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Barbara RusinkoSenior Vice President, Security Specialist, Bechtel Corporation
Date of Birth: .
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Barbara Rusinko: A Safety Champion in the Construction Industry
- Transition to Safety
- Challenges in Construction Safety
- The Role of Middle Management
- Accomplishments and Recognition
- Conclusion
Barbara Rusinko: A Safety Champion in the Construction Industry
Early Career and Career ShiftGrowing up, Barbara Rusinko always gravitated towards engineering. She earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of South Carolina and started her career as a construction engineer. However, tragedy struck when a worker named Khun was fatally injured on a project site in Thailand where she was a high-level project manager. Witnessing his final moments, Rusinko felt a profound shift within herself.
Transition to Safety
Rusinko realized that she wanted to dedicate her career to ensuring the safety of workers. She pursued a master's degree in engineering science from the University of Alabama at Huntsville and immersed herself in safety protocols. Rusinko joined Bechtel, a global engineering, procurement, and construction company, as a safety specialist. Her unwavering commitment to "safety first" has made her a respected leader in the industry.
Challenges in Construction Safety
Construction projects often span years, meaning the workforce can change frequently. As a safety specialist, Rusinko emphasizes the importance of effective training and communication to ensure that all workers adhere to the same safety standards and collaborate effectively.
The Role of Middle Management
Rusinko believes that middle managers play a crucial role in safety. They must convey the importance of safety to their teams while also listening to feedback and concerns from the workforce. "Safety has to be the core value," she says. "It has to be the overriding factor in every decision we make."
Accomplishments and Recognition
Rusinko is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Corporate Partnership Council. She has held leadership positions in various engineering projects, including the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository project. Her dedication to safety has earned her widespread recognition and respect within the industry.
Conclusion
Barbara Rusinko's passion for safety has shaped her entire career. As a senior vice president of safety at Bechtel, she tirelessly advocates for the well-being of workers. Her commitment to creating a safe and supportive work environment has made a significant contribution to the construction industry.
