The Significance of Safety in Construction

🦺 “Safety First” Isn’t True and That’s the Problem 🦺 We’ve all seen the banners. The toolbox talks. The hard hats with “Safety First” stickers. However, let’s be honest, on many construction sites, safety is often not the top priority. Production is. The schedule is. The budget is. Client satisfaction is. Safety often becomes a slogan rather than a standard. If we truly want to improve safety in the construction industry, we need to stop pretending and start transforming. Here’s how: ➡️ Make Safety Part of the Work, Not a Pause in It Safety isn’t a checklist before starting work, it’s how the work gets done. When crews are trained to build safely, efficiently, and correctly the first time, safety and productivity rise together. ➡️ Hold Leadership Accountable Safety shouldn’t be the sole responsibility of the safety manager. It belongs to superintendents, foremen, and PMs. When leadership walks the walk, safety becomes culture, not compliance. ➡️ Focus on Systems, Not Just People Most injuries are not because someone “didn’t care.” They occur due to poor planning, inadequate training, unclear expectations, or rushed timelines. Fix the system, not just the worker. ➡️ Move Beyond Blame to Learning Every incident is a lesson. If we investigate just to assign fault, we miss the chance to improve. Create a culture where reporting is encouraged, not punished. It’s time to stop chanting “Safety First” and start proving it through planning, leadership, and real investment in people. Let’s build a future where safety isn’t first, it’s built in. Bilingual Safety Trainings LLC #ConstructionSafety #SafetyCulture #Leadership #FieldLevelPlanning #ConstructionIndustry #SafetyMindset #BuiltRight #Seguridad

There ya have it... Workplace safety isn't about tricks or shortcuts; it requires consistent adherence to procedures, proper training, and a proactive approach to identify and mitigate hazards. Here's a breakdown of why there are no shortcuts and what constitutes a safe workplace: Why No Shortcuts? Safety is Paramount: Workplace safety is not optional; it's a fundamental responsibility of both employers and employees. Consequences of Negligence: Shortcuts and unsafe practices can lead to serious injuries, illnesses, and even fatalities, as well as significant financial and reputational damage. Legal Requirements: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employers provide a safe workplace, free from recognized hazards. Key Elements of a Safe Workplace: Comprehensive Training: Employees must receive thorough training on safety procedures, hazard recognition, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Hazard Identification and Control: Regularly assess workplaces for potential hazards and implement effective control measures, such as engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. Clear Communication: Establish clear communication channels for reporting hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions. Enforcement of Safety Rules: Ensure that safety rules and procedures are consistently enforced, and that employees are held accountable for their actions. Promote a Safety Culture: Foster a culture where safety is valued and prioritized, where employees feel comfortable reporting concerns, and where everyone is responsible for creating a safe workplace. Regular Inspections and Audits: Conduct regular safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and ensure that safety programs are effective. Emergency Preparedness: Develop and maintain emergency plans and procedures, and conduct regular drills to ensure that employees are prepared to respond to emergencies. Proper Housekeeping: Maintain a clean and organized workplace to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Use of PPE: Ensure that employees have the necessary PPE and that they use it correctly. Stay Alert and Aware: Encourage employees to stay alert and aware of their surroundings and potential hazards. Report Hazards Promptly: Encourage employees to report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately. Follow Proper Lifting Techniques: Emphasize the importance of using proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries.

Whenever I’m helping lead an apprentice training around machines or even if I have new ground crewmen joining me for the day, I always ask, “ have you ever been in a machine?”. If their reply is “ No. “ The first thing I do is tell them to get in it and see the world through my eyes as an operator. I want them to see my blind spots, I want them to understand that if they stand in certain areas I may be unable to view their hand signals. Most importantly I want them to grasp that this is a mechanical iron machine and it has the capability to keep you from going home that night if we as an operator / ground team don’t effectively communicate. Although experienced I always make it clear if there’s anything you don’t like the looks of, tell me to stop and we can look it over together. When I say my crew has a voice, I stand by that. No matter how insignificant it might seem. It could save a life. There is absolutely nothing we do on a job site that is worth the gamble of our well-being and lives of one another. I know what it’s like to not be heard, it put me in a hospital bed. Something that I said day in and day out. Listen and protect your crews when they look to you. They look to you because you are the leader, they respect you, they want to learn from you and sometimes even make you proud. Don’t let thier fires weaken because they made a mistake on who they looked up to. #safety #construction #heavyequipment #heavyequipmentoperator #heavymachinery #wic #nawic #constructionsafety

Recently I shared 5 things great companies do to support safety and health. It struck a chord and for good reason. Because when companies get safety right, everything else improves: performance, trust, and outcomes. So what does that look like in action? Here’s how we put those principles to work at CG Schmidt We Integrate Safety into the Build. From pre-con to punchlist, safety is part of how we plan, coordinate, and deliver. We Train for Competence, Not Just Compliance. We go beyond checking boxes. Our team is trained to recognize real-world hazards, make solid decisions, and lead in the field. We Equip Leaders to Lead. Our Superintendents, Project Managers, and Foremen don’t “rely on the safety team”, they own safety. We support them with the tools and coaching to do it well. We Simplify Doing the Right Thing. Whether it’s PPE access, planning tools, or clear expectations, we remove friction. Safe, smart choices should never be hard ones. We Back Our Team. If someone raises a concern or stops work for safety, we stand with them. That kind of trust builds accountability, confidence, and performance. High Standards, Every Time. We don’t just meet the minimum, we set the standard. At CG Schmidt, planning, training, and accountability aren’t optional. They’re part of delivering excellence.

Stay Grounded: Fall Prevention and Protection Tips Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. We need to implement effective fall prevention and protection measures. By understanding the risks and following best practices, we can create a safer work environment for everyone. The Importance of Fall Prevention: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls account for approximately 36.5% of all workplace fatalities in the construction industry. In 2021, there were over 850 fatal falls to a lower level reported across all industries. Fall Prevention and Protection Tips: 1. Use Guardrails: Install guardrails around every open-sided platform, floor hole, and dangerous machine. - 29 CFR 1926.502(b) 2. Ensure Proper Use of Ladders and Scaffolds: Use ladders and scaffolds that are in good condition and appropriate for the task. - 29 CFR 1926.1053 and 29 CFR 1926.451 3. Implement Fall Arrest Systems: Use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) when guardrails are not feasible. - 29 CFR 1926.502(d) 4. Conduct Training: Provide comprehensive training for employees on the proper use of fall protection equipment and the recognition of fall hazards. - 29 CFR 1926.503 5. Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment and ensure it is properly maintained. - 29 CFR 1926.502(e)(1) 6. Develop a Fall Protection Plan: Create and implement a fall protection plan that addresses specific worksite risks and outlines the procedures for preventing falls. - Best practice for construction safety Our Commitment: We have to committed to promoting a culture of safety and preventing fall-related incidents. By following these guidelines and continuously educating our workforce, we can ensure a safer working environment for everyone. Let's take every step carefully and keep each other safe. #SafetyFirst #FallPrevention #WorkplaceSafety #FallProtection #OSHA #SafetyTips

Tragic Loss in Atlanta: Another heartbreaking incident—this time in downtown Atlanta, where a construction worker lost his life after falling from the 19th floor of a building. These stories should never be the norm, yet they continue to happen. As leaders, we must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to protect our teams? Safety isn’t just a box to check—it’s a responsibility. Here are three critical safety measures that every organization should reinforce TODAY: -Comprehensive Fall Protection Training – Ensure every worker is equipped with the right training on harnesses, guardrails, and proper use of fall protection systems. Awareness and preparation save lives. -Regular Equipment & Site Inspections – A single faulty anchor point or missing safety rail can be the difference between life and death. Make inspections a daily priority. -Culture of Accountability – Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Encourage workers to speak up about hazards without fear of retaliation. A strong safety culture starts with leadership. No project deadline or cost-saving measure is worth a life. Let’s make sure these tragedies become less frequent, not more. #WorkplaceSafety #ConstructionSafety #Leadership #SafetyFirst #Teamwork

In a sobering event in Queens, a severe fire triggered by a contractor's unauthorized torch use has cast a spotlight on the imperative of adhering to construction fire safety protocols. This tragic incident, which displaced over 400 residents during the holiday season, is a powerful testament to the dangers of disregarding safety standards in construction settings. The fire was traced back to a contractor improperly using a torch to remove paint from a door frame in an apartment building. This reckless action led to multiple violations and, more importantly, a large-scale disaster affecting hundreds. It illustrates the potential consequences when hot work is conducted without proper precautions and oversight. The necessity for rigorous construction fire safety protocols cannot be overstated. It's essential for those in the construction industry to strictly follow guidelines, perform thorough risk evaluations, and cultivate an environment where safety is paramount. This includes obtaining necessary permits, ensuring fire extinguishers are readily available, and training workers on emergency procedures. #ConstructionFireSafety #FirePrevention #SafetyFirst #RiskManagement #FireSafety #ConstructionSafety #CommunityRiskReduction #FirePrevention https://lnkd.in/g5U5uN2S

While working at various semiconductor and data center construction projects, I have seen an alarming trend in the use of chain hooks instead of shackles for tying down heavy equipment. This careless practice not only breaches safety protocols but also endangers lives. According to OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.251(a)(5), using improper rigging equipment is prohibited. Chain hooks, designed for lifting, are unreliable for securing loads and increase the risk of slippage, equipment failure, and serious accidents. Hazards: - Equipment Failure: Chain hooks can’t handle the dynamic loads of transport. - Injury Risk: Shifting loads can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. - Legal Repercussions: Non-compliance with OSHA regulations can result in fines and legal action. Best Practices: - Use rated shackles for tying down equipment. - Regularly inspect rigging equipment. - Train personnel in safe rigging practices. Prioritize safety— require competent workers to not only perform these tasks, but additionally require their supervisors to also be competent in safe rigging practices. Jordan

In Construction, Incidents Begin Long Before They Happen: In the high-stakes world of construction, where precision, coordination, and safety are non-negotiable, incidents are rarely the result of a single moment of failure. Instead, they are often the consequence of warning signs we failed to see—or didn’t act on soon enough. The Real Root Causes Are Hiding in Plain Sight: We often hear that an incident happened because of “human error,” “equipment failure,” or “lack of training.” While these might be the immediate causes, they’re rarely the root. In reality, most construction incidents are the final link in a long chain of overlooked details, missed conversations, or accepted shortcuts. The real root causes are what we didn’t catch early enough to make a difference. Take, for example, a fall from height. The direct cause might be a broken harness or a missing anchor point. But the root cause might go back weeks: Was the safety inspection rushed? Was the training session missed because of a scheduling conflict? Was a new subcontractor onboarded without a full safety briefing? Early Signals: The Canary in the Coal Mine Construction sites are filled with early warning signs, if we choose to see them. A toolbox talk that’s met with disinterest. A cluttered job site that no one flags. A worker who says, “That’s how we’ve always done it,” when cutting a corner. These aren’t just minor lapses—they’re potential signals of larger cultural or procedural breakdowns. Creating a Culture That Catches It Early Catching problems early requires more than protocols and checklists. It takes a culture that empowers every person on the job site to speak up, ask questions, and challenge unsafe practices—before something goes wrong. This means: ✅Open communication: Workers need to feel safe reporting issues without fear of blame. ✅Proactive leadership: Supervisors must lead by example and reinforce that quality and safety come before speed. ✅Frequent reflection: Daily huddles or post-task reviews can help catch small issues before they become big problems. The Bottom Line In the construction industry, incidents don’t come out of nowhere. They are often the result of something we missed, dismissed, or delayed. True safety lies not just in how we respond to incidents—but in how we recognize and address their earliest causes. Because in construction, the real root cause is usually something we didn’t catch in time. #GilbaneCares

I recently had a tech in my safety workshop that explained what his company allows their techs to do when they cannot extricate a rod and gland assembly from a cylinder. Instead of investing in the correct cylinder disassembly/assembly, fixtures that make it safe for techs to do their work, they saved money by allowing the techs to use construction machines to perform the same task. Two construction machines are parked such that they are opposed to one another. Cables are attached to the cylinder and also to the machines. Then the "tug-o-war" begins. The practice was abandoned after a part of the cylinder crashed through the vehicle's rear window. The operator narrowly escaped getting severely injured or killed. I strongly recommend that workers refrain from using cables or chains, which can recoil violently if they break or when the components being disassembled suddenly release. When you are tasked to perform work that is hazardous, ask yourself if the fact that your company won't train you, and or will not invest in the proper tools and fixtures is worth you getting injured or killed. Illustration Copyright Rory S McLaren