With this week heralding the start of Women in Construction Week, Shona MacMillan, BriggsAmasco Area Safety Advisor for the Yorkshire & North East, reveals why she joined the industry, how her career has evolved, and what being a woman in construction feels like today.
Tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in construction.
My background is a HND in Geological Technology and a degree in Applied Geology. These courses were predominantly male-orientated, so I have always been accustomed to this type of environment.
I worked as an Occupational Hygiene Consultant – building surveys for asbestos, dust and noise, and LEV monitoring for various industries.
A health and safety job opportunity arose in the sheeting and cladding roofing business my partner worked for, which is how I got into construction.
I then moved to a brick manufacturer as a Technical Officer – Health and Safety/ Environment/ Quality Control. I was also their Deputy Quarry Manager. This involved managing the biannual clay wins, planning works, inducting sub-contract plant operators, environmental monitoring for dust and noise, and compliance with council permits etc.
What was your first role at BriggsAmasco, and how did you find the experience as a woman entering the industry?
My first role was as Area Safety Advisor, initially covering Aberdeen, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds and Hull branches. My current area is North East & Yorkshire. I found that the construction industry was more supportive than manufacturing, providing a variety of work environments and people to work with.
How has your career developed and progressed since you first joined the company?
The role has expanded to include Health and Safety representation on the Integrated Management System group, which deals with management systems and external audits. The company is brilliant at arranging training to expand knowledge and skill sets to support the business and employees’ job roles.
Have you recognised positive changes in attitude towards women during your career in the construction industry?
There are still times when you must be very specific and clear in your communication with people to get them to take note. However, when you listen to those doing the work to get their opinions on a task, you get a much more positive response.
What key challenges does your current role as Area Safety Advisor present?
I’m not as forceful at communicating as I could be, so it can be a challenge to ensure the points you raise are understood and considered.
Is there a particular project you have worked on that stands out as especially exciting or rewarding?
I’ve been fortunate to work on several projects nationwide that I really enjoyed and was proud to be a part of the team. I thrive more when I feel I’ve been of benefit to the team and the work carried out.
What are your future career ambitions within the construction industry?
I’m happy to be in a role that suits my knowledge, experience and qualifications.
I want to ensure that the support I provide to the business is practical and helps the company improve its health and safety through new techniques, methods of work and understanding. This is to help everyone be aware of health and safety, and naturally think about controls and applying them as standard in the way we work.
For more information on National Women in Construction Week, click here
