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About Gian Von Gerri Yia
Gian Von Gerri Yia is an HSE professional with over 12 years of experience in large-scale, high-risk civil infrastructure projects across the Philippines, including elevated highways, bridges, viaducts, and railway systems. An Occupational Health Nurse Specialist by profession, and a Construction Safety, Pollution Control, and Licensed Security Professional by practice, he specialises in civil engineering–focused HSE Management Systems, with expertise in Risk Management, Complex Incident Investigation, and Emergency Management. He designs SMART, data-driven, and practical systems that integrate innovation and technology to deliver measurable, operationally resilient outcomes.
List the Safety and Health achievements/contributions you have achieved in 2025.
As an HSE professional, Gian Von Gerri Yia is committed to developing, implementing, and continuously improving integrated HSE Management Systems for complex and high‑risk civil engineering projects. He designed practical, structured programmes guided by SMART strategies to ensure clarity and effectiveness from leadership to frontline workers.
Aligned with Industry 5.0 principles, he integrated human‑centric leadership, data‑driven decision‑making, emerging technologies, and scientific research to enhance safety performance and resilience. Through systematic evaluations, transparent reporting, and close collaboration with project teams, he fostered accountability and proactive safety cultures while contributing to the advancement of Occupational Health and Safety as a discipline that protects workers, communities, and future generations.
Aligned with Industry 5.0 principles, he integrated human‑centric leadership, data‑driven decision‑making, emerging technologies, and scientific research to enhance safety performance and resilience. Through systematic evaluations, transparent reporting, and close collaboration with project teams, he fostered accountability and proactive safety cultures while contributing to the advancement of Occupational Health and Safety as a discipline that protects workers, communities, and future generations.
Outline the Workplace Safety and Health initiatives that have been implemented by you in your workplace in 2025.
Gian Von Gerri Yia's key contributions to Workplace Safety and Health include developing specialised safety procedures for UAS/UAV operations, integrated risk management frameworks, and practical risk control tools for high‑risk civil engineering projects. He established structured protocols for Rapid Damage and Needs Analysis, Ambulance Management Systems, and Emergency Medical Rescue and Response to strengthen on‑site preparedness.
For high‑hazard activities, he designed Compressed Air Work and Decompression Management Plans, along with task‑specific rescue procedures for work at height and confined space operations. To improve engagement and safety culture, he introduced the “Hazard Detective” strategy and implemented a comprehensive Heart and Stroke Prevention Programme, supporting both regulatory compliance and long‑term workforce wellbeing.
For high‑hazard activities, he designed Compressed Air Work and Decompression Management Plans, along with task‑specific rescue procedures for work at height and confined space operations. To improve engagement and safety culture, he introduced the “Hazard Detective” strategy and implemented a comprehensive Heart and Stroke Prevention Programme, supporting both regulatory compliance and long‑term workforce wellbeing.
Describe and support in detail on how your influencing capability has assisted in the successful implementation of these initiatives.
As a Registered Nurse, Gian Von Gerri Yia is trained to establish trust, communicate with clarity, and understand human behaviour—competencies that translate effectively into the construction environment. In this context, rapport extends beyond patients to the entire organisation: executive leadership, project management teams, and frontline workers. Effective OHS implementation requires adaptive communication strategies, recognising that employees come from diverse educational, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds that shape their perceptions of risk and safety.
By applying these interpersonal and analytical skills, and by designing clear, practical, and accessible OHS programmes and procedures, he had achieved measurable improvements in engagement and compliance. While no system achieves absolute perfection, he is confident that well-structured, human-centered safety frameworks create lasting organisational value.
When safety systems are understood, embraced, and consistently applied, they strengthen workforce wellbeing, operational performance, sustainability, and long-term resilience—transforming compliance into a shared culture of accountability and care.
By applying these interpersonal and analytical skills, and by designing clear, practical, and accessible OHS programmes and procedures, he had achieved measurable improvements in engagement and compliance. While no system achieves absolute perfection, he is confident that well-structured, human-centered safety frameworks create lasting organisational value.
When safety systems are understood, embraced, and consistently applied, they strengthen workforce wellbeing, operational performance, sustainability, and long-term resilience—transforming compliance into a shared culture of accountability and care.
Describe and provide support on how your initiative impacted the Safety and Health management and performance of your workplace/community/industry that was above and beyond.
The impact was not immediately evident, as meaningful improvement required sustained effort due to the challenging state of the existing safety culture, particularly within the Filipino workforce. Progress was achieved not in days or weeks, but through months of consistent and disciplined implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management System.
As organizational systems matured, the safety culture evolved in parallel. Within a few months, positive behavioural changes became increasingly noticeable. Worker participation, open communication, and incident reporting significantly improved, with employees showing greater confidence in sharing work experiences. The workforce began proactively identifying not only existing hazards but also potential risks before incidents occurred. Safety tools such as Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Pre‑Start Cards were taken seriously and applied as intended. As engagement increased, incidents declined due to proactive reporting and early risk identification. Employees became more vigilant, proactive, and action‑oriented, reflecting a mature, resilient safety culture embedded in daily operations.
As organizational systems matured, the safety culture evolved in parallel. Within a few months, positive behavioural changes became increasingly noticeable. Worker participation, open communication, and incident reporting significantly improved, with employees showing greater confidence in sharing work experiences. The workforce began proactively identifying not only existing hazards but also potential risks before incidents occurred. Safety tools such as Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Pre‑Start Cards were taken seriously and applied as intended. As engagement increased, incidents declined due to proactive reporting and early risk identification. Employees became more vigilant, proactive, and action‑oriented, reflecting a mature, resilient safety culture embedded in daily operations.
In your opinion, what are the attributes of a safety influencer? Do share with us on how you have demonstrated these attributes in your daily work that will earn you the recognition of a WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award Winner in your workplace/community/industry.
According to Gian Von Gerri Yia, a key attribute of a safety influencer is genuine passion for the profession, as influence begins with believing in the purpose of the work.
Although he is a Registered Nurse, his transition into Occupational Health and Safety in 2014 marked a defining point in his career, where he developed a deep appreciation for its impact not only on workers, but also on their families and future generations. This passion drives continuous learning—staying engaged with new research, innovations, and proven best practices—and applying them strategically to improve systems, close gaps, and enhance effectiveness. Because his commitment goes beyond compensation, influencing others has become a natural outcome of his daily work. Through consistent coaching, mentoring, and education, he engages frontline workers, middle and top management, and fellow practitioners to actively participate in safety. Over time, he realises that by leading with purpose, consistency, and authenticity, he has positively influenced behaviours and mindsets, fostering a proactive and sustainable safety culture within his workplace and broader professional community.
Although he is a Registered Nurse, his transition into Occupational Health and Safety in 2014 marked a defining point in his career, where he developed a deep appreciation for its impact not only on workers, but also on their families and future generations. This passion drives continuous learning—staying engaged with new research, innovations, and proven best practices—and applying them strategically to improve systems, close gaps, and enhance effectiveness. Because his commitment goes beyond compensation, influencing others has become a natural outcome of his daily work. Through consistent coaching, mentoring, and education, he engages frontline workers, middle and top management, and fellow practitioners to actively participate in safety. Over time, he realises that by leading with purpose, consistency, and authenticity, he has positively influenced behaviours and mindsets, fostering a proactive and sustainable safety culture within his workplace and broader professional community.
No. of Years of Experience in a Safety Role:
12 Years