From South Africa to Canada: an inspiring migration leading to a thriving career in occupational health and safety
In this edition of Canadian Occupational Safety, Claudia Heathfield, a recognized awardee of the 2023 Top Women in Safety award shared her remarkable journey migrating from South Africa to Canada to pursue a new career in occupational health and safety.
Heathfield transitioned from the construction industry in South Africa to Canada, taking on a safety administrative position with the intention of learning more about Canadian culture and business practices. Having worked in every other sector in construction other than safety, Heathfield’s lack of experience in safety didn’t stop her from pursuing a new career path. Her perseverance eventually paid off when she was hired as a safety administrator at a new construction company, setting the course for her new career.
Heathfield believes that safety in organizations starts at the management level and that genuine communication and respect for your workers is paramount for success. By emphasizing trust, respect, and compassion, workers are more likely to listen and contribute valuable solutions to everyday safety challenges. Heathfield encourages workers to contribute their own ideas and solutions to mitigate hazards on site and promotes a collaborative approach to safety to create a safer work environment for everyone.
When asked about advice for newcomers in health and safety, Heathfield mentions finding enjoyment in the work and continuous learning as key components of professional growth. She encourages individuals to absorb knowledge from diverse sources and ask plenty of questions, even if the answers may not align with expectations. Moreover, she reminds workers to celebrate the small victories as they provide motivation and reinforce the value of each workers efforts.
Looking to the future, Heathfield envisions a lifelong journey of learning and growth. She plans to participate in future safety-related volunteer work, seek out new mentors, and explore new opportunities in the health and safety sector.
To learn more about Claudia Heathfield and the 2023 Top Female Safety Leaders in Canada award, click here.
