International Women in Engineering Day 2023, brought to us by the Women’s Engineering Society is an opportunity to showcase talented women who break the stereotypes of what it means to be successful in the engineering industry.
This INWED, the theme is #MakeSafetySeen. This gives us the opportunity to highlight and praise the women who work in our Health and Safety department here at RSE. They have shared with us their experience of working in the engineering sector including their background in the industry, rewarding parts of their roles and also the challenges that are faced by women working within the sector.
Firstly we hear from Sian…
Sian McDiarmid
Health & Safety Advisor
Q1. What is your background and experience in the Engineering Industry?
After leaving school I started my first full-time job with a Civil Engineering company as a receptionist which later progressed into a H&S Administration role followed by a Trainee H&S Advisor role.
A few years later I started a new position with RSE as a QHSE Administrator which later progressed into a H&S Advisor role.
I was fortunate enough to gain a career as H&S Advisor without going to university. I am grateful for the Engineering industry for providing me with the skills, knowledge and experience which allows me to undertake my role.
Q2. What does your role in the RSE Health and Safety department include?
My tasks in the H&S Department include managing facilities documentation; carrying out inspections/audits to ensure the correct paperwork and controls are in place; developing new and existing procedures and completing various risk assessments such as PUWER and Fire.
Q3. What’s the most rewarding thing about your role?
The most rewarding part of my role is learning from colleagues for personal and professional growth through knowledge exchange, diverse viewpoints, collaboration, and the development of new skills.
Q4. What do you think are the big challenges faced by Women working in the Engineering sector and how can these be combatted?
Personally, I believe being a woman in the engineering industry doesn’t introduce additional challenges in comparison to what men have to experience.
I do feel I get treated equally and I am glad that I chose a career in the industry as I find it extremely interesting.
The only challenge I am currently experiencing, however this could equally affect a man, is the cost of childcare. I do have to rely on my family often whilst at work to look after my children. If there was help with childcare costs for under 3 year olds it would make co-ordinating their daily routine a lot easier and would also give me more flexibility, such as carrying out more site visits.
Secondly, we hear from Lisa MacDonald…
Lisa MacDonald
QHSE Admin Manager
Q1. What is your background and experience in the Engineering Industry?
This is my first role in the Engineering Industry. Before RSE, I worked in the motor trade for 11 years. The transition from the motor trade industry to the engineering industry can indeed present a significant learning curve, but it also offers a unique set of challenges and rewards.
Q2. What does your role in the RSE Health and Safety department include?
Managing the QHSE administration for RSE and groups involves various responsibilities. This includes compiling and analysing Health and Safety statistics for the groups, preparing inspection and audit reports, and tracking actions for effective management. Additionally, coordinating campaigns and distributing bulletins to promote safety awareness, preparing board reports, and overseeing occupational health initiatives are essential tasks. Providing day-to-day support to the QHSE team, driving business improvements, and serving as a vital interface between the site and QHSE are also part of the role.
Q3. What’s the most rewarding thing about your role?
The most rewarding thing about my role is the opportunity to meet and connect with individuals from various positions within the company, fostering positive working relationships that continue to grow. Supporting the QHSE team on a daily basis brings a sense of accomplishment, knowing that my efforts contribute to the smooth operation of our department.
Q4. What do you think are the big challenges faced by Women working in the Engineering sector and how can these be combatted?
Personally, within this company I have never come across a challenge being a woman in my position, I feel supported within our team and feel like there is no stupid question and people are willing to engage with you and support.
There is a huge stigma around being a female in a man’s working environment, however I do think times have moved on and your success can only be determined by you, as an individual.
