Celebrating International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day allows us to reflect on women’s progress in every industry, including health and safety. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction aligns perfectly with how women in the safety industry continue to break barriers and challenge norms.
At Action OHS Consulting, we’re proud to be part of the shift in our industry. Every year, more women step up to lead and reduce the gender gap. Our team, from our seasoned leaders to emerging consultants, is proof of how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve together.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at the day-to-day lives of some of the amazing women who are driving this change at Action OHS Consulting.
A Day in the Life of Renee Dawson, Principal Consultant
Renee has been in health and safety for over 20 years and both, challenges and achievements, have shaped her career. She never imagined herself in the health and safety profession in the early days. However, her passion for challenging the status quo and improving organisational safety frameworks has helped her make a meaningful impact in the field. Her daily work involves developing and implementing safety strategies and mentoring and guiding others to ensure that organisational culture goes beyond just compliance. One of her proudest achievements was being recognised as the Women in Safety Empowered Member of the Year in 2024—a testament to her professional success and ability to support and uplift others. She believes that:
“Real impact comes from listening, building trust, and shaping solutions that align with purpose and vision. It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about making a difference.”
Renee has faced significant challenges early in her career, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Despite these obstacles, she has consistently advocated for meaningful change. Her initiatives emphasise that safety should be viewed as more than just compliance; true progress is about prioritising people, not merely focusing on policies or checkboxes.
For her, International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who ask hard questions and push for better:
“I’m here to celebrate the women who show up, ask the hard questions, and push for better—because that’s what actually drives progress.”
A Day in the Life of Sonia Correa and Cleopatra Calokerinos, new AOHS Consultants
Sonia and Cleo are both new to Action OHS Consulting, but they come from diverse backgrounds and are deeply committed to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. Currently, their daily tasks involve assisting other consultants with various proposals, shadowing different projects, and becoming more familiar with the onboarding program. As they develop in their roles, they are also engaging with clients to evaluate and provide feedback on health, safety, and wellbeing arrangements, offering insights to enhance workplace safety outcomes.
Sonia with her previous experience in corporate safety, brings a wealth of knowledge about implementing safety protocols in different work environments, ranging from retail and warehousing to corporate offices. A simple but powerful belief drives her passion for safety:
“everyone deserves to go home safe to their loved ones”
Despite facing challenges like overcoming resistance to change and working in traditionally male-dominated leadership structures, Sonia thrives on building strong relationships and fostering a culture of safety. Here is some advice from Sonia for any women looking to enter the health and safety industry.
“My advice is simple: Don’t be afraid to step into a traditionally male-dominated space. There’s room for everyone, and your perspective as a woman can bring real value to the industry.”
Cleopatra, another new starter, has a background in clinical physiotherapy and injury management, bringing a unique perspective to the team. She believes that safety is not just about regulations but also about understanding the human element such as how injuries, risks, and well-being impact employees on a personal level. Her experience in injury management has shaped her approach to consulting, where she focuses on not only addressing physical safety but also creating environments where employees feel supported and valued.
Here is Cleo’s advice:
“My career journey has shown me that it doesn’t matter what your background is—everyone can make a meaningful contribution to safety. Your unique perspective can create safer, more inclusive workplaces, no matter where you’re coming from.”
Both women have encountered numerous challenges, yet their resilience and determination have enabled them to thrive in their fields. They’ve learned that their unique perspectives bring value to safety practices in ways that go beyond just compliance.
Celebrating Women in Safety
At Action OHS Consulting, we are proud to celebrate the women who are not only making strides in the industry but who are reshaping the future of workplace safety. From Renee, a leader with over two decades of experience, to emerging Action OHS consultants, yet experienced health and safety professionals like Sonia and Cleo, each woman’s contributions are invaluable.
As we look forward, we recognise that more work is still needed. We remain committed to empowering women in the safety industry by offering mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a culture of inclusivity. Let’s continue accelerating action and creating a future where women in health and safety can thrive, lead, and inspire.
For women looking to enter into the health and safety industry, there are many resources available to help you succeed, such as :
- Women in Safety Events: Researching on LinkedIn can help you discover excellent opportunities for networking and professional development.
- Promoting Women’s Leadership: Encouraging mentorship and professional growth of women within the organisation.
- Useful Articles: Explore the influence of women in safety by researching networks and associations. Learn more.
