WHS&E Advisor
Name: Mivvi Turner
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: On site
High School Subjects: Design & Tech, Textiles, History, Geography, English, Math and Ceramics
Favourite: Design & Tech, I enjoyed learning about building things and the design element.
Further study: Univeristy
where and what: There are lots, started with a Cert IV in Business Management and went all the way to complete my Masters Degree. Also did a Diploma in Project Management, Cert IV in WHS, plus numerous industry tickets like Confined Space, Work at Heights, etc.
"I’m passionate about positively changing people’s attitudes, behaviours and decision making when it comes to safety and the environment"
the inside scoop…
What does a WHS&E Advisor actually do? A Work Health Safety and Environment Advisor drives a culture of high-level compliance through ongoing team education, coaching and behavioural influence and project inspections/audits. We do this by providing appropriate advice on both regulatory and accreditation requirements, including maintaining knowledge of relevant laws, regulations and codes of practice. In a nutshell - We work on making our building activities/operations as safe as they can be and environmentally friendly as they can be.
What does a day in your life at work look like? I’m on site full time on a project. A typical day starts with attending (& sometimes presenting/talking) at the Daily PreStart Meeting, Site Worker Inductions and Plant Inductions, walking site to do either informal or formal inspections to ensure workers are working safely (& addressing any issues I may come across), attending planning meetings, subcontractor onboarding, supporting other team members with providing knowledge on processes, etc.
What's the best part of your job? I love what I do because, I get to work on site, as well as in the office, and I’m passionate about positively changing people’s attitudes, behaviours and decision making when it comes to safety and the environment.
What made you realise construction could be for you? I didn’t do well in my HSC so couldn’t go straight to Uni, so I started working for a builder in a reception/PA role and got to learn all about the Industry, which made me want to learn more.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? It doesn’t matter where you start, but it’s important to start sooner than later, gain experience (this is most valuable) complete relevant study and then you can work out what really interests you.
What's something that surprised you about working in construction? There is more support out there than you may realise, it will come from both males and females, be a sponge and learn as much as you can from everyone. Be open minded.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Follow your instinct and not what others try to push you into. What are you most interested in? Pick something that really interests you, and you will always be wanting to learn more. Doors will open for you if you’re interested and willing to work hard.
Mivvi is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Mivvi Turner engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.
