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This article is part of a series of conversations with women leaders in the construction industry. Click here for past discussions.
Safety Director Carla Wynn is responsible for the oversight of all federal and state regulations for Oklahoma City-based T&T Industrial, including site visits to monitor safety compliance. It also ensures that the employees of the mechanical contracting company are properly trained and properly certified.
With nearly 30 years of experience in material handling, road construction and manufacturing, Wynn is a Certified Health and Safety Officer and is authorized through OSHA’s Train-the-Trainer program, which equips employees to educate others . He is 30-hour certified in OSHA’s Outreach Training Program, as well as CPR, First Aid and First Aid certifications.
At T&T, Wynn told Construction Dive that he “wears a variety of hats in my role of managing all aspects of safety compliance.”
Here, Wynn talks to Construction Dive about her job as an instructor for high school girls while considering a career in the industry, and why she’s passionate about construction and safety.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
CONSTRUCTION DIVER: What made you choose construction for your career?
CARLA WYNN: My older brother owned a security company and asked me to work for him. I was then lured into a full-time position after completing my degree in environmental health and safety. I joined him, but then I went to work for someone else.
What do you do in your current job?
I make sure everyone is properly trained and I make sure all employees are certified to do the jobs they are hired to do.
I am responsible for all of our regulations for federal and state compliance measures as well as going through all work sites to ensure compliance for all T&T employees working on site.
What are some of your favorite projects to work on and why?
My favorite project so far working in T&T has been the Centrillium Protein Meat Processing Plant in Midwest City, Oklahoma. I love working on projects that have an impact in my local community.
What are the advantages of working in construction?
Working in construction has many advantages. You work with a team, see projects come to life and have many opportunities for advancement. The personal satisfaction of seeing your hard work come to life is second to none.
In addition, with a high demand for workers, you can count on job security. And, because the industry is constantly evolving, there’s always something new to learn.
What advice would you give to young women considering construction as a career?
As an instructor at Construct My Future, an Oklahoma City summer camp that helps high school students learn about the many careers and trades in the construction industry, I am especially interested in raising awareness among young women about the opportunities to the construction
Women can do anything they set their minds to. Construction is no longer just a man’s world. More and more women are joining the industry and I am proud to be a member of that group.
