Sven Flo works as Site Safety Coordinator/HSE at Engebø for Nordic Bulk AS. Nordic Bulk has the main corporate responsibility on site, this is a large and important responsibility that makes Sven a coordinating link between all actors in the project within HSE.
Sven was originally raised in Oslo and has a long and varied career behind him, among other things, Sven has worked in a number of disciplines in the Armed Forces, he has worked both operationally and administratively, he has also been engaged in several of the Norwegian International Operations for Norway. Sven has held several management positions and been involved in major projects in material procurement, restructuring and recruitment. His experience from the Armed Forces has given him a good understanding of complex working environments and collaborative processes, which is good experience to have as a Site Safety Coordinator.
Former mayor of Stryn
For several years, Sven has also been an active politician, both locally, regionally and nationally. Sven has been Mayor of Stryn for 8 years, sat on the municipal council for 16 years, and he has been 1. deputy to the Storting for two periods for Sogn og Fjordane.
How has your political experience affected you?
“Being mayor of Stryn has probably been the most exciting thing I’ve been involved in, apart from the job I have now in Nordic Bulk at Engebø,” says Sven. “It was an incredibly good learning arena, and an intense period with both a lot of praise and criticism. You become relatively ‘hard-skinned’ as a politician when you have to front both popular and unpopular issues. But it’s also important to dare to stand in the storm, even if you’re not as popular with everyone.”
Furthermore, Sven talks about his job at Engebø, where no two days are the same. He greatly appreciates the good cohesion in Nordic Bulk, as well as the good relationship with the other contractors and the client. Many hours are spent down on site with controls and observations, conversations with construction managers and workers, and handling deviations and changes. The role of coordinating company (Main company) for everyone at Engebø can be demanding at times, but also very rewarding.
What motivates you in your job?
“My motivation for getting up in the morning, and putting on visibility class 3, helmet and safety shoes, is all the good colleagues I have got at Engebø and in Sandnes,” says Sven with a smile. “I enjoy working with people, and at Engebø there is really a flora of different types of people. It gives a lot of energy and many challenges. My background from the Armed Forces has come in handy here. In order to make a department cohesive and solve tasks towards common goals, everyone must be involved, regardless of human type, motivation or qualities. A good leader cheers on the people around him. When the people around me are doing well, then things are going well!”
What would you say to those who are considering a career in Nordic Bulk?
“I would recommend anyone who wants to work on exciting projects to look at what Nordic Bulk has to offer. It’s great that the company is focusing on opportunities for trainee positions. I believe in new major projects for Nordic Bulk, and it is a company I can recommend applying for. I would do the same thing again if I had the opportunity.”
One last question, what do you do to relax?
“To relax, I need to take my backpack, tent and sleeping pad with me and get away from the mobile phone coverage area. Or get to the mountains on skis when there is snow. I also like to read, and my big favorite is Mikkjel Fønhus. In addition, I read a lot of war history. Otherwise, I spend some of my free time at the shooting range. And sometimes I bring out the two-rower with the one melody I know. My favorite movie is probably the classic Olsen Gang with Arve Opsahl in the lead, and I have a special fondness for British humor, especially Black Adder with Rowan Atkinson.”