Building HSEQ Systems With Purpose | Meet John, Our HSEQ Manager - Alchemy Construct
9 Dec 2022

Meet Our Team — Building HSEQ Systems With Purpose | Meet John, Our HSEQ Manager

Meet John, a fantastic character and Alchemy’s HSEQ Manager and expert.⁠ (It’s fair to say that he certainly knows how to work the camera!)⁠

We recently asked John a few questions to find out a bit more about the developments he’s seeing within his field as well as the skills and expertise he’s bringing to the team. ⁠

With a vast career in the HSEQ space under his belt and a true passion for health and safety, John is already making strides and we couldn’t be more excited to have him on board!⁠

What is your building of impact?⁠

Monash University New Horizons Research Centre. I was involved in the Safety in Design and OHS Consulting as part of the Monash University Buildings and Property Strategic Management Team on behalf of the Faculty of Engineering. The centre is a world-class technology and innovation hub for future manufacturing research, education and industry collaboration. The building is a reinforced concrete structure of approximately 20,000 sqm over 4 levels. It is enclosed with an ‘iconic’ façade representing the high-tech nature of the research activities conducted within. It is home to the Faculty of Engineering where researchers are pushing the boundaries with everything form lasers, nanotechnology, chemical engineering and biomedical materials. I’m proud to have been a part of it.

“We are now seeing “Minority Report” style site safety communication systems and VR reality incorporated on site which will be an exciting change as the technology becomes readily available.”

Best part of the job?

The people. I am surrounded by amazing people that are passionate to the core about being an Alchemist and our leadership is future driven.

I am in a unique role as a HSEQ Professional whereby I can build trust, engage with everyone in the business, and help no matter the issue. Each day presents a completely new challenge and I love the variety.

What are you most looking forward to bringing to the role?

I have worked in very large organisations and on major projects across Australia. The unfortunate reality of large business is that you get a little lost and can’t effectively initiate change. I left large enterprise to challenge the status quo and develop safety systems that really matter to people with absolute purpose in line with the values from my education and mentors, especially the safety concepts of my previous Professor Dr David Borys, a world leader in Safety education. This role is an opportunity for me to bring my passion, System II thinking and HSEQ values to Alchemy.

HSEQ is a rapidly evolving area of construction with technology vastly improving how we assess and manage risk. What exciting developments are you seeing globally?

We are now seeing “Minority Report” style site safety communication systems and VR reality incorporated on site which will be an exciting change as the technology becomes readily available.

What is the one piece of advice you wish you had received in your early days of construction?

Stop talking about safety!…Sometimes getting to know people is more important, build a genuine relationship. If people trust you, they will come to you and you won’t need to chase them down.

Best piece of life advice you’ve been given?

This probably came from my dad: “Hold your family close and don’t let go”. My family are my life, it’s why I go to work each day and the reason I can’t wait to get home.

What makes you proud to work in the construction industry?

This is my first dedicated construction position so that’s easy… Alchemy is a family. Knowing that our people go home each day and see their families ticks that box. My 2 boys are my world.