How Donald’s experiences have shaped his approach to HSEQ and site safety today

From starting out as a technician to his current role as an HSE officer, Donald’s career journey is rooted in hands‑on experience. Those early years on site now give him added credibility and insight in his current HSEQ role.

Donald explains how these experiences have shaped his approach to HSEQ and site safety today.

Can you tell us what brought you to FairWind?

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‑training software for a largely illiterate workforce. So, health and safety has always been part of my life.

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’t speak Polish, so I spent 10 years in academia.

Once I got my Polish citizenship and the EU job market opened up to me, I wanted to start a new career. My wife’s 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 “on the tools” so in 2022, I joined FairWind as a technician.

How did you progress from being a technician into health and safety?

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’t consider myself “self‑made”; I’ve simply taken good advice from people who know the business better than me.

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

Were there people who played a pivotal role in guiding your career?

Absolutely. There were a number of people along the way whose guidance made a real difference.

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..

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.

What does a typical day on site look like for you?

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

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’t fully understand one another. I help translate those differences, whether it’s explaining management decisions to technicians, or helping site managers understand technicians’ frustrations.

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’s certainly true to say that communication is a huge part of the job.

Do you feel your hands‑on technician experience helps you in your HSE role?

Absolutely, 100%. It was one of the best career decisions I made.

I know what technicians go through because I’ve 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’t given easily but earned over time.

What projects stand out as particularly memorable or meaningful for you?

Two projects come to mind, one extremely challenging, one incredibly smooth.

• My most challenging project was my first HSE project. I arrived as an HSE admin expecting a gentle transition, but two weeks in, I had to step in as an HSE Officer as one of the existing HSE officer resigned. I went from being an onshore technician to a pre‑assembly HSE officer, which are two completely different worlds. Needless to say, it was a baptism of fire.
  However, I survived and even thrived because I had the support of a strong site management team who were patient with me, answered my thousand and one questions, and helped me grow.
• The smoothest project I have worked on was in the UK. I wasn’t sure what to expect because UK health and safety standards are extremely high, but it turned out to be one of the best projects I’ve worked on. Strong teams, great client rapport, a fantastic safety culture, We were commended by the client at the end, which was a huge achievement, especially for a new region.

What advice would you give someone starting out as a technician in the wind industry?

• Learn and observe.
• Ask questions.
• Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, especially around safety.
• Don’t be a cowboy; injuries help no one.
• Understand the bigger picture, not just your own tasks.
• Keep a growth mindset.
• Stay loyal to your goals and don’t fall into peer pressure.

This industry is incredibly hands‑on. Certifications give you papers, but competence only comes from getting your hands dirty.

How would you describe the team culture at FairWind?

It sounds cliché, but FairWind feels like one big family. Whether onshore or offshore, teams look out for each other. There’s banter, of course, but also real support.

I’ve also had wonderful support from colleagues outside of operations, who are always available and offer supportive when I need it.

Finally, what do you enjoy most about your current role?

I love being the bridge between different stakeholders, helping reduce frustration simply by improving understanding. I enjoy being part of operations, being out in the field, but also contributing at a management level. It’s a perfect balance of desk work and boots‑on‑the-ground.

I’m passionate about improving working conditions, promoting mental health, and creating environments where technicians feel heard and supported. For me, helping find common ground and smoothing out barriers is incredibly fulfilling.