Lesli Trahan

Chevron Phillips Chemical
Safety Facilitator/VPP Coordinator

How did you get involved in safety?

My career started in a laboratory, but around 2010 I started working a special assignment as a safety coach.  It is a behavioral-based safety program with the company.  Over then next couple of years, I spent 50% of my time on that assignment.  It really helped develop my passion for workplace safety.  In 2012, safety became my full-time job.

What is your most recent safety related work accomplishment or something you’re proud of?

I am the chair of several employee driven teams on site.  One of our biggest events is called HOT Days (Hands On Training).  This year we were able to train more than 560 employees on real time application of life critical procedures such as energy isolation and hydrotesting.  It makes a big impact when you help people understand how and why the work should be performed.

What has been your favorite aspect of the VPPPA/how has your company benefitted from VPPPA membership? 

I would say my favorite part of the membership is the networking opportunities.  I serve on the Region VI Board of the association and getting to know the membership and helping others understand the benefits of pursing VPP is really rewarding.

What is one of the biggest challenges you and/or your company currently face when it comes to safety at the workplace?

I would consider being able to calculate the value of participation in VPP or implementation of safety programs is a challenge.  We don’t collect data on what didn’t happen, there is no way to measure incidents or injuries that didn’t occur because of the efforts of those employees making safety improvements.  We must spend time making sure employees at all levels of the organization don’t take for granted the value of participation in VPP.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in safety?

I didn’t start in safety, but it developed over time.  Those who have a passion for people and workplace safety make the best candidates.  Get involved in safety teams and take any opportunity to develop your skills, both technical and soft.  How you treat people makes a difference.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I love to play disc golf, and I used to play competitively all over the country.