Kevin Johnston
“You get pretty good recognition by being Gold Seal Certified. Not only that, but when your employer bids on jobs, it helps to paint a picture of competency for the HSE staff. It also improves personal credibility.”
Kevin Johnston, GSC, HSE Supervisor, PCL Construction
Kevin is a HSE Supervisor at PCL Construction. His role involves overseeing the implementation of the HSE program at whichever project he is assigned to. As part of his role, he assists supervision and trade partners with investigations, PSI audits, inspections, coordinating evacuation drills, and much more depending on the need. Kevin’s main focus is improvement through education and supporting trade partners on items such as planning, hazard assessment, and constant improvement as it relates to HSE.
Kevin discovered Gold Seal Certification through his employer, PCL. “PCL motivated me to get certified. My supervisor brought it up and after 10 to 11 years of developing myself through education and experience in the field of safety, I felt it would be a great addition to my professional profile. It’s fairly easy to get; you just have to set some time aside to fill out the application.”
Two of the main benefits Kevin experiences from being Gold Seal certified are recognition and increased credibility. “When your company or client looks at you and goes ‘wow, you’re certified, you’re not just reading out of a blue book’ it means a great deal. Some safety personnel can read out of a blue book, but those with Gold Seal Certification need to have a certain amount of knowledge to do what they do.”
He continued, “It feels really good to have it done. When I went to pick up my certification, there weren’t many other people there picking up theirs. It felt good that I was one in a few. My manager joined me for lunch at the CCA when I was receiving my Gold Seal Certificate; he was visibly proud of my accomplishment. That was a great feeling.”
“Don’t hesitate, get on it. I procrastinated for probably two to three years before I did it. But, once you get it started things start falling into place. Make that commitment and elevate your career standard to excellence.”