Aspen Helling

SH&E Intern

Hometown: Hopkins, MN

Summer Intern Project

SH&E Intern – Olympic Steel, Minneapolis, MN


“My main project focused on reviewing and updating the Minneapolis Division’s lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to support safe, consistent equipment shutdowns for maintenance and repair. I published and posted the updated procedures, worked with maintenance employees to walk through the steps and incorporated their feedback on labels, locations and instructions. I also supported projects involving psychological safety, ergonomics and audit preparation. I’m proud that the work gave employees a voice in the process and helped strengthen an important part of the division’s safety program. The experience showed me how valuable it is to listen to the people who work with these procedures and processes every day.”

  • Why did you choose to intern for Olympic Steel?
    I chose Olympic Steel because I heard how incredible the internship program was. I also know that Olympic Steel’s main goal is to be safe and to truly honor that goal. That is very important to me as I continue to grow in my field.


  • What do you hope to accomplish during your time here at Olympic Steel?
    I hope to learn about how Olympic Steel approaches safety and to be able to walk away with a better understanding of Human and Organizational Performance (HOP). Ultimately, my end goal is to leave a meaningful impact on the company, its employees, and leaders.


  • What do you like to do in your free time?
    I play hockey and video games on my Switch, read, craft when I can, and hang out with family and friends. I also love to go on walks with my dogs and am currently training for a 5-mile run coming up in July.


  • What is your proudest moment so far?
    My proudest accomplishment is playing for Team USA for hockey. As a hard-of-hearing/deaf individual, I was given the opportunity to play for Team USA, the deaf and hard-of-hearing team. Incredible opportunity!


  • What is your favorite quote?
    Two different word definitions I live by: Ouroboros symbolizes eternity, cyclic renewal, unity, and the perpetual cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Sonder is the realization that every person you encounter has a life as vivid and complex as your own.


  • Three words to describe me are:
    Ambitious • Consistent • Friendly