On April 28, it’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work, a great opportunity to talk to a colleague for whom safety is a top priority every day. Our ADR safety advisor, Sandra, talks about her role within the Safety team and what safety and health at work mean to her.

How long have you been working at H.Essers?
Sandra: “I’ve been working here for 15 years. I originally started in what was then the Order Entry department, but I’ve also worked in Customer Service. In 2015, I finally started as an ADR safety advisor, a role I still perform with great dedication. Due to the company’s growth, the scope of that role has expanded considerably over the years.”

What does your current role as an ADR safety advisor entail?
Sandra: “I am responsible for advising, supporting, and ensuring compliance with the safe transport of dangerous goods across all modes of transport. This ranges from providing advice on tenders and operational questions regarding the labeling of goods and vehicles, transport documents, and procedures, to investigating incidents and deviations. I also prepare the annual ADR report, conduct internal audits, manage procedures, and maintain contact with government agencies and clients.

In addition, I provide job-specific DG training to colleagues both domestically and abroad. I do this for Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, and parts of the Netherlands, covering packaged, tank, and bulk transport. This way, safety isn’t just a rule, but a shared responsibility.”

What do occupational safety and health mean to you?
Sandra: “For me, occupational safety and health mean that the transport and handling of dangerous goods are carried out in a safe and responsible manner, for drivers, colleagues, and the surrounding environment.
As an ADR safety advisor, I ensure that legislation is correctly applied and that risks are identified and addressed in a timely manner. Through prevention, clear procedures, and raising awareness, incidents can be avoided and everyone can go home safely every day.”

What gives you the most satisfaction in your job?
Sandra: “I get the most satisfaction from helping people and working together on safety. It energizes me to interact daily with many different people: colleagues, customers, and government agencies, both at home and abroad. That exchange and the joint search for safe, practical solutions make my job truly fascinating and valuable.”

How does safety really make a difference for you?
Sandra: “Safety makes a difference for me when we draw concrete lessons from thorough analyses and translate those lessons into clear actions that contribute to everyone’s safety in the long term.”

What message do you want to share with your colleagues on World Day for Safety & Health at Work?
Sandra: “On the job site, small choices make a big difference every day. Taking a moment to reflect on what you’re doing, holding each other accountable, and looking out for yourself and your colleagues: that’s what Safety is all about to me. Working safely and healthily isn’t a given, but something we have to make happen together, day after day.”