Chelsea Vetick

Meet Chelsea Vetick – Safety Manager and this month’s Hard Hat Hang Up.

How did you get into the construction industry?

The construction industry was definitely not on my career radar as a college student, let alone a career in Occupational Health and Safety. As a college graduate with a B.A in Environmental Studies and Minor in Business Management, my focus was more on how can I give back and protect the environment. I didn’t realize that my first job working at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park would be the cornerstone to a rewarding career in Safety and Health. The National Association of Home Builders was my first step into the construction industry as a Program Manager for Occupational Health and Safety and had taught me so much valuable information about OSHA regulations, construction specific hazards, industry challenges, and developing impactful safety resources.

What do you like most about being a Safety Manager?

I think what I enjoy most is the ability to collaborate and inspire others to get involved and find a genuine interest on priceless principles and initiatives that not only have a direct impact on themselves but also their colleagues, families and friends. I love knowing that my efforts are like a domino effect that can start with one but touch many.

What do you like most about working at Chesapeake?

I really value the opportunity I get to manage and create new strategies towards a common departmental goal of keeping our associates, trade partners, clients, and the public safe. I also appreciate being involved in the numerous committees and groups that are being utilized to come up with innovative ideas to add to our company culture.

What are your top 3 safety tips you want everyone to know and remember?

1. Safety starts with you – Your safety impacts more than just you. Look at the bigger picture. Your unsafe actions can spread to your family, your coworkers and their families or even those who you’ve never met and all it takes is one choice or you choosing to look the other way.
2. Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. It’s easy to think that seeing is believing. Unfortunately, our industry has hazards that are not always obvious. Examples include loud continuous noise and airborne particulates that could get in your lungs or eyes. Sometimes it takes an accident or a series of events to convince someone of a particular hazard’s importance and significance but at that point you sometimes end up losing something you can’t get back like your vision, lung capacity, or hearing. I should know, I have had surgery on my right eye 3 times.
3. We are here for you! I think a lot of times our team is viewed as the police. Your Safety Department at Chesapeake is here to support you. Our job is to be a resource, provide protective equipment, aid in the develop safe procedures and help with the identification and elimination of hazards. We are always here to help!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

When I’m not at work, I enjoy being outdoors and staying active much as possible! I love anything that has to do with the water like paddleboarding, wakeboarding, or boating. I enjoy snowboarding in the winter and going on long hikes in the Spring and Fall. I enjoy a good round of golf with my husband and friends. You can also find me taking a yoga, spin or a HITT class in the evenings. I also love to bird watch. If you ever have trouble identifying a bird, let me know!