Consultant stories: Ann Margareth Bergheim – From Nurse to HSE Manager

Ann Margareth Bergheim thrives out in the field at Alcoa. Photo: Alcoa Norway)

“I first started as an HSE coordinator and occupational health nurse at Melkøya. There, I eventually came into contact with people from Omega who really enjoyed working for their employer. One day in 2008, I received a phone call and was offered a job at Kårstø through Omega 365. Since I had such a good impression of the employer, I accepted”.

After this, she worked at various workplaces within wind power. Today, she is based in the town of Mosjøen, in Vefsn municipality, in the middle of Norway. Oil and gas have been replaced by aluminum, and she is truly thriving.

“I work at Alcoa Norway AS, a global industry leader. This is the cornerstone company in Mosjøen, where around 700 people are employed at the facility”.

The plant in Mosjøen produces custom-made rolling billets and low-iron casting alloys. Annually, about 280,000 tons of carbon anodes are produced. Anodes are used in the electrolysis production of aluminum. A gas facility connected to the plant supplies it with LNG gas.

“The process of producing aluminum requires enormous amounts of electricity, and the project I am working on aims to increase power supply to Alcoa’s production. The electrical capacity will be increased via improved electrical infrastructure, including the installation of new high-voltage connections and switchgear” she says.

“Norway has two aluminum plants that produce high-quality aluminum using wind and hydropower. One is located in Farsund and one here in Vefsn. This is a proud industry in Norway and supports significantly more people than its direct employees, when including temporary workers and subcontractors, she says enthusiastically”.

Alcoa is a cornerstone company in Mosjøen. (Photo: Alcoa Norway)

The factory consists of an anode factory, electrolysis halls, foundry, and induction furnaces. Raw materials are turned into new products that are mainly shipped to the EU by sea.

“I feel lucky and privileged to be part of such varied and exciting work. The best part of the job is the people, both in the project team and out in the field. We learn from each other and create results together” says Ann Margareth.

It is also an industry affected by the state of the world.

“Alcoa depends on steady production. Going forward, there may be several projects in progress at Alcoa Mosjøen, so there are opportunities for employment in the future. At the same time, the global situation can affect production costs and other aspects of operations, so we always have to be on our toes”.

Her skills as a nurse are still very useful.

“You need knowledge of current health and safety regulations, as well as the ability to care for and meet people in various situations. In that respect, there are many similarities with the healthcare sector. It is important for me to be a visible and accessible leader, as well as a good team member”.

With her home in Troms, she has gotten used to commuting over the years. She believes it runs in the family.

“My father was a sailor, so I am used to that kind of lifestyle. You also get to see and experience a lot when you work in different places. It’s amazing. Still, it always feels good to come home! I work a lot, but when I have time off, it’s nature and outdoor life that reset me and where I find energy. That said, the nature in Helgeland is fantastic, and I make the most of it in my spare time”.

She is also on the move in her job as HSE manager.

“I am out in the field a lot, and I am probably not the HSE manager who spends the most time in the office. At the same time, I strongly believe that being visible and out among the people you work with is important. The more visible you are in the field, the easier it is to foster a good HSE and safety culture”, she says with enthusiasm.

Her successful strategy is confirmed by Johannes Eide, Project Consultants Manager at Omega 365 Consulting.

“Ann Margareth is what we call a 100% Omega colleague. She has long since mastered the role of HSE expert in projects, excelling in visibility, dialogue, respect, clarity, and strong team spirit. Ann Margareth’s infectious enthusiasm, passion for her field, and loyalty to both Omega and the client make her extremely popular among her project colleagues,” he emphasizes.