SAFETY FIRST STORY
SAFETY FIRST was born in 2013 when its founder, Sergejs Strautiņš, returning from an international project, decided to realise his vision - to create an occupational health and safety company where quality, practical knowledge and international experience are not just promises, but real everyday reality. This idea became the foundation of a company that has purposefully developed into one of the leading safety solution providers in the Baltics.
In 2022, co-owner Vunders Zitans joined the team, bringing new energy and a strategic vision. His leadership and passion helped take the company to the next level - strengthening team spirit, improving structure and creating an environment where every employee feels valued.
Today, SAFETY FIRST is a dynamic and growing company where high standards, respect for people and care for the well-being of employees are not just principles - they are at the heart of our daily work. We work with large industrial clients and at the same time build a cohesive team of professionals in which we invest both knowledge and humanity.
We believe that a truly safe and sustainable environment is only possible if it is centred on people, values and a responsible approach to every decision!
Health and Safety always come FIRST!
SERGEJS STAUTIŅŠ
Founder of SAFETY FIRST with more than 20 years of experience in occupational safety
Sergejs Strautiņš started his professional career as a specialist in a competent authority, later managing safety processes in industrial production for more than ten years. He has gained significant experience working in various sectors, from manufacturing and construction to infrastructure and renewable energy projects. He gained international experience in the construction of the TEC-2 heating plant, which became an important step in his professional development.
In recent years, Sergey has specialised in renewable energy projects, in particular the supervision of the construction and operation of wind farms. He oversees occupational safety during both the construction phase and the service work, adapting to the specificities of the different sites and ensuring a high level of safety. Sergejs graduated from the Faculty of Public Health of Riga Stradiņš University and obtained the qualification of Senior Specialist Analyst at the University of Latvia.
Outside of work, Sergejs enjoys creative and spiritual hobbies - playing guitar, music, psychology and oriental philosophy. This versatility helps to maintain balance and a deeper understanding of working with people.
VUNDERS ZITĀNS
Senior Occupational Health Officer, Fire and Civil Protection Expert
Vunder Zitans is an experienced occupational health and safety and fire safety expert who provides and coordinates safety services for construction projects, including wind and solar farms.
He holds a Master's degree in occupational safety and a qualification as a fire and civil protection engineer, which enables him to take both a technical and organisational approach to safety issues.
Wunder's experience includes risk assessment of the working environment and the development of safety processes in the construction industry, as well as the implementation and monitoring of fire safety systems. He always strives to ensure the highest safety standards to promote the health and safety of employees.
In his spare time, Wunder actively participates in team sports such as hockey, basketball, football and volleyball, and enjoys cold-weather swimming and long hikes. However, his greatest joy is adventure and spending time with his little boy.
RIČARDS RULLIS
Darba aizsardzības eksperts būvniecības nozarē
Ričards Rullis ir profesionālis ar pieredzi dažādu būvniecības objektu darba aizsardzības procesu vadībā Latvijā, tostarp ēkām ar dažādu nozīmi, kā arī vairākiem vēja parku būvniecības projektiem dažādās Eiropas valstīs. Viņa pieredze ir plaša, un viņš ir strādājis gan ar lieliem, gan tehnoloģiski sarežģītiem projektiem.
Ričards ir ieguvis profesionālo bakalaura grādu darba aizsardzībā un ir sertificēts kā darba aizsardzības vecākais speciālists. Viņš ir apņēmības pilns nodrošināt visaugstākos drošības standartus būvniecības jomā un uzskata, ka katrs projekts ir iespēja pilnveidot savu pieeju un sasniegt izcilību.
Brīvajā laikā Ričards bauda fiziskas aktivitātes un vienmēr cenšas apgūt jaunas zināšanas, kas palīdz viņam pilnveidoties gan profesionāli, gan personīgi. Viņam patīk darbs, un viņš vienmēr tiecas veikt uzdevumus maksimāli labi, ieguldot pilnu atdevi un koncentrēšanos katrā projektā.
jānis apse
Occupational health and safety officer for solar park construction supervision
Jānis Apse is an occupational health and safety specialist specialising in the supervision of solar park construction He is a Senior Occupational Health and Safety Officer and holds a Master's degree in Sociology, which allows him not only to take a technical approach to occupational health and safety, but also to understand human behaviour, team dynamics and the importance of effective communication
In his spare time, John takes a DIY approach to household and car matters and enjoys walking in nature His motto is to create an environment that is simpler, more comfortable, safer and visually appealing for his fellow human beings.
edmunds kokins
Occupational health and safety officer for solar park and factory construction projects
Edmunds Kokins is an experienced occupational health and safety specialist in the construction supervision of solar parks and plants. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Total Quality Management and a Master's degree in Occupational Health.
In his free time, he enjoys extreme summer and winter sports that allow him to get outdoors, relax and disconnect from the daily rush. Edmund is also an avid gamer who enjoys playing video games not only for new challenges but also with friends, making new connections and enjoying exciting entertainment.
gaļina podgaiska
Occupational health and safety officer in construction
Galina Podgaiska is an experienced occupational safety and health specialist specialising in building construction supervision. She is a person who is not afraid of dynamics and is ready for new challenges. Her motivation and passion is to make the working environment not only safe but also efficient.
She holds a professional bachelor's degree in occupational safety and a qualification as an occupational safety engineer, which enables her to deal professionally and effectively with occupational safety issues in various construction projects. In addition, she has obtained a certificate in the "Basic Level Awareness Programme for Site Fire Safety for Responsible Personnel", which broadens her knowledge in the field of fire safety and ensures the highest level of safety in construction processes.
In her free time, Galina is an active cyclist, which helps her to keep fit and maintain a balance between work and personal life.
Liene vārpiņa
Occupational health and safety expert
Liene Vārpiņa is an occupational health and safety expert with more than five years of experience in various construction and industrial projects, including healthcare and manufacturing. She specialises in accident investigation and day-to-day management of workplace risks.
Liene holds a Bachelor of Public Health (well-being, health promotion, environmental health), a Master of Science in Occupational Health and Expertise (occupational health, sustainability, risk assessment) and a Master of Health Management (international approach to health management and process optimisation). She also holds a Quality Manager certification and a Fire Safety Specialist certificate.
In her spare time, she enjoys downhill skiing, cycling and hiking, and is actively involved in the professional world - she is a board member of the Latvian Quality Society, a member of the Latvian Ergonomics Society and supports the Public Health Association.
andris edgars fecers
Occupational health and safety officer for the supervision of construction projects
Andris Edgars Fecers ir ar plašu pieredzi būvniecības projektu uzraudzībā dažādās nozarēs, tostarp ofisu un dzīvojamo ēku, kā arī vēja parku būvniecībā.
Andrim ir profesionālais bakalaura grāds darba aizsardzībā un darba aizsardzības inženiera kvalifikācija.
Viņa mērķis ir ne tikai paveikt darbu, bet arī radīt pievienoto vērtību uzņēmumam un komandai, ar kuru viņš strādā.
Brīvajā laikā Andris aizraujas ar slēpto mantu meklēšanu ar metāla detektoru, metālu kausēšanu un liešanu formās, kā arī drona pilotēšanu. No sporta aktivitātēm īpaši iecienījis skriešanu, riteņbraukšanu un boulderingu.
madara pavāre
Occupational health and safety officer in various sectors
Madara Pavāre is an experienced occupational health and safety specialist who has gained extensive experience working with a wide range of sites - solar parks, forestry and manufacturing companies, wood processing facilities, as well as agricultural and education sectors. Her work also covers beauty, commercial and metalworking companies.
Madara holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Sociology and a Professional Master's degree in Occupational Health. She is also qualified as a vet assistant and a seamstress. To further her knowledge, Madara has attended professional development courses, such as the basics of organic farming and fire safety. She regularly participates in various courses and seminars.
In her spare time, Madara enjoys country life with her family, gardening or doing handicrafts such as knitting and sewing, which help her to regain her strength and stay inspired.