Karla Porras
Surrey,BC
Summary
HSE Apprentice and Certified Construction Safety Officer (CSO) with 2+ years of experience supporting safety operations within a primary contractor environment across multiple trades. Skilled in managing and verifying large volumes of subcontractor documents for high-risk work, ensuring regulatory and company compliance. Recognized for proactively identifying documentation gaps, preventing operational delays, and maintaining audit-ready digital systems. Strong contributor to site safety through inspections, audits, incident support, and worker onboarding, with the ability to effectively communicate across diverse teams and high-risk work environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
HSE Apprentice | Certified Construction Safety Officer (CSO)
PCL Construction
Vancouver, Canada
11.2024 - Current
- Conduct 15–25 weekly site inspections and hazard assessments, proactively identifying and correcting unsafe conditions
- Supported HSE Supervisor in primary contractor environment, coordinating safety compliance for multiple subcontractors and 100+ site workers, ensuring adherence to safety standards.
- Function as primary point of contact for safety documentation for high-risk forming trade (60+ workers).
- Coordinated and verified documentation (50+ records weekly), including FLHAs, permits, training records, inspections, and crane documentation, enhancing compliance processes.
- Proactively identify and resolve documentation deficiencies, contributing to reduced work delays and improved compliance readiness.
- Support incident reporting and investigations, ensuring timely documentation and follow-up actions.
- Facilitate communication with Spanish-speaking workers, improving engagement, understanding, and compliance on-site.
- Designated First Aid Attendant (OFA3) managing incident response and maintain site readiness for emergency situations
Carpenter Apprentice & First Aid Attendant
PCL Construction
Vancouver, Canada
01.2023 - 11.2024
- Supported formwork and carpentry activities across active construction zones, contributing to safe and efficient structural work execution.
- Executed routine inspections and safety audits using GORY system, ensuring compliance with company and WorkSafeBC standards.
- Supported hazard assessments and implemented site safety controls, enhancing safety in dynamic work environments.
- Served as designated First Aid Attendant (OFA3), responding to incidents and maintaining site readiness for emergency response.
- Operated hoist/elevator platforms, ensuring safe operation and adherence to procedures.
- Worked with supervisors and crews to foster safe work practices and increase hazard awareness.
Labourer / Carpenter
Newway
Vancouver, Canada
04.2022 - 01.2023
- Facilitated daily site operations through material handling, form stripping, and general labour tasks, ensuring project workflow.
- Operated forklifts and pallet jacks for safe, efficient material movement, contributing to streamlined site operations.
- Conducted traffic control duties to maintain safe access and work zones, protecting crew and equipment.
Cement Finisher
DEB
Burnaby, Canada
02.2018 - 08.2018
- Poured and finished concrete for curbs, stairs, and slabs, delivering structurally sound installations.
- Executed concrete finishing on balconies, ceilings, and elevated surfaces to ensure smooth and durable finishes.
- Identified and rectified surface deficiencies, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.
Concrete Pouring Crew
G3 Project – Kiewit
North Vancouver, Canada
10.2017 - 12.2017
- Executed concrete silo pours using Doka slip-form systems during night shifts to ensure project timelines were met.
- Supported leveling and finishing of concrete while upholding stringent safety protocols to enhance worksite safety.
- Collaborated with team members to complete tasks and meet project deadlines.
- Assisted in daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and productivity.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas for safety compliance.
Skills
- Regulatory Compliance
- Compliance Verification
- Subcontractor Compliance
- Safety Documentation Control
- Incident Reporting
- Investigation Support
- Deficiency Resolution
- Site Safety Support
- Concrete Operations Knowledge
- Formwork Operations Knowledge
- Digital Systems
- Advanced First Aid
- Bilingual Communication
- Formwork Operations Knowledge
Certification
- Construction Safety Officer (CSO) – Completed
- Advanced First Aid (OFA3) & CPR Level C
- Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) – 8-Hour Training
- Principles of Health & Safety Management (PHSM)
- Principles of Injury Management
- Prime Contractor Responsibilities
- SiteReadyBC (BCCSA)
- WHMIS
- Fall Protection – Certified
- Traffic Control Person (TCP)
Equipment Certifications
- Telehandler Operator
- Aerial & Scissor Lift
- Chimney Hoist Operator
Education
High School Diploma - Clinical Laboratory Technician, Mexico
University Studies in Medicine (Coursework Completed), Mexico
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
HSE Apprentice | Certified Construction Safety Officer (CSO)
PCL Construction
11.2024 - Current
Carpenter Apprentice & First Aid Attendant
PCL Construction
01.2023 - 11.2024
Labourer / Carpenter
Newway
04.2022 - 01.2023
Cement Finisher
DEB
02.2018 - 08.2018
Concrete Pouring Crew
G3 Project – Kiewit
10.2017 - 12.2017