Business Operations
Before becoming a teacher, I worked as an occupational health and safety analyst for a pipeline company. I also gained experience working as a receptionist, mail clerk, and event planner. I think much of my knowledge and skills can be transferred to my role as a teacher, and I also see value in helping raise my students' awareness for their future experiences as workers. I have experience with the following:
- Technical Writing: Much of my job, especially in the early days, involved technical writing (procedures, forms, manuals, handbooks, posters, etc.). I use MS Word, MS Visio, and MS PowerPoint skillfully, and practice effective communication and design.
- Document & Records Management: Many companies struggle in this area, but I find it fascinating and natural to grasp. I was involved in developing a lot of the processes and databases Alliance uses, and trained co-workers on how to use our system (custom-built, SharePoint-based solution). I was also the point person for converting Alliance's MS Word-based forms into e-Forms using MS InfoPath.
- Data Analysis: I completed two statistics courses at Mount Royal University to increase my understanding of data gathering and analysis. I was responsible for gathering, interpreting, and reporting all health, safety, emergency response, and security metrics to my company and regulatory bodies. I used MS Excel, MS SharePoint, and a couple of custom-built programs to gather and report data. Consequently, I was the business lead for a year-long project to document our business processes in order to select one software program to gather, track, and report our metrics.
- Project Management: I completed Project Management Basics at SAIT (based on PMBOK) to become more competent in project management. I designed a proposal for a project on Emergency Management Communications, which was approved and completed (over the course of 7 months) just before I left the industry.
- Contractor Management: I worked with Pragmatic Solutions to develop processes to pilot a new approach to contractor management, which involved collaborating with field management and Supply Chain Management. Before this was then piloted with CEPA, I also presented and discussed this at an AGOPOSC meeting with fellow health and safety professionals.
- Ergonomics: I have received formal training from HealthWorks to conduct ergonomic assessments, and developed and oversaw the ergonomic program for Alliance's head office.
- Fatigue Management: I was a member of the Enform Fatigue Management Steering Committee, provided expertise related to fatigue for our Control Room Management Project, and developed Alliance's Fatigue Management Practice in consultation with senior management.
- Emergency Response: I have participated in full-scale exercises, run drills, and conducted training using the Incident Command System (ICS). I've customized and developed processes and documentation for Alliance's particular operations. I also served as a Fire Warden and received Fire Extinguisher Training as well as Standard First Aid & CPR.
- Hazard Assessment & Incident Management: I've been involved managing a number of incident investigations, as well as overseeing data gathering, management, and reporting for hazards and incidents. Oddly enough, there are many parallels to student assessment.
- Security: I helped develop processes, documents, systems, and training to manage physical security in the head office and along Alliance's pipeline. While completing a short contract for Pembina Pipelines, I became familiar with Crime Prevention through Environmental Design.
- Business Continuity: I helped develop processes and documentation, as well as training, for business recovery and continuity after a pandemic, IT system outage, or building damage.
- Medical Management: I collaborated with Human Resources, a kinesiologist, and professional medical services personnel to develop bona fide occupational profiles for Alliance's employees.
- Wellness & Event-Planning: I spearheaded and collaborated with others to design, plan, and execute an annual, year-long inter-departmental competition (the "APL Challenge") to foster team-building, charity, and fun. I also chaired and revitalized the Lifestyles & Wellness Committee, coordinated lunch ‘n’ learns, and helped implement a company-wide, web-based, interactive wellness program