Kirby has a long-standing commitment to training, developing and nurturing the next generation of talent.
As our teams go “Back to Basics” as part of the Construction Industry Federation’s (CIF) safety campaign this October, we explore the career of Katie O’Carroll, Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Advisor.
As a graduate, Katie has benefited from Kirby’s industry-leading training and development programmes and is now coaching others through our Zero Harm safety culture.
She shares her journey so far, her quest to inspire more young women to pursue careers in EHS, and the impact that excellence in safety can have from the first hour on site.
Women in Construction and Engineering
Katie has been with Kirby for just over a year. She tells us, “If you had told me I would be working on an engineering site five years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
“I am a girly girl,” she says. Like Katelyn Cummins, the 2025 crowned Rose of Tralee and an Apprentice Electrician, Katie is on a mission to show young women that there are roles for everyone in engineering. More importantly, she believes a career in safety can be both hugely impactful and rewarding.
After completing an Environmental Degree at the University of Limerick (UL), Katie worked with Alltech, installing fibre across rural areas of Ireland. She was familiar with Kirby, having grown up in Limerick, and had often seen our vans around the city.
Looking for career growth, she applied for Kirby’s graduate programme and now works as a Graduate EHS Advisor on our Semiconductor Manufacturing Facility in Limerick. .
She has benefited from our industry-leading training and development programmes and recently completed the NEBOSH certificate.
“I think people were surprised by the move to a career in health and safety – but I saw how much opportunity there was. It was a good move for me,” she smiles.
Katie highlights the support she received from other women at Kirby as she developed in her role. A culture that Kirby recently cemented with membership of Women in Construction Ireland (WICI), an organisation that empowers, supports, and connects women across the sector.
Day in the Life
“My day starts early with a whiteboard meeting. We plan our work and review our registers and Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS) every week as part of Zero Harm Programme.
“As part of our safety culture, we empower our people to lead in safety. I am here to coach, develop, and support. After our meetings, I walk the site to ensure our teams have everything they need to complete the day’s work,” says Katie.
Zero Harm and Our Responsibility to the Next Generation
“The first few hours on site can create a lifelong commitment to safety,” says Katie.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (UK), “workers are as likely to have an accident in their first six months at work as during the whole of the rest of their working life.”
As part of our Zero Harm programme, Kirby has identified eight leading indicators that form a strong foundation for enhancing safety.
Katie highlights communication, SEORs (Safety Environmental Observation Reports), and BNC (Behavioural Notice Card) compliance as especially important for creating positive behaviours during those first critical six months.
“Kirby has made a strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of EHS professionals.
“One standout example of this commitment is Katie O’Carroll, who joined Kirby just over a year ago. In the 13 months since, Katie has successfully completed the company’s graduate programme, demonstrating not only technical competence but also a proactive and thoughtful approach to safety leadership. Her progression within the business reflects both her dedication and the strength of Kirby’s mentorship and development framework.
Katie represents the future of EHS, bringing fresh perspective, energy, and a deep understanding of the foundational principles that underpin a safe and healthy work environment. Her journey is a testament to Kirby’s belief that investing in young professionals today builds a safer, more resilient industry tomorrow.”
Ryan Scott, Kirby Senior EHS Manager, ROI/UK
We asked Katie what she most enjoys about her role, she says, “Working with people. The interactions I have with clients, and contractors, and teams are what make the role. As part of our training, we are encouraged to develop our communications skills, understand people’s motivations, and learn how best to speak and work with them. Engagement is a huge part of what we do, and it’s hugely rewarding to see teams grow and develop through this approach.”
To find out more about Zero Harm or our graduate programme, go to https://careers.kirbygroup.com/graduates/.
