The construction industry talks about safety day in and out - it is imperative to making sure each of us make it home every day. The “right tools for the job” is not just the equipment we use to hang the beams and drywall or lay the flooring, it is also about the proper PPE, the right training, and the
ability to call out when a situation is unsafe (psychological safety).
It has taken us time, energy and effort to get here and of course accidents still happen, but everyday more people know they have the right and the responsibility to speak up without fear of consequence when they see an unsafe working condition. A frayed extension cord, unsafe ladder, missing guard on a machine- the list goes on for miles. It is our duty to protect ourselves and our coworkers onsite and we need the freedom to do so confidently.
Body and Mind
Safety extended beyond our bodies to our minds in recent years.
Research shows that in particular, men working in the construction industry are at an increased risk to committing suicide. Armed with this knowledge, it became crucial that leaders included mental health learning, prevention and awareness as a part of our everyday discussion in safety as well. I am proud to see more companies embrace the research surrounding this topic and adopt it into their internal tool box talks. In an effort to end the stigma surrounding mental health and making it a safer place for all to ask for help whenever and wherever needed.
Holistic Approach to Leadership
There will never be a one size fits all answer to every office, every jobsite, or every team. The answer lies in authentic collaboration and communication. A safe workplace is more than a jobsite with 0 recordable injuries and a commitment to mental health awareness. The foundation for safety and longevity is a culture of psychological safety in the workplace. Having all three aspects in place for your team ensures a dynamic of unbeatable returns.
So do you think a little differently now when you read:
‘construction safety trends’? Maybe we get rid of the word ‘trends’ altogether…
Interested in building the rapport with your team or having a 360 degree review?
Book here for a free consultation to talk more about your needs and see how safety fits in your dynamic
