Committed to health and safety

You are the deputy operations manager at the Plana del Vent gas-fired combined cycle power station, which is located in the north-east of Spain in the province of Tarragona and covers the annual electricity consumption of around two million households.

What exactly are your tasks and what does your daily routine look like?

I am not only deputy power plant manager, but also EHS manager. So, my daily work consists of supporting, advising, and accompanying my colleagues in their tasks regarding occupational health and safety.

What is Alpiq doing specifically to ensure the safety of the power station's 30 employees?

At Alpiq Spain we introduced the "Improving with Safety" project several years ago in order to improve and further develop the safety culture in all processes for which we are responsible. Within this framework, we regularly have external audits and assessments of the safety conditions carried out. Based on this, we create action plans aimed at further strengthening the awareness and commitment of all employees to safety and health. Health and safety are a top priority in everything we do.

To what extent has safety and health work changed in recent years? 

In recent years, health and safety work has changed a lot, with the general well-being of employees playing an important role, without neglecting the whole area of occupational health and safety. Employee wellbeing is important so that we all see ourselves as part of a common project, feel valued and thus achieve a better working environment for all. It is also an important point for the prevention of health risks.

What are the most common accidents and how can they be prevented?

In general, falls are the biggest risk of accidents. It is therefore crucial that we carry out specific campaigns to look for these risks and eliminate them before they lead to an accident. At Alpiq Spain, we basically work on the safety culture of our company every day. We do this with various measures: These include, for example, daily cross-divisional meetings for all teams, reactive and proactive monitoring of KPIs, audits at the facilities on the work carried out, and internal and external training. Furthermore, we promote the proactive search for potential risks in the power plant through specific campaigns (so-called "hazard hunts") and conduct at least two exercises per year in cooperation with external safety organisations such as the fire brigade.

You work in a male-dominated environment. Does this influence your everyday work, and how has it affected you personally in recent years?

What has affected me the most is the way I think. One of the differences that I think is beneficial is that men and women approach problems and challenges differently. What we focus on to solve them or what resources we think are necessary to do so. This different perspective has often made the path to problem solving much more enriching for me, and I have been able to use this diversity of thinking for my personal development.

Why did you choose Alpiq as your employer?

Alpiq has given me the opportunity to develop professionally by offering me an exciting and innovative role in the energy sector. In my work I can learn something new every day. This pushes me further, which is very motivating. And that's exactly why, after more than 10 years, I'm still very happy to be at Alpiq.

How does your work contribute to Alpiq's success? 

There are various aspects: For example, by helping to create a healthy and safe working atmosphere in the team. Or by understanding the concerns of the various teams, showing empathy, and responding to their needs in the best possible way. In addition, I strive to keep my knowledge up to date and regularly exchange ideas with colleagues from the different areas.