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Laurence Ledrut

from a passion for animals to Process Safety Manager
I prevent releases of hazardous materials to protect people and the environment
Industry
Energy, gas and oil
Company
Origin Energy
Job Level
Senior
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Ask me about

  • How I became so passionate about engineering and process safety
  • My passion for animals turning into protecting people/the environment
  • Why I relocated to Australia
  • Working fly in fly out on a construction site

About me

  • International Experience

When I was little, I did not know what I wanted to become, my parents made me study sciences to make sure I had options. I loved animals and wanted to become a zoologist, however whilst studying chemical engineering I witnessed the explosion of a Chemical Factory in the South-West of France, and decided to complete a Master of Engineering in Safety and Environmental Risk Prevention.

I started working as a Safety Engineer in the Energy industry in Europe. I then moved to a fly-in fly out role in New Caledonia during the construction and commissioning of a nickel process plant. 

When I relocated to Australia, I decided to go back to university to study a Master of Engineering whilst I was getting my French Engineering degree recognised by Engineers Australia. I went on to become Chartered and Registered Professional Engineer, and now I am also Fellow member of EA.

I have had many fulfilling engineering roles in Australia, from process engineer, commissioning engineer, senior operations engineer to engineering manager, and now process safety manager. I have so often been the only woman in my work environment, and I am very passionate about making sure that girls and women are provided with equal opportunities to thrive in their career and choose the role they aspire to.

About my role

  • Decisive
  • Flexible
  • Focused
  • Practical
  • Resourceful

A Process Safety Manager works within Origin Energy’s Integrated Gas Business Unit. The Process Safety Manager provides governance, leadership and subject matter expertise to operational gas Assets to ensure equipment is safely designed, built and operated to prevent release of hazardous materials or energy, protecting people, communities and the environment. They manage the process safety team, and drive initiatives across the organisation to influence process safety leadership, foster a strong technical learning culture and ensure best risk management practices.

It is also essential they work closely with all engineering disciplines, including senior leaders, and frontline operations to ensure that controls are in place and maintained to prevent process safety incidents. The Process Safety Manager provides governance and direction for the process safety management framework, and the process safety key performance indicators.

A Process Safety Manager can also be regularly invited to speak at conferences and external events.

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Education

  • Associate Degree in Engineering (Chemical & Process Engineering)
  • Master of Engineering Degree, Safety & Environmental Risk Prevention
  • Master of Engineering Degree, Engineering Sciences

Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Dance
  • Design
  • Earth and Environmental Science
  • Economics
  • Engineering/Engineering Skills
  • Food and Technology
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Geography
  • History
  • Industrial Technology
  • Languages
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Science in Practice
  • Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)

Awards

  • Dean's Commendation for High Achievement (UQ)

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Paddle boarding
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Surfing
  • Swimming
  • Travel

Pets

  • 1 Dog
  • 2 Cat

15 year old me!!

“Have confidence in your abilities to take on any challenge, and use your values and skills to guide you in your life and career choice; you are in charge of your future, don’t wait for anyone to tell you otherwise or to give you permissions. ”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Moved overseas multiple times
  2. Landed first role as process engineer in Australia
  3. Became Chartered Professional engineer and RFEQ with Engineers Australia
  4. Became a Justice of the Peace
  5. Obtained senior engineering management roles

My employer

Origin Energy is a leading Australian integrated energy company. Origin is a leading energy retailer with more than 4.5 million customer accounts, approximately 7,300 MW of power generation capacity and is also a large natural gas producer. Origin’s ambition is to lead the energy transition through cleaner energy and customer solutions, underpinned by three strategic pillars: unrivalled customer solutions; accelerate renewable and cleaner energy; and deliver reliable energy through the transition.