At Sempra Infrastructure, safety is the foundation of who we are and everything we do. Our safety culture is shaped by a guiding philosophy: Everyone Safe, Every Time.
As we join in reinforcing the importance of safety in the workplace and beyond by celebrating National Safety Month, we are excited to spotlight Marc de la Roche, senior project development manager.
Read below as Marc shares his insights and experiences in championing safety every day both at the office and in the field.
Q: What makes you enthusiastic about your work at Sempra Infrastructure?
Sempra Infrastructure has a great work culture, where work/life balance is attainable, inclusivity is encouraged and safety is valued. Moreover, Sempra Infrastructure is developing projects that are uplifting economies and communities globally, irrespective of our projects being based in North America.
Q: What inspired you to join the Safety Committee at Sempra Infrastructure? Through your work with the committee, how do you champion people through safety?
My motivation to join the Safety Committee stems from my belief that safety should be the foundation for everything we do, whether in the field or the office. I saw an opportunity to make a significant impact and to champion people through safety by educating them on how they can influence our safety practices. In the office, mental health is a vital component of safety, just as physical safety is important in the field. By fostering a culture of safety, we can support each other and create a safer work environment for all.
Q: As we reflect on National Safety Month, what does prioritizing safety at work and at home mean to you? How do you personally incorporate safety into your daily work routine?
I prioritize safety at work by ensuring I’m always up to date on first aid skills, emphasizing the importance of fire drills as a fire warden and always using three points of contact when using the stairs. I also utilize the approved safety app through Sempra Infrastructure.
At home, I promote safety by explaining the importance of fire extinguishers, regularly changing batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and discussing the risks of everyday activities such as cooking, driving and using tools. I emphasize the importance of using three points of contact on escalators and stairs, the dangers of using body parts to hold elevators and the risks of speeding or having insufficient tire pressure and tread on vehicles. By fostering a culture of safety within my family, we all stay vigilant and protect one another.
Q: What is the one thing you hope everyone remembers about safety, long after National Safety Month is over?
Safety is a mindset. It is something that we need to pay attention to constantly and consistently, even when it may appear to be inconvenient. In other words, it is a culture that grows stronger when we support each other in terms of helping each other understand risks. Most importantly, if you see something, say something. We should all feel comfortable speaking up and providing feedback that helps prevent unsafe conditions and incidents.