Get to know Killian Forbeteh, Safety Supervisor and 2024 Rising Star of Safety

For Killian Forbeteh, the day starts early. As a supervisor for surface safety within Nutrien’s potash operations, Killian has a busy schedule each day reviewing safety concerns, hazards and reported incidents. His role also involves performing regular workplace inspections, investigating incidents and collaborating closely with various departments to ensure everyone goes home safe, every day.

Killian says, “I would say the key factors for my role are being proactive, having a keen eye for detail, a passion for safety, and the ability to work collaboratively with others.”

Growing up, Killian aspired to work as a Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) professional. After moving to Canada from Denmark in 2012, he was admitted into the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Saskatchewan. He then enrolled in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Certificate program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

“I applied for an EHS summer student position at the Vanscoy site in 2015 and was fortunate to have been offered the opportunity,” he says. “At the end of my summer student term, I stayed on as a Casual Fire and Protective Services Officer at Vanscoy while completing my OHS certificate program.”

Eventually, there was an opening for a Supervisor, Surface Safety at Vanscoy, which Killian applied for and has held since 2021.

“My job is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling,” he shares. “I take pride in contributing to building a Culture of Care living up to Nutrien’s Key Daily Actions and having the opportunity to contribute to achieving our safety vision of everyone home safe, every day. It is fulfilling knowing that my actions have a direct impact on preventing injuries, mitigating risks and potentially saving lives. I’m proud of my field interactions with people, commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and being able to promote a psychologically safe workplace for all.”

Nutrien is a proud Saskatchewan company that gives back to the communities where we live and work and it’s admirable to see that safety extends outside of Killian’s workday and into his spare time, too. He has volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross as an Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Personal Disaster Assistance (PDA) responder since 2013.

“Volunteering has been a profound experience. It involves providing support to individuals affected by disasters like fires and floods with access to services such as emergency shelter, food, clothing, personal services, emotional care and safety and well-being requirements,” he says. “This experience has given me an opportunity to work with many dedicated individuals who share one common goal: helping people and communities in times of need.”