Debra Ball
I have spent the past four years building my career in the chemical engineering field, with the last three years serving as a Safety Officer. In my current role, I am responsible for monitoring atmospheric conditions for LELs and combustibles, maintaining fire watch during welding and grinding operations, and ensuring strict compliance with OSHA standards, including fall protection and tie-off requirements. I also lead confined space entry operations, oversee lockout and isolation procedures, and complete Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and critical safety documentation. A key achievement in my career has been consistently ensuring OSHA compliance across job sites, reinforcing a culture where safety is prioritized at every level. My passion for safety began when I entered the field in an entry-level role and quickly discovered how much I valued protecting others. I take pride in educating employees on the importance of safety, especially in environments where it can often be overlooked or viewed as an inconvenience. My goal is to shift that mindset by helping workers understand that safety procedures are not just rules—they are essential measures that ensure everyone goes home safely. I approach my role with a strong sense of responsibility, focusing on awareness, communication, and practical application of safety standards. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety at Columbia Southern University, with an expected graduation in Summer 2027, where I have been recognized with a nomination to the Presidential List. I hold certifications in fall protection, confined space, and competent person, OSHA 30 and leadership certifications. I am actively pursuing CHSP certification. As a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and the National Society of Leadership and Success, I remain committed to continuous learning and professional growth. My work is guided by dependability, a commitment to helping others, and a dedication to advancing safety practices in the field.
• Fall protection certification
• Confined space certification
• Competent person certification
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification
• Columbia Southern University
Bachelor's degree, Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician
• Presidential list nomination at Columbia Southern University
• NSLS leadership certification
• American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
• National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to taking my knowledge and educating employees on the importance of safety, because most of the time it goes overlooked. They think it's either an inconvenience or unnecessary, so it's just making them aware that if they're not safe, they can get hurt. My approach is about helping people understand why safety matters and ensuring they go home safely at the end of the day.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to stay focused and dedicated to my studies and to keep learning more as I go through my experience. It's about getting all the knowledge I can to keep moving forward in my career and continuing to grow professionally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this field to stay strong, because as a woman in a man's world, that's how they see it in these chemical plants or any kind of manufacturing - it's more men than women. Women have their challenges in trying to be equal in this field and being heard, because some men don't like to look at women as an authority figure. So it's about keeping your confidence and knowing the field, understanding that you're here to help, not necessarily to enforce rules. It's important to stand your ground while maintaining that helpful approach.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are remembering all the standards, because there are so many of them - remembering them one by one is difficult. Another major challenge is getting people to understand the rules and getting them to follow them. Those are really the main challenges I face in this work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Dependability and a strong commitment to helping others are the core values that guide both my professional and personal life. I believe that being reliable—showing up consistently, following through on responsibilities, and maintaining high standards—is essential, especially in a field where safety is critical. People need to trust that I will do my job thoroughly and correctly, because their well-being often depends on it.
Equally important to me is ensuring the safety of others. I take pride in creating awareness, educating those around me, and reinforcing safe practices so that everyone has the opportunity to return home safely. Whether at work or in my personal life, I am driven by a genuine desire to support and protect others, and I strive to lead by example in everything I do.
Locations
Excel Maintenance
Calvert City, KY 42029