Amazing Women in Engineering, Engineering Safety with Osprey

To celebrate Women in Engineering Day, Osprey is proud to highlight the remarkable journey of Thea-Lize McKinlay, our dedicated QHSE Supervisor. With a career spanning 13 years in Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE), Thea-Lize brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, making significant strides in ensuring workplace safety and compliance.

Thea-Lize McKinlay, currently serving as the QHSE Supervisor, has been with Osprey for 2 months. She has an extensive background in QHSE, with 13 years of dedicated experience in the field.

A Passion for Safety

Thea-Lize’s journey into the field of QHSE began at the young age of 18 when she started working in the mining industry. Witnessing and learning about various incidents and accidents on site ignited her interest in safety. “Knowing I can make a positive change towards the health, safety, and wellbeing of workers on site drew me into becoming the QHSE professional I am today,” she explains. Her innate desire to help, guide, and assist others aligns perfectly with her role as a safety professional, giving her a profound sense of purpose.

Daily Responsibilities and Challenges

A typical day for Thea-Lize starts with an early morning toolbox talk, ensuring the workforce is aware of potential hazards and equipped with the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Her responsibilities are diverse, including audits, inspections, conducting safety inductions, and participating in safety meetings.

Training and Qualifications

To become a QHSE Supervisor, Thea-Lize has undergone extensive training, with her most notable achievement being the Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals through NEBOSH. Her commitment to staying updated with the latest regulations and technologies is supported by her membership with IOSH and participation in relevant webinars.

Enjoying the Job

Thea-Lize finds immense satisfaction in her role, particularly in working with a fantastic team and fostering a safety-first mindset among employees. She enjoys the dynamic nature of her job and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on her colleagues’ lives by ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

Memorable Projects

One of the highlights of Thea-Lize’s time at Osprey was the safe delivery of a 560-tonne steam generator to HPC, a project that involved meticulous planning and coordination. “Being part of such a great achievement in a new environment and given the chance to learn and be part of new things was indeed one of my best days at Osprey,” she recalls proudly.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are key to Thea-Lize’s success. She regularly interacts with site managers, supervisors, and workers, fostering a culture of safety through open dialogue and shared goals. By setting clear guidelines and managing time efficiently, she balances teamwork with individual responsibilities to achieve optimal results.

Career Advice and Progression

For those aspiring to a career in QHSE management, Thea-Lize advises embracing lifelong learning and striving for meaningful change. She recommends obtaining certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 to enhance professional credentials. The career progression in QHSE management can lead from entry-level positions to senior management roles, offering ample opportunities for growth and specialisation.

Maintaining Work-Life Balance

Outside of work, Thea-Lize enjoys going to the gym, taking walks, engaging in outdoor activities, and spending quality time with her family. These activities help her unwind and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Thea-Lize McKinlay’s dedication to safety, her collaborative spirit, and her unwavering passion for making a difference exemplify the impact women can have in engineering and QHSE management. Her story is an inspiration to everyone at Osprey, highlighting the vital role women play in creating safer and more efficient workplaces.