Job spotlight: HS&E advisor, Galliford Try

Vital stats

• Name: David Chapman
• Age: 44
• Company: Galliford Try
• Job Title: Senior health, safety & environmental advisor (North)
• Lives: Newcastle Upon Tyne

Why did you go into construction?

I fell into construction when I left the army. The first job I applied for was with Galliford (as it was then) and I got it. At the time I didnot have a clue about construction.

What training/qualifications do you have?

I completed the NEBOSH general and construction certificates in occupational health and safety a few years ago, and last year I completed my NVQ4 in Occupational Health and Safety Practice. I have also attended numerous training programmes on topics such as confined spaces, working at height and incident investigation.

What is the best thing about your current job?

It is very rare that I would have the same work issues two days running. I could be on a £25m project one day, and a £50,000 job the next. Over the years I have worked in most sectors where Galliford Try operates and on some very prestigious frameworks, including those with Zeneca, Ineos Chlor, British Waterways, Welsh Water and Anglian Water.

What was your first job?

At 16, I joined the army as a junior soldier in the Royal Signals. My first job after leaving the army was storeman with the old Galliford Yorkshire business, working on a maintenance contract for a pharmaceutical company in Huddersfield.

What was your last job?

I recently handed over the HS&E advisor role for Galliford Try Construction North and Morrison Highways Maintenance to take up the post of HS&E advisor for Galliford Try Partnerships North.

What is your proudest achievement at work?

Getting to where I am now. After two years as storeman, my manager thought I could take on the safety co-ordinator role on site, which I did, making the most of training opportunities, and I now find myself senior HS&E advisor (North).

And the most embarrassing incident?

That would have to be when I was in the army. We had just moved into a new location, it was dark and we had to camouflage our vehicles. Mine was a three-ton Bedford with a container on the back. I was on the roof of the container throwing the camouflage net down the sides, when I slipped and ended up hanging upside down in the camouflage net about six feet off the floor. Because we were tactical I was unable to shout for assistance, so I spent the next hour trying to attract someone's attention. When I did, the lads ran off and a quick procession of other lads followed, all having a good laugh at my predicament before they helped me down.

What do you see yourself doing in five years?

My department operates succession management, so I would like to be HS&E manager for one of the northern regions.

What advice would you offer to people thinking about going into construction?

Never turn down a training opportunity as you do not know where it will lead.