Behind the Scenes of Construction Site Safety: The Role of Prevention Advisor

We talked with Kylian Savary, Prevention Advisor in the pharmaceutical sector. In our recent discussion, he elaborated further on his journey and his aspirations for the future. 

How would you describe your current role? 

My primary mission is to ensure the safety of my collaborators and on-site workers. I listen to their concerns and try to find solutions that comply with safety standards while also being practical. It's a delicate balance between enforcing strict rules and being flexible enough to adapt these rules to specific situations.  

I also enjoy the overall framework of the pharmaceutical sector. There are many rules and codes to follow that make it highly unlikely to make mistakes (which is the essence of my job!) 

What aspect of the job do you find particularly fulfilling? 

I really enjoy human interactions! To me, safety is not just about enforcing rules; it's also about understanding the workers' needs and ensuring they feel heard and protected. While it's often assumed that Prevention Advisors slow down projects, I believe that when safety and site coordination work together, solutions are found more quickly, and projects progress more efficiently. 

How did you get started in safety? 

My professional journey actually began in a very different field! For a long time, i worked as a landscape gardener with a friend, while studying to become a safety advisor. I always knew that I wanted to be involved in construction, whichever sector that may be in (even though nature and gardening still remain important in my life). 

When I joined Catalay, I was glad to see that the team was very dynamic and welcoming which made my integration easier. I was very stressed on my first day, and seeing the team really removed the weight off my shoulders. 

What’s the motto you live by? 

My grandfather always taught me to be a "hand of iron in a velvet glove," which I think is a valuable lesson in treating everyone with respect and patience.  

Working in safety is a responsibility that I take to heart, and my passion for this field only grows stronger every day. 

How do you see your professional career evolving? 

Well, I can confidently say that I found the career path that aligns with my values and interests. In the long term, I would like to develop my skills and take on new responsibilities, such as:

• Construction Manager: Here, I would be responsible for site supervision, define schedules, and ensure that all safety standards are met on the ground.

• Health and Safety Coordinator: I would be involved in the design phase of safety plans and oversee their implementation. Safety Coordinators have a broad vision and work with various stakeholders, companies, and contractors.

Let’s see what the future holds!