Each year on June 23, the Women’s Engineering Society celebrates International Women in Engineering Day. This year’s theme “Make Safety Seen” coincides with National Safety Month, highlighting women in engineering who have a serious commitment to safety and are helping to build a brighter future. To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day in our firm, we asked our women engineers how they are making safety seen in their daily lives. 

How are You Practicing Safety in Your Daily Work Life and Environment?

Shannon Bonilla, PE, PMP, RSP1 – Senior Project Manager

Safety is always important. As a certified Roadside Safety Professional (RSP1), it is my role to assist project managers, roadway engineers, and traffic engineers to find ways to improve safety in all aspects of our projects. Looking at safety improvements should begin in the project development phase and carry through to the operations phase.

Sara Hebert – Program Analyst

I practice safety by using the daily risk assessment when we are in the field. We always assign one team member to be the team’s point of contact for the day, and all members must check in and check out with them before leaving a building or site. When performing our daily risk assessment safety meetings, we review all typical hazards and also remind team members of unusual or day specific hazards (i.e. need for sunscreen or bug spray, inclement weather, and staying hydrated).

Do You Have Tips on how You Maintain and Enhance Safety in Your Daily Work Life and Environment?

Alexa Devlin, PE, DCA, E&SCCA, LEED GA, SMCA – Project Engineer

One tip is to maintain iteration with safety procedures by keeping up with different employees and their specific job duties that pose potential dangers.

Kim Pierson, PE, CEM, CGBE, LEED GA, LC, PMP – Department Manager

The best thing is to be aware of your surroundings. It keeps you safe by making sure your environment is safe and helps you to recall details if something were to happen and keeps you looking out for others. Also, make sure you know which cars your team has so you can spot them on-site without having to wander around.

Which Dewberry Tenet of Safety Stands Out to You and Why?

Wylie Minot, PE – Project Manager

“Drive without distractions” is the tenet that most impacts me. I spend some time driving almost every day, whether it is for work or personal reasons. Putting down my cellphone is an easy step I can take to minimize distractions and increase the likelihood that I make it to my destination safely.

Kate Heath, E&SCC – Graduate Engineer

My favorite Dewberry tenet is “I pay attention to my movements and posture with all my work.” This stands out to me because we are often naturally careful with the big or riskier tasks, although we can become careless with the small tasks. This tenet reminds me to always remain careful and aware. I don't think about it as just a work responsibility, but rather as a responsibility to my health and the health of those I work with.

Sara Hebert – Program Analyst

An important tenet is “I wear the required personal protective PPE.” Sometimes it can feel a little embarrassing or uncomfortable to wear PPE that may draw attention to yourself or make you seem like you are excessively prepared or worried. However, I believe that any stigma felt should be immediately dispelled because wearing something like ear protection in a loud mechanical room is extremely important for your hearing and your health.

Kim Pierson, PE, CEM, CGBE, LEED GA, LC, PMP – Department Manager

My stand-out tenet is “I remain fit for duty while working.” This is all about knowing yourself, your limits, and what is being asked of you. It's okay to say no or ask questions to make sure something is safe for you and your team.