Mary Crabtree

What is your position at UNC-Chapel Hill, and how long have you been associated with the University?

I am the Workplace Safety Manager and have been with the University for over 30 years.

How did you initiate your career in this field or what led you to your current position?

I started my professional career in business handling workers’ compensation. It was frustrating seeing injuries that could have been prevented, so I pivoted and focused on developing safety programs that emphasized employee wellbeing and best practices.

Which sectors of the University does your role impact, and in what ways does it contribute to those areas of work?

Workplace Safety and the University Employee Occupational Clinic services all sectors of the University community from academic programs, maintenance and construction, athletics, research, healthcare to student-run programs. Our contributions include evaluating and mitigating safety concerns collaborating on University programs/research/projects, developing safety education to workers’ compensation/medical surveillance.

Describe what you love most about your job.

The diversity of the University community that I have had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with. Through the years, I have learned so much from them and believe they have learned that EHS is not here to impede their goals and objectives but to help enhance their endeavors.

What advice do you have for those interested in entering a career in your line of work?

Collaborate to diversify your EHS knowledge, build your network and volunteer in the community or a professional organization to gain other transferable skills.