My Story: Wilson D. Tenesaca, CHST
“If you have a dream, work hard and believe in yourself, that’s all you need.” That’s a phrase I truly believe.
In 2002, I moved to New York from Ecuador. Shortly after, I began working in the construction industry, focusing on building maintenance and restoration, formerly known as Local Law 11 projects in New York City. I began my journey as a tradesperson, moving up to a foreman/competent person supervisor.
![Wilson-D.-Tenesaca Wilson-D.-Tenesaca](/ext/resources/images/2025/02-feb/Wilson-D.-Tenesaca2.jpg)
Once I started, I realized that I lacked safety training, so I decided to take training certification courses. I began to feel more prepared and confident in myself in the role of a competent person. I realized that I could influence my co-workers who were working under my watch to take time and think about their safety and the safety of others around them. It motivated me to pursue a career in safety.
As time went on, I was ready to obtain a safety license. I landed a job with a construction safety consulting company. I have a Construction Health and Safety Technician certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. I’m a New York City licensed site safety manager, OSHA authorized construction trainer and flagger instructor from the National Safety Council.
My most recent achievement is being a JLG operator instructor for mobile elevating work platforms from JLG University. On a daily basis, I oversee the safety and health of more than 100 workers in new construction/demolition, making sure everyone is safe and gets home safe at the end of the day.
My experience and training led me to start a career in the safety and health industry.
Because my first language is Spanish, I’m able to communicate, understand and deliver safety culture to the Spanish-speaking workers in NYC.
I couldn’t have made a better decision than to transition to the safety and health industry. I continue to prepare myself and get accreditations so I can better serve in my role and advance in my career as a safety pro. As I stated, I’m a true believer and a living example that if you have a dream, work hard and believe in yourself, that’s all you need to succeed.
As a first-generation resident of the United States, my wife and kids are extremely proud of my accomplishments and successes, and the many more to come.
![Wilson D. Tenesaca Wilson D. Tenesaca](/ext/resources/images/2025/02-feb/Wilson-D.-Tenesaca1.jpg)
Wilson D. Tenesaca, CHST
NYC Site Safety Manager, Fire Safety Manager, OSHA authorized construction trainer, flagger and MEWP trainer
Bloomfield, NJ
What’s your story?
Email us at safehealth@nsc.org with the subject line “My Story.” You may be featured in an upcoming issue of Safety+Health.
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