Krista McCullough

Methuen Construction
Assistant Corporate Safety Director

How did you get involved in safety?

I got my bachelor’s degree in safety sciences from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

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

I think the biggest testament to our program and my career in the safety field is being recognized under OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program. It speaks dividends to the work our department and organization have put into the health and safety of those working on our project sites.

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

VPPPA has provided opportunities to connect and network with safety professionals across both similar and diverse industries, allowing us to exchange ideas, share best practices, and continuously learn from one another.

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

Our company continues to face challenges in finding both general and skilled labor, which in turn introduces additional risks to our project sites as we work to maintain safety, quality, and productivity standards. With this challenge we have focused more on training and onboarding to ensure the success of our new Teammates.

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

Get out in the field, ask questions, and learn from the crews doing the work. Book knowledge is important, but the best safety professionals understand the realities of the job and work alongside people to find practical solutions.