Lee Hamilton, EHS Delivery Manager, Make UK
What made you want to work in manufacturing?
My decision to work in manufacturing at the time was because it provides you with the ability to demonstrate your skills in problem solving, decision making, providing efficiency in process and systems and working within a team in a potentially complex production environment.
If you didn’t work in the manufacturing industry, what do you think you would be doing?
I would be working in a learning and development environment, for sure; sharing and passing on best practice, knowledge and supporting others to enable them to achieve their goals or ambitions.
Are there any particular trends you are seeing in the industry today?
Technological improvements in industry have come on significantly, it’s just whether businesses can provide the investment required to make the changes and evolve. Particular trends in health and safety I see are focused around building positive safety cultures and behaviours, the importance of providing a wellbeing strategy and identifying and controlling the risks associated with health which essentially contribute to three quarters of the lost days reported.
What does health and safety mean to you?
Health and safety often reflects what you value in your own life and wellbeing, the value of the people around you and that you associate with, and the value you place on environments without having the fear of harm resulting.
What do you consider to be your greatest success, either professionally or outside of work?
What I think I am most proud of is all those individuals or groups I have mentored and coached over the last 30 years working in health and safety. To see them improve their skills and knowledge in this field and see them develop as a person in manufacturing and life, makes me immensely proud that I may have contributed to the success of their journey in some way.
What advice would you give somebody looking to enter the manufacturing industry?
Build practical, demonstratable and transferable skills. Gain familiarity with tools and equipment, data and measuring, processes and procedures. Enhance your skills by completing training and gaining certifications. Develop a continuous‑improvement mindset. Enhance your soft skills such as keeping calm under pressure, providing good communication, working as a team, reliability and willingness to learn.
If you could invite any three famous people – alive or dead – to a dinner party, who would they be and why?
Jurgen Klopp – will bring energy and passion.
Keanu Reeves – will bring humility and calm.
Lee Evans – highly comical.
What is your favourite place to go on holiday and why?
Anywhere in nature surrounded by fields, trees, plants and wildlife.
What is your favourite activity outside of work?
Exercising outside in nature and practicing mindfulness using techniques in mediation to bring in calm and enhance positivity.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope I will be still managing a team of EHS professionals and providing learning and development solutions and consultancy initiatives in environment, health and safety.
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