Meet the Team – Junior HSEQ Officer

The fifth in our Meet the Team series, with Helen Andrews, Junior HSEQ Officer.

How long have you worked with Alternative Heat?

I have been with Alternative Heat for just over a year, starting in August 2022.

Why HSEQ? Tell me about a typical day?

The HSEQ Department plays a vital role in upholding the highest standards of health, safety, environmental compliance and quality across our projects. In my role as an HSEQ Administrator, every day is a dynamic blend of responsibilities. I collaborate closely with various departments, including the commercial, contracts, fabrication and procurement teams.

Typical duties include keeping the company fleet administration and reports up to date, coordinating department meetings and taking the minutes, monitoring subcontractor and supplier databases, carrying out compliance checks, maintaining records on tools from calibrating torque wrenches to thorough examinations on forklifts & 20 Tonne cranes. If I’m not at my desk you find me scurrying about the fabrication sites with a clipboard or a box of PPE.

What is the best thing about your job?

Definitely the balance between being office-based and having the opportunity to get out on site. Engaging with employees on-site helps me to understand their needs, address concerns, and witness our commitment to safety and quality in action. It’s the people and the hands-on experiences that make my role so rewarding.

Some of your team have nicknamed you ‘Health Woman’ – can you explain?

Yeh – that one kind of stuck and it was Conor McMeel that said I needed a cape! I think coming from a background in health care, I naturally fell behind championing everything health, after all health is a bigger issue than accidents.

I help pull together the various health campaigns the company offers as well as promoting fellow staff to use the benefits of our Health Shield programme which offers FREE;

·         24-7 access to a GP and counselling service.

·         Online access to an ever-growing wellbeing library of nutritional, mental health and fitness programmes, videos and guides.

·         Consultations with a qualified physio via phone or video call.

·         As well as cash back on dental, optical and wellbeing treatments (You can even claim back for a cheeky little massage!)

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

The sheer volume and dynamic nature of work. As a team we manage an extensive portfolio of over 700 assets, each requiring meticulous record-keeping to ensure compliance and safety. I’m constantly engaging with a diverse range of sub-contractors, spanning over several different live sites. Requirements and expectations can change rapidly, and staying on top of these changes requires a high level of adaptability.

Moreover, the responsibility of maintaining records for over 200 staff members adds another layer of complexity.

Essentially records must be kept up to date and accurate and you need to have a keen eye for detail and an ability to juggle all the moving parts.

Why would anyone consider a career with Alternative Heat?

Alternative Heat offers a huge range of career possibilities and growth opportunities. We are at the forefront of an ever-evolving industry, where innovation and dedication to our team members are paramount. Here, you’ll find a supportive and collaborative work environment with ample room for career progression, making it an exciting place to build your future.

What does the future hold?

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve recently been promoted to the role of Junior HSEQ Officer, furthering my journey within the HSEQ field. Over the past year I’ve completed my NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety and my IOSH Managing Safely courses, amongst others. This promotion is a testament to the company’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent from within.

I look forward to expanding my skills, and the challenges and achievements that lie ahead.