Site Safety Manager

Patrick Wolocko is one example of a student who didn’t know where his career path would lead him. When he was in college, he switched majors multiple times, from engineering to technology, and finally to construction management. As a construction management major, he decided to minor in industrial safety because he thought it might look good on his resume. However, after taking safety classes and talking to his advisors, he realized a career in construction safety was the best fit for him.

After graduation, Patrick tried many different ways to gain experience in his field. For example, he worked at a hospital where he joined the safety committee. Eventually, he decided to go back to school to get a degree in occupational safety and health, which he was able to do while working full time. He interned with an automotive manufacturing supplier and then got a job with a construction company as a safety coordinator while finishing his degree.

Patrick loves his job because he knows he makes a difference in people’s lives. For example, one of the workers he trained in CPR was able to respond quickly when his 2-year-old son started choking. Patrick says, “Before that moment, I enjoyed my job, and I genuinely liked caring for people and wanting to see them go home. After that text message, it hit me that I really make a big impact on not only the workers’ lives but the lives of their family members and friends.”

Read more about Patrick’s story here.

Read about one woman’s journey to becoming a site safety manager and business owner:

Elizabeth Bifulco graduated from St. John’s University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in business administration. Although she started her career as a healthcare public relations specialist, Elizabeth realized there was a need for a company that could provide safety services. To start her safety management company, she devoted countless hours to learn safety management. Once she became familiar with the field, Elizabeth founded Total Safety Consulting. She is now a licensed site safety manager and has completed OSHA site safety management training, which has allowed her to grow Total Safety Consulting to be the largest private safety consulting firm in New York.

Read more about Elizabeth’s career here.