Ethan Alster

Meet Ethan Alster – Safety Manager and this month’s Hard Hat Hang Up.

1. How did you get into the construction industry?

During college I was lucky enough to secure internships in manufacturing, commercial landscape, and construction. My time in construction was by far the most rigorous but also the most engaging and rewarding. The construction industry also holds the most similarities to the things I enjoy outside of work and therefore keeps me passionate about my work.

2. What do you like most about being a Safety Manager?

Behind every employee on the jobsite is a family, friends and a community that awaits the return of each person at the end of the day. Having a part in ensuring that happens is both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

3. What are your top 3 safety tips you want everyone to know and remember?

• Safety is the presence of controls, not the lack of accidents – Just because nothing’s happened in the past doesn’t mean you’re free from risk. When starting a task, consider what hazards exist and what controls are in place to reduce or eliminate that risk.
• Mistakes are a given part of being human – We all make mistakes everyday, it’s important that you’re set up to work in such a way that if you make a mistake, controls are in place to either prevent or reduce the potential harm.
• We all have unique perspectives – If you see a safety hazard, you may be the only one/ first one who’s considered that hazard. If you see a hazard that hasn’t been addressed, call it out. Your willingness to have a conversation could be the thing that saves someone from injury. Likewise, when you’re the recipient of such a conversation, realize that they have your best interest at heart. To put it simply – If you see something, say something.

4. You recently joined the Chesapeake team! What do you like most about working at Chesapeake so far?

The people! At the end of the day my job is about protecting our people, and working with such an outstanding team makes that an easy thing to stay focused on.

5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

Outside of work I mostly enjoy spending time with my beautiful family. I love doing anything outdoors and working on a myriad of projects around our house/property. I also have siblings who live in South Carolina and Maine who I enjoy traveling to visit whenever we get the chance!