2021 has yet again highlighted how important health and safety is to everyone. HSE People is proud to champion and celebrate individuals, companies and organisations. Thank you to everyone who nominated our Top Health & Safety Influencers for 2021. In no particular order our finalists…
Tamara Parris
We are sure that no one will be surprised to see Tamara’s name in this list. She has one of the most prolific presences in the online health and safety world. Tamara is a podcast host, a community moderator and manager and a superb networker. To quote one of her supporters:
“Tamara consistently works through social networking to engage and support all safety practitioners regardless of industry. Her desire and drive to support and empower the community is second to none!”.
Her personality and passion is just two if the reasons behind her highly effective engagement and success as a health and safety influencer.
Paul Hendry
Paul Hendry is the most nominated Health & Safety Influencer in history which says a lot about his incredible accomplishments and how he is viewed by his peers. As the Global Vice President for Health, Safety and Wellbeing at Jacobs, one of his greatest achievements is the successful launching of the “One Million Lives” wellbeing check in tool in November 2021. Paul conceived this tool several years ago and oversaw the development and launch. While Jacobs is behind the financial support of this tool, Paul’s insistence that it be made freely available to anyone at no cost has resulted in thousands of people using the App who may not otherwise have had access to such a resource.
An incredible asset to Jacobs but also to the health and safety industry. Thank you Paul for your tireless work and support.
EcoOnline
Established in 2000, EcoOnline has expanded from being a well-established name for chemical management software in the Nordic region to also delivering comprehensive EHS solutions to the European and the US markets. Smart acquisitions, innovative technology launches and a new website have not stopped EcoOnline from supporting their customers as they demonstrate how a company can positively influence an industry.
Helene Melby Brodersen, Head of PR, Brand & Communication commented:
“Today EcoOnline helps more than 6,700 customers in 86 industries to effectively spot risks and incidents, take corrective actions and protect employees, contractors, customers, and the public. Supported by more than 400 purpose-driven employees based in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, the UK, and the US, EcoOnline enables companies to create healthier, safer, and more sustainable working places.”
Hugh Maxwell
Hugh Maxwell is not just an outstanding HSE professional but he is also more importantly a mentor. He shares his knowledge, insight and wisdom with the next generation, this is an essential part of development for our industry.
One of Hugh’s supporters summed up his contribution to the world of health and safety:
“I am nominating him because I believe in him. His good heart and willingness to serve. To always ensure people always go back home to their loved ones safe and sound. He is the best among many but he stands out”.
Hugh is also a great example of a worldwide influencer, working with individuals across the globe. It takes immense skill to communicate the importance of HSE across countries and cultures. Thank you for all you do for health and safety for everyone.
Dr Linda F. Martin
2021 has been a busy year for many of us but especially for Dr Linda F. Martin! Dr Martin has so far spent the year:
- Working as a moderator, speaker & panellist at in-person and virtual events
- Hosting The Safety Struggle Podcast
- Department Chair of Safety Programs at Capitol Technology University
- Chair of Dissertation students in the Occupational Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Construction Science, and Occupational Risk Management disciplines
- Editorial Board of Safety Science, Journal of Safety Research, Safety and Reliability Journal, International Reliability and Safety Journal, Safety: Open Access, and Health Informatics: An International Journal
- Moderator of the National Safety Council “Work to Zero” Summit
- Moderator of the Campbell Institute Symposium
Many people would have no time to do anything else but Dr Martin is also a mentor to both seasoned professionals and those new to the industry. What an inspiration!!
Drew Hinton
Drew Hinton’s hand-on experience is second-to-none with extensive experience including EHS consulting, working as a career firefighter, representing NIOSH as Construction Safety and Health Contractor and much more!
Drew is currently the President/CEO of Arrow Safety, LLC an EHS consulting and training firm based in Kentucky. Despite working fulltime he also services as an EMT for the Kentucky Department of Health’s Medical Reserve Corps. He has travelled across the globe conducting training, carrying out audits and working with clients to keep people and their environments safe.
Drew was nominated for his dedication to training and educating people, a common pattern amongst our influencers of 2021.
To quote one of his supporters:
“It is one thing to excel in your career but it takes true passion to share that excellence with others for the benefit of them and their colleagues. Drew Hinton shares what he knows and nothing is too much which makes a big difference when learning.”
Dr Jenny Harries
On the 1st of April this year the new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) was formally established with Dr Jenny Harries starting her first day as the Chief Executive. The new agency will be responsible for planning, preventing and responding to external health threats, and providing intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national and local level, as well as on the global stage.
Prior to her latest tenure, Dr Jenny Harries has previously served on the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and brings a wealth of public health knowledge and expertise gained from working in the NHS and local government at local, regional and national levels. She played central roles in the UK’s response to COVID, Ebola, Zika, monkeypox, MERS and the Novichok attacks.
Her involvement in the fight against Coronavirus and the future of fighting similar situations makes her a worthy health and safety influencer of 2021!
Amandeep Ama Beesla
Amandeep Ama Beesla has over 20 years onsite field experience across a variety of projects including –
- Heavy industrial construction
- Civil road building
- Pipelines
- Winter drilling
- Open-pit mining
- Earthwork
Amandeep is an advocate for women in construction trades and leads the way with her hands-on approach and can do attitude. To quote one of her supporters:
“Amandeep is a thought leader, transformer, HSE Strategist, safety influencer, coach and mentor, and podcast host!”
Connect with Amandeep on LinkedIn
Eric Gislason
Eric Gislason is the Executive Director of the National Association of Safety Professionals, a safety training and certification organization based in North Carolina. Eric’s passion is teaching and he is one of the primary instructors for the internationally recognized Certified Safety Manager Course.
Eric is very focused on raising up others around him and supporting his peers in developing their careers. Eric believes that education and learning is essential, as one of his supporters said:
“Eric is renowned for driving the National Association of Safety Professionals, and it’s students (myself included) to never stop educating those that rely on us to be the best, so that they are as well.”
Eric has been instrumental in the creation of two new ANAB-accredited certifications, the Master Safety Professional (MSP) and Certified Safety Director (CSD) designed for inclusivity for individuals with varying educational and experiential backgrounds. Those of us in the industry appreciate the importance of learning and teaching and Eric is a great figurehead for this aspect of the health and safety world.
Project Mollitiam
Project Mollitiam is the brainchild of James MacPherson and Colin Nottage, two well known and respected members of the health and safety community and prolific social media influencers.
Project Mollitiam provides online resources including a monthly book club and a large portfolio of online resources and training courses. The platform also allows access to both of the founders podcasts –
- Colin Nottage’s “The interesting Health and Safety podcast”
- James MacPherson’s Rebranding Safety YouTube Channel and podcast
As with many of our other Health and Safety Influencers, the team at Project Mollitiam work hard to provide free resources for the benefit of everyone. On behalf of the HSE community- thank you!
Follow Project Mollitiam on LinkedIn
