18 September 2026
For Monicka Parameshwaran, ensuring safety on a major construction project is all about people and conversations.
Monicka is a Safety Advisor working on the Australian and South Australian governments’ Verdun Interchange Upgrade Project as part of the BMD Leed Joint Venture.
Monicka has a background in civil engineering and construction management, which means she has a detailed perspective of site processes and possible issues.
‘Safety has given me the opportunity to combine that technical knowledge with something equally important – people,’ Monicka says.
So, what does a Safety Advisor’s role look like? It might be different to what you think.
‘What many people don’t realise is that safety is much less about paperwork than they might expect. I spend a significant amount of time talking to people,’ she says. ‘I support workers, supervisors, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure that safety is considered throughout every stage of construction.
‘Some of the most important safety discussions don’t happen in meeting rooms. They happen beside an excavator, during a site walk, or in a quick conversation between tasks. I’ve also learned that people are much more willing to engage when they feel they’re part of the conversation.’
Monicka’s work on the Verdun Interchange Upgrade is getting noticed. She was recognised through the project’s Reward and Recognition program for demonstrating the project values of ‘Family’, ‘Collaborative’, ‘Driven’ and ‘Empowered’.
Delivered by the BMD Leed Joint Venture, the upgraded interchange will allow access to and from the South Eastern Freeway in all directions.
The Verdun Interchange Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments (80:20).