My alarm goes off at…
I have rarely used an alarm throughout my working life. I have the knack of waking up for the time I need to be up for the day ahead. I normally wake up naturally between 4.00am and 5.00am. I would say I’m a bit of a morning person.
The first thing I do is…
if my daughter is with me, I check her glucose levels to make sure she’s within the safe range. She has type 1 diabetes and although she is sixteen, she has only had the condition a few years and occasionally needs some help managing it.
I prepare for the day ahead by…
as soon as I’m awake, work is at the forefront of my mind but most days I force myself to do some form of exercise, even if it’s 15 minutes using weights, or quick jog round the block.
By the time I’ve finished I feel positive and ready to tackle my priorities for the day. If I miss out this routine, I don’t feel as good.
I can’t leave the house without…
checking my family are okay and that I haven’t left the dog out in the garden.
My typical day –
I like to start the workday early. As a Health and Safety Manager, my days are usually planned out and structured, but there are times when I’ve got to be reactive to situations around the business and I enjoy the challenges they bring.
WCF has several sites and different business activities, not just fuels and this set up gives my role some diversity.
I feel it’s important to keep in touch with the people in our businesses, preferably face to face, or with regular remote catch ups.
I’m continually looking at risk and whether it’s through auditing, accidents or near misses my aim is to learn continuously to improve safety and compliance within the business.
My most memorable work moment…
I’ve had many memorable moments throughout my career, but when I look back, I think taking on the Health and Safety role would be up there.
I’m not sure whether I thought about it too deeply at the time, but on reflection, it has given me a lot of satisfaction. Although it’s not always portrayed as such, you are helping people by keeping them safe.
The worst part of my job…
I think it’s that I can’t switch off from thinking about the role. It’s just the way I am. I’ve always been a bit of a worrier.
The best part of my job…
It’s working with my colleagues. They’re really supportive and make WCF a great company to work for.
I relax after work by…
there is nothing better than some light exercise to relax you after work and if I’m not back too late, I enjoy walking, cycling, or very short runs.
There are no time constraints at the end of the day and sometimes I’ll have a pint or two afterwards.
My favourite meal…
I don’t think I have a favourite meal, but I eat and enjoy a variety of food but I think eating and relaxing with people whilst eating is important. I love trying new dishes, but still enjoy a good steak pie, occasionally.
The last thing I do each day is…
let the dog out, check my daughter’s levels and my emails in case I’ve missed anything.
I’m normally in bed by…
I try and stick to a regular sleeping pattern throughout the week. I like to be in bed for about 10.00pm and aim to get six or seven hours sleep if I can.
Image credit: Mike Parker, WCF Ltd
