{"id":5675,"date":"2026-04-13T10:52:52","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T08:52:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fairwind.com\/?p=5675"},"modified":"2026-06-22T11:35:40","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T09:35:40","slug":"how-donalds-experiences-have-shaped-his-approach-to-hseq-and-site-safety-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fairwind.com\/pt\/how-donalds-experiences-have-shaped-his-approach-to-hseq-and-site-safety-today\/","title":{"rendered":"How Donald’s experiences have shaped his approach to HSEQ and site safety today"},"content":{"rendered":"
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From starting out as a technician to his current role as an HSE officer, Donald\u2019s career journey is rooted in hands\u2011on experience. Those early years on site now give him added credibility and insight in his current HSEQ role.<\/p>

Donald explains how these experiences have shaped his approach to HSEQ and site safety today.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Can you tell us what brought you to FairWind?<\/strong><\/p>

My path to FairWind actually starts back in the 90s. I grew up in South Africa in a farming and mining family. My father worked in the platinum mines and was heavily involved in safety, even helping develop early safety\u2011training software for a largely illiterate workforce. So, health and safety has always been part of my life.<\/p>

After university, I worked on cruise ships, met my wife on board, and in 2012 we moved to Poland. At first, the only work I could do was teaching English because I didn\u2019t speak Polish, so I spent 10 years in academia.<\/p>

Once I got my Polish citizenship and the EU job market opened up to me, I wanted to start a new career. My wife\u2019s cousin, a FairWind technician, often shared his experiences at family gatherings. That sparked my interest in the wind industry, and I saw a way to get into HSE. However, I realised that if I wanted to truly understand the industry, I needed to start \u201con the tools\u201d so in 2022, I joined FairWind as a technician.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

How did you progress from being a technician into health and safety?<\/strong><\/p>

After gaining enough technical understanding and confidence as a technician, I felt ready to begin my HSE career. I started my NEBOSH diploma and began talking to project managers, HSE advisors on site and site managers, asking for advice. I don\u2019t consider myself \u201cself\u2011made\u201d; I\u2019ve simply taken good advice from people who know the business better than me.<\/p>

When I felt prepared, I applied internally for an HSE role. That step opened the door to where I am today.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Were there people who played a pivotal role in guiding your career?<\/strong><\/p>

Absolutely. There were a number of people along the way whose guidance made a real difference.<\/p>

Early in my career with FairWind I was lucky to have patient support at key points that really helped me deal with the realities of working in the field. I was given the space to learn and had the opportunity to work in some amazing teams that gave me greater knowledge and understanding of the business..<\/p>

More recently, I was fortunate to have someone take a chance on me. He recognised my potential when he could have hired someone with more experience and that trust has been invaluable. These influences did more than just offer support; they helped me shape and navigate my career.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

What does a typical day on site look like for you?<\/strong><\/p>

Every day starts with a toolbox talk. Nothing happens before that. After that though, anything can happen, no two days are alike.<\/p>

Much of my role involves acting as a bridge between technicians, site management, upper management, clients, and contractors. Each of these groups has their own priorities, and often they don\u2019t fully understand one another. I help translate those differences, whether it\u2019s explaining management decisions to technicians, or helping site managers understand technicians\u2019 frustrations.<\/p>

I also work on building client confidence in the project team and project HSE execution, running safety campaigns, reviewing safety observations, ensuring compliance with national and international standards, and addressing concerns raised on site. But it\u2019s certainly true to say that communication is a huge part of the job.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Do you feel your hands\u2011on technician experience helps you in your HSE role?<\/strong><\/p>

Absolutely, 100%. It was one of the best career decisions I made.<\/p>

I know what technicians go through because I\u2019ve been there: the cold, the physical strain, the shortcuts people are tempted to take, the fears and frustrations. That experience makes me more empathetic and gives me credibility. It helps me build trust, which is especially important in cultures where trust isn\u2019t given easily but earned over time.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

What projects stand out as particularly memorable or meaningful for you?<\/strong><\/p>

Two projects come to mind, one extremely challenging, one incredibly smooth.<\/p>