300 employees who did not speak English actively participating in training sessions and seamlessly integrating into the team was incredibly gratifying. In terms of positive impact on others, I believe my leadership played a significant role in enhancing safety awareness and teamwork on the construction site. By addressing the language barrier proactively and fostering a supportive work environment, I helped improve overall morale and productivity.

What strategies or approaches have you found effective in promoting diversity and inclusion within your team or organization?

This is a great question, by implementing these strategies and approaches, my organization can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.

• Educational workshops and training that are interactive.
• Providing inclusive policies and procedures to establish accountability.
• Encouraging open communication and feedback to foster respectful and trusting relationships.
• Celebrating diversity and cultural awareness by organizing events or celebrations that highlight their cultures, traditions, and background.
• Accountability and Measurement by tracking progress and holding Management accountable

In your journey, what valuable lessons have you learned about leadership, especially in the context of safety management?

In my leadership journey, especially safety management, I’ve learned key lessons. A leader must set an example by showing how important safety is. Clear communication of the safety rules, procedures and encourage others to speak up. Empower my team by giving them responsibilities about safety decisions. Provide continuous training, have recognition meetings to encourage good safety practices, always try to improve with new recommendations and have no tolerance for unsafe behavior by being clear of the expectations

How do you balance the demands of safety protocols and regulations with fostering a positive work environment for your team?

To balance safety protocols and regulations with fostering a positive work environment, I use these strategies:

• Clear communication so everyone understands,
• Empowerment allows others to make decisions.
• Training and education is key to learning about the regulations and requirements
• Recognition of good safety practices
• The flexibility of safety measures is static and constantly improving.
• Lead by example and show that safety is a priority.

Have there been mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your growth in the industry? If so, how?

Yes, there have been mentors and role models who have significantly influenced my growth in the industry. Their guidance, advice, and leading by example are invaluable in shaping my career path.

One mentor offered their expertise, experience, and willingness to share their knowledge with me. They provided valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the industry, offering practical advice on everything from project management to leadership skills.

Their mentorship helped me develop confidence in my abilities and provided me with the support I needed to overcome challenges and pursue growth opportunities.

Additionally, observing other successful professionals in the industry has inspired me to set ambitious goals and strive for excellence in my work. Their achievements serve as a reminder that with dedication, perseverance, and the right guidance, I can continue to advance and make meaningful contributions to the industry.

What advice would you give to aspiring female leaders entering the construction field, especially those interested in safety management?

Aspiring female leaders entering the construction field, especially those interested in safety management, should keep the following advice in mind:

Believe in yourself to have confidence in your abilities. Find Mentors that will guide and support your career path. Keep Learning and stay updated on industry trends and Regulations.

Take challenges to grow professionally. Network and build relationships with people to expand your opportunities. Prioritize safety and lead by example “Walk the talk.”

Advocate and speak up for yourself. Be resilient to setbacks and stay focused on your goals. Celebrate your achievements.

Thank you Janice for this reflection of your career and who you are, keep inspiring us with your example and opening doors for more females in the construction world!