I had the opportunity to attend a construction safety award presentation and listen to various commercial construction companies (GC, and Specialty Contractors) explain why their company deserved an award. Owners, CEOs, Safety Directors, and Employees spoke about their company. Their stories were amazing. Below I have listed some of the ideas that inspired me. They may not, at first glace, appear to be amazing. However, consider when the CEO tells a story that makes him cry, or when a superintendent explains how he is part of a family,…. it makes the words ring different.

Here are my takeaways:

  • Safety really starts at the top. It’s not a priority, it’s a core value. Check out the Injury Free Forum (IIF).
    • This is basically a club/meeting for CEOs to gather and talk about how to prevent injuries. It’s ‘almost’ an invite-only type of event. But, if you’re a CEO/President you should think about it. (helps if you live in the NE part of the US)
    • Here are some companies participating, Gilbane, Gilbane video (yep, it’s good), JMJ Associates, Baker Concrete video
  • During initial employee orientation;
    • one company has each employee write a letter to their family saying (apologizing) why they are gone/dead. This really emphasizes to each individual why they need to work safe.
    • the CEO gives each new employee his business card and tell them to call him directly if they are asked to do something unsafe.
    • each new employee is assigned a mentor (the time period varies from 2 weeks to 1 month) to watch them work safely.
  • Each employee has the right to stop work due to safety. If they do it: the CEO/President writes them a personal thank you note.
  • Make each near miss a incident, but do NOT have a lot of paperwork, just simple documentation for future learning.
  • Have a innovative idea challenge at your company for good safety ideas.
    • Put a bar code on infrequently used tools. Link to a short video which explains how to use it.
    • Zip tie PPE onto the tools upon checkout.
  • Send your “Safety Incident” or “Safety Summary” to their home. Ask them to put it on their fridge. Then, run a contest. Randomly find a name & call that employee to see if they can tell you what the safety topic is. Give a prize. Repeat.
  • Look at the design. A large GC mandated that every hole in their project have safety netting installed during the concrete pour. …and they did it!
  • An electrical firm uses no knives. None. Think that helps cut down on injuries? (pun intended)

The goal is zero injuries. So, what happens after zero injuries? How about sending your spouse to work…and they come home healthier! It’s not far away for some companies, Health & Wellness programs are already being implemented. For whom are you working? Here’s one of my reasons:

live work