I Want a career in:

Case Study

Name: Darren Smith
Position: Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR) Coordinator
Company: Carter Holt Harvey
Qualifications: 

• Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety


• Confined Space Entry Trained


• Senior First Aid Certificate


• Internal Auditors Certificate

Age: 24

What is a typical day for a safety coordinator?
My role entails coordinating health and safety initiatives for the site, facilitating risk assessments and hazard identification and assisting site managers, front line managers and employees to develop a sound safety culture
I’m responsible for developing and implementing safety training workshops as well as facilitating and assisting teams to develop risk management plans.
A typical day for me starts with coming in and checking the register of any incidents that happen across the site whilst I haven’t been at work.  I’ll then conduct a walk through and risk assessment, providing any advice to managers or staff on safety issues.   If there are any meetings I need to attend or training I need to conduct this will fall into my day. 

How long have you been in the industry – and how did you arrive to where you are now?
An opportunity came up to work in the mill environment in 2003, so I took it. I didn’t realise it would lead me to where I am today.
 
I’ve had a couple of roles within the mill including dry mill timber stacking, lead hand relief work, shift analysis and then was lucky enough to be elected as the health and safety representative for the shift. From there I was promoted to the position I’m in now.
 
Are there opportunities for further training in your position?
I’ve just recently completed my full certificate in occupational health and safety. Charter Holt Harvey have also supported me with team leader development training in Melbourne as well as senior management training which included team building and communication.
I’ve also complete an internal auditors training course so I can ensure our standards and procedures are compliant.
 
What is your favourite part of your job?
The best part of my job is making sure that every day my workmates go home the same way they came to work.  I know I’m making a real difference.
 
Please note: We spoke to Darren about his career and what he does day to day. We hope you find this useful and interesting – but please remember, that all jobs are not exactly the same and other roles with the same title may be different in many respects. You should confirm all the details of a particular job with the organisation offering it.