Jen Brings Safety, Experience, and Perspective to the Crane & Lifting Industry

30-Second Takeaway

With more than a decade in construction and a deep passion for cranes and hoisting, Jen Mutas, a Field OHS Advisor with BC Crane Safety, is helping reshape how safety is understood and applied across the crane and lifting sector. Through hands-on industry engagement, mentoring, and education, she is bridging the gap between compliance, productivity, and real-world jobsite realities.

Merging Safety Expertise with a Passion for Cranes

For Jen, working in the crane and lifting sector is the result of aligning two core passions: construction and occupational health and safety. In her current role as Field OHS Advisor with BC Crane Safety, she works directly with industry stakeholders to help integrate practical safety systems into lifting and hoisting operations.

“Getting to merge my construction passion of cranes with my educational background in health and safety has let me re-align into an industry I love,” Jen said. “I’m hoping my impact is as simple as changing how people incorporate safety into their construction programs showing the ‘sweet spot’ of safety and production can actually be easy with the right things and people implemented.”

Her role provides exposure across a wide range of crane and hoist environments, allowing her to influence safety outcomes well beyond a single site or employer.

“I’ve got a unique platform now to reach the far corners of the crane and hoist business I haven’t had the opportunity to experience before. It’s been very exciting.”

Giving Back Through Education and Mentorship

Jen has spent much of her career supporting the next generation of safety professionals. For eight of her twelve years in construction, she has volunteered as a guest speaker in a local Construction Safety Officer (CSO) training course, preparing students for the realities of life on site.

“When I was cut loose from my training as a CSO, I learned very quickly that most of my days were filled with things they don’t teach in school,” she said. “I want to bridge that gap however I can.”

She also serves on the BCCSA Technical High Angle Rope Rescue Program steering committee, helping ensure training and guidance remain relevant and current in a rapidly evolving industry.

Looking ahead, Jen plans to expand her involvement through direct mentoring within a women’s occupational health and safety network.

Opportunities for Women Across the Sector

Jen sees the crane and lifting industry as one with unlimited opportunity for women, across all roles and regions.

“There are no limits in this business for women the opportunities are extensive and worldwide. From operating, to operations, ownership, and everything in-between, hard work truly does pay off so go after it.”

She notes that women are increasingly present in senior meetings and leadership positions, a shift she finds both encouraging and empowering.

“There’s something to be said walking into a room or onto a jobsite and making that initial eye contact with another successful female it’s pretty empowering.”

A Candid View on Inclusivity

Jen is open about the realities of inclusivity in construction and lifting.

“Full disclosure it’s been hit and miss for me. However, my experiences have been more positive than negative, and that’s what I choose to focus on.”

She believes true inclusivity requires more than policy statements.

“Some companies have inclusivity in their culture and values but don’t truly understand it. Inclusivity spans so much further than gender, and until that acceptance is understood and practiced by the full company, inclusion will remain a goal—not a value.”

A Career Sparked by One Lift

Jen’s connection to cranes began early in her career on a pre-production oil site in Northern Alberta.

“I walked around the corner from my company’s trailer and stopped dead in my tracks to watch a 500-ton crawler set a roof section. It was construction love at first sight, and it has never left me.”

What started as a financially driven career path quickly became something deeper.

“The crane and hoist community gives me so much more. I’m constantly challenged, I learn something new every day, and I feel privileged to support an industry that supports my family.”

Overcoming Challenges and Self-Doubt

Asked about her biggest challenge, Jen points inward.

“If I’m being honest myself. Imposter syndrome has hit me hard a few times over the years.”

She acknowledges that learning to move past self-doubt and negative commentary has been a critical part of her growth.

“I’ve had a few negative interactions that were completely appalling, but I refuse to let those impact my future.”

Advice for the Next Generation

For women entering the crane and lifting industry, Jen offers grounded, experience-driven advice.

“Embrace every experience and use everything as a lesson. The toughest situation in my career turned out to be my greatest turning point.”

She emphasises the importance of asking for help and building a strong support network.

“You won’t have a good day every day and that’s ok. Build a strong career support system and always remember tomorrow brings a new day. Keep moving forward.”

About BC Crane Safety

BC Crane Safety is a non-profit industry organisation focused on improving crane and hoisting safety standards across British Columbia. The organisation supports crane owners, operators, and contractors through technical guidance, safety programs, industry collaboration, and training initiatives.

BC Crane Safety works closely with regulators and industry stakeholders to promote best practices and support the safe operation of cranes and hoisting equipment across construction and industrial sectors.

Website: https://bccranesafety.ca