Getting to Know Jorge Otalora

Please join us in welcoming Jorge Otalora to the Harkins family. Jorge started on November 9th as Harkins’ Corporate Safety Director. With nearly 20 years of industry experience, he is passionate about the education and implementation of safety.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND CONNECTION TO SAFETY?

I am an active member and officer for the American Society of Safety Professionals and the Hispanic Safety Professionals group. I am also currently the chair of ABC Virginia’s Safety Committee and a member of the ABC National STEP Committee.

I have held safety specific positions at prominent Mid-Atlantic general contractors such as Hoar Construction, KBR Building Group, and BE&K Construction Company.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

Having the opportunity to foster safety values and coaching workers on safety practices and behaviors and knowing that this will reduce the likelihood of having injuries and accidents.

HOW HAS SAFETY CHANGED OVER YOUR CAREER?

When I started in the construction industry almost 20 years ago, safety was just a word I heard in meetings and toolbox talks. As the years have passed, I have received more training and knowledge that has incorporated safety into every aspect of my life. I am consistently finding opportunities to bring awareness towards our everyday safety now.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?

In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, volleyball, golf, and watching movies. I recently got into photography, on and off the jobsite. I take pictures and try my hand at digital retouching enhancement and restoration by using Photoshop and Lightroom.