Rail Baltica is a railway infrastructure megaproject that spans across several countries. The depth of skills and expertise required to successfully execute a greenfield project of this caliber is extensive and would not be possible without our diverse team of professionals.
Welcome back to our series, “Rail Baltica: The People Behind the Vision,” where we introduce you to the members of the Rail Baltica global project team. These individuals are the driving force advancing the Rail Baltica project with their professionalism, dedication, and passion for this project.
Līva Augule, Health and Safety Specialist, RB Rail AS
This week, we are pleased to introduce Līva Augule, Health and Safety Specialist at RB Rail AS. Līva joined the Rail Baltica project with a strong sense of purpose, driven by a deep personal connection to health and safety in the workplace. Her dedication stems from a formative experience early in her career that shaped her commitment to making a real difference – ensuring everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.
In this interview, Līva shares what it means to work behind the scenes on one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, where her impact is often felt in the quiet moments: a thank-you from a colleague, a safer process, a risk avoided.
What would you say is the achievement you are most proud of?
The achievement I am most proud of is when an employee comes to me and personally thanks me for making improvements in health and safety that directly affected them. It is fulfilling to know that the work I do not only meets regulatory requirements but also makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Who inspired you during your career and why?
Sometimes, the strongest inspirations come from the hardest moments. For me, it was the tragic loss of a childhood friend who died due to inadequate health and safety practices at his workplace. At the time, I was just starting my career in the construction industry. His passing deeply impacted me and made me realize that I have the power to help prevent such tragedies.
That experience gave me a sense of purpose. While doctors save lives in visible and direct ways, I strive to do the same – quietly, behind the scenes – by creating safer environments and ensuring that everyone goes home at the end of the day.
In your career, what is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
In one sentence – investigating a workplace fatality that challenged me both mentally and professionally.
What hobbies, interests, talents do you have?
I enjoy spending time with my hunting breed dog – long hikes and training sessions. My friends often say that capturing life through photography and making some music are not just my hobbies, but also my talents. During my student years, I even performed as a street musician, playing guitar and singing in underground tunnels.
I like every single detail about Latvian homesteads therefore weekends are usually spent in my family’s 85-year-old house out in the middle of nowhere. I am passionate about restoring old things to their original glory, such as restoring furniture.
In your opinion what is the recipe for success, for team, career or otherwise?
Success, whether in a team or career, comes down to open communication. When people feel heard and aligned, they can collaborate effectively, build trust, and reach shared goals. Clear, honest communication is the foundation for growth and success.