Construction Safety Week Spotlight: Karissa Nielson

To Health & Safety Advisor Karissa Nielson, being a woman on-site doesn’t just mean breaking barriers, it also means building trust, bringing new perspectives, and helping shape a safer, more inclusive culture for everyone.

Better communication, the ability to think on your feet and pivot, and a strong sense of accountability, are all qualities that a good worker can have to ensure a safe experience on-site. In recent years, there has been an increase in hands-on resources and interesting ways to develop skills and hone safety practices, helping workers to feel more confident and prepared on site.

There’s also been a big shift in inclusion and acceptance in the industry, advocating for more women and younger workers to get involved. Now, with more women on site, the industry can attract a new demographic, changing the way construction has been viewed for decades.

And, as that number continues to grow, so does the strength and diversity of the workforce.

Construction health and safety isn’t something that is just implied. It’s created over generations of passion, care, and education. And Edmonton is well on its way to taking that commitment to safety even further.

Being a part of city building isn’t always easy, but to professionals like Karissa, Sam, and Mark, the outcome is worth it. Take the leap.