Job Spotlight: Assistant Health & Safety Manager

14.01.25

Emily Francis, Ashe Construction’s new assistant health and safety manager joined the construction industry after working in the automotive and rail sectors. While she’s still in a sector dominated by men, Emily has now found a comfortable space to do her job.

Where have you worked before?

I have five years of health & safety experience having held roles with Lotus Cars and in the rail engineering sector.

Why are you interested in H&S?

My job is to remind people of the things that they might take for granted and forget about. Another important aspect of my role is to provide support so that everyone in the company knows who to ask for health and safety advice. The role is as much about training people as anything else.

What’s been the most illuminating thing so far?

No two days are the same, there’s so much variety, you can plan your week as much as you like but it’ll never turn out the way you thought. You never get bored; you meet people from all walks of life and you’re always learning.

What’s it like working at Ashe?

My previous jobs have been in mostly male environments and despite the world of construction being just the same, I feel really comfortable in my new job. I don’t have to think about being a woman and the challenges that we face. Everyone at Ashe is so nice and really cares.  The company wants everyone to succeed and I’m learning so much. I’ve already done courses in temporary works, asbestos safety and the Environmental Awareness Training Scheme run by the CITB. I’ll shortly be consolidating my general National Examination Board in Occupational Safety (NEBOSH) training with the specialist NEBOSH in Construction to ensure I know everything I need to know about operating safely in the building industry.

What do you think is good about the Construction industry?

There will always be a need to build things. It’s fast paced and there’s lots of variety. It’s an industry built on skill and hard work, and seeing something come from nothing.  You are always learning on the job and acquiring skills you wouldn’t have thought you would ever learn or need.

What’s been the biggest surprise so far?

The people. Everyone at Ashe has been so welcoming and friendly.

What’s the proudest moment in your career?

Passing my NEBOSH. I have never been a confident writer and was told by a lot of people that you may fail the first time, and not to take it as a negative. I passed first time.

Can you describe an average working week (if there is such a thing)?

Every week is different; I would normally plan my week the Friday before. I plan some site visits mixing between our construction and roofing teams. I plan around different meetings and get out and see lots of different people. At the moment, I am focusing on meeting everyone within the company. But most weeks don’t go to plan, and I’ll end up in completely different locations!

What advice would you give to someone entering a career in health & safety?

Do it. A lot of people look at health & safety as a dull or boring job, and at the start it can feel slightly overwhelming advising people on things they may not want to hear, but it’s all about building strong relationships and becoming a safe space for the site team to discuss issues with.

What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

I want to make sure everyone gets home safely at the end of the `day.