HSE People is thrilled to introduce the latest member of the HSE People Panel – Amandeep Beesla.
HSE People: Amandeep, how did you start off in HSE?
Amandeep: It’s an interesting story actually, I didn’t learn English until I was six years old as we predominately spoke Punjabi. My father needed help with the health and safety paperwork for our family business and interacting with the authorities. I would also help him out with safety management systems and programs and ensuring that the business was complying with any sort of regulations or government standards.
I realise now that it was almost like I was destined to work in health and safety!
HSE People: Fantastic! I bet not many people began their health and safety journey as a child!! So who inspires you?
Amandeep: I would say my Dad, he was an immigrant who came from India and worked hard to provide for his family. He is now a successful businessman!
HSE People: Okay, and looking to the future, where do you see the industry in 10 years’ time?
Amandeep: Great question! I think technology is a key factor now in HSE and we are also progressing towards more sustainability and efficiency in how we operate and finish projects.
HSE People: Absolutely! Do you have any advice for those starting out in the HSE industry?
Amandeep: Gain experience and education, speak to everyone, network network network!
HSE People: That’s great, thank you! And are there any books or resources that you would recommend?
Amandeep: I would say look into what exactly it is you’d like to achieve, I like to point professionals in Canada towards the guide provided by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering – https://www.csse.org/site/career-development/hire-a-hs-practitioner as you will need to plan what your goals are, time and funds are also key in this process.
HSE People: Amandeep, thank you so much for your time. We are so excited to have you as part of the HSE People Panel!
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Amandeep Besla has over 20 years of experience across various projects from pipelines, winter drilling and open-pit mining to heavy industrial construction and civil road building. She has worked on international projects as part of a global team and is fluent in English and Punjabi.
