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 STRAUTIŅŠ
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, Sergejs 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
Vunders Zitāns 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.
Vunders' 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
Occupational safety expert in the construction industry
Ričards Rullis is a professional with experience in managing occupational safety processes at various construction sites in Latvia, including buildings of different purposes, as well as multiple wind farm construction projects across various European countries. His experience is extensive, and he has worked on both large-scale and technologically complex projects.
Ričards holds a professional bachelor's degree in occupational safety and is certified as a senior occupational safety specialist. He is committed to ensuring the highest safety standards in the construction sector and believes that every project is an opportunity to improve his approach and strive for excellence.
In his free time, Ričards enjoys physical activities and is always eager to acquire new knowledge, which helps him grow both professionally and personally. He is passionate about his work and always aims to perform tasks to the highest standard, dedicating full effort and focus to every project.
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 has extensive experience in supervising construction projects across various sectors, including office and residential buildings, as well as wind farm construction.
Andris holds a professional bachelor's degree in occupational safety and is qualified as an occupational safety engineer. His goal is not only to complete the work but also to create added value for the company and the team he works with.
In his free time, Andris enjoys treasure hunting with a metal detector, metal smelting and casting, as well as drone piloting. When it comes to sports, he particularly enjoys running, cycling, and bouldering.
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.