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1 Coworker, 1 Job: Dmitri

Dmitri shares his daily life at éolane as an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist.

Can you introduce yourself?

Dmitri's photoWith an approximately 25 years background in handling safety-related issues, I possess a thorough understanding of this field from both internal and external perspectives.  I have studied at the Rescue College at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences. 15 years of work in the Rescue Board has given me long-term experience in both practical rescue work and fire safety supervision. In addition, I have further expanded my occupational health and safety knowledge by working as an OHS specialist in an oil product terminal and production company.
I am active, responsible, logically thinking, inquisitive, friendly. I believe that we are more productive when we work in a team with colleagues. I value open communication that allows for the free expression of thoughts.

What was your first impression of éolane?

My first impression was formed during my job interview. What caught my attention right away was the advanced guest registration and safety briefing console in the lobby. Despite having visited hundreds of companies in my official duties, I had never come a cross such a technical solution anywhere before. Subsequently, as I proceeded to the meeting room where the interview transpired, I found myself in well-appointed, comfortable space equipped with all the essential electronic devices. All this gave me the impression that I was in a high-tech company.
I would like to highlight the representative of the HR department and my prospective manager. The professionalism demonstrated by them, coupled with their effective communication skills, attentiveness to the interlocutor and the logic of their statements left me with no doubt that I would like to join this team.

What is your work environment like?

The workspace is notably comfortable, featuring an open-space interior with a practical spatial layout. The office chairs are ergonomic, and there’s a designated corner providing a pleasant space for relaxation. The white walls and furniture together with subtle green elements create a productive atmosphere. Small green plants are placed everywhere, adding a refreshing touch to the urban office environment. Additionally, there are well-appointed meeting rooms available for organizing meetings, discussions, or brainstorming sessions. On the second floor, a well-equipped cafeteria with panoramic windows provides a peaceful atmosphere for enjoying meals together with colleagues. 
Due to the specifics of my position, I need to constantly interact with all departments and almost all colleagues. Thus, for me one of the main value are colleagues who are ready to cooperate and help in the field of safety.
I currently lack any affiliations with other subsidiaries within the group, but I would be pleased if such connections were established. This would open the possibility for joint implementation of various safety projects at the group level.

What motivates you in your work?

I find motivation in the prospect of achieving tangible results in my work. I thrive on having clear goals and sufficient time to formulate effective strategies to attain them. Witnessing how my efforts contribute to safety enhancements within the company is also crucial for my motivation. Collaboration and teamwork, especially with colleagues from various departments, are additional sources of motivation. I am sure that best results stem from collective efforts. Engaging in conversations, exchanging ideas, and actively contributing to the creation of a safe work environment are aspects of my work that I thoroughly enjoy. The opportunity for continuous development and the chance to enhance my professional skills, staying abreast of the latest safety trends, further excites me.

What qualities are required to excel in this profession? and conversely, what constraints should be taken into account?

In my opinion, successful work as an OHS specialist or manager, specialized training is a primary requirement. Equally crucial are personal qualities such as the ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals, patience, empathy, the ability to understand human relationships, leadership skills, a good memory, critical thinking, the ability to draw conclusions and make decisions, learn new things quickly, multilingual proficiency, accuracy, responsibility, and independence in problem-solving. Additionally, practical or creative thinking, technical imagination, and preparedness for unforeseen events may be essential in certain situations.
Everyone has his own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to acknowledge that weaknesses do not necessarily have to hinder your professional activities. For example, some work tasks may cause stress or anxiety, yet many weaknesses can be surmounted through training, diligent effort, and consistent practice. In this way, weaknesses have the potential to transform into strengths.

What are your future prospects? What comes next?

This is a wide scope and open-ended question, making it challenging to provide a specific answer.  However, I envision my future within a growing company, where I can successfully apply my professional skills for its further development.