In construction, safety isn’t something you check off a list during orientation. It’s a constant, evolving part of the job — no matter how long you’ve been in the industry or what role you play. Whether someone’s just getting started or has been on sites for decades, there’s always more to learn and reinforce.
From keeping things simple to encouraging mentorship and celebrating the wins, here’s how to build a culture where safety sticks.
- Train Like Everyone’s New
A true culture of safety doesn’t assume that everyone knows everything, regardless of their role or tenure. It doesn’t matter whether someone is starting from square one or is a veteran in the industry; whether they have their boots on the ground or are managing behind the scenes. In all cases, it’s important to treat everyone as though they’re still learning – because they are! By continuing to reinforce safety protocols, your teams stay sharp and up to date. - Keep it Simple to Make it Stick
Too much information at one time can be overwhelming, especially on a complex topic like construction safety. Make safety information as accessible as possible. Clear, bite-sized pieces of information are easier to understand, easier to remember, and easier to apply in real-life situations. - Mentor the Mentees
With a wave of new talent entering the industry, the need for strong and consistent training and development increases. Ensure those new to the industry are easily identifiable. At McCarthy, we identify all new hires with the use of red reflective tape adhered to the employee’s helmet. This visual cue can alert experienced workers to those who might benefit from mentorship. Take a moment to check in, ask questions, and ensure everyone understands the safety protocols. Human connections build safer teams. - Coach Through the Errors
No one is perfect and mistakes can happen at any time. It’s in the response that shapes a solid safety culture. A strong culture teaches people how to approach the situation, how to reflect on what happened, and how to come out of it with the mindset of “this is never going to happen again.” It’s about learning with each other. - Ramp Up the Positive
While safety isn’t always the most fun topic, there’s ways to approach it with positivity. When the content is engaging, people absorb and remember more, allowing them to better apply it. Part of a solid culture of safety is celebrating the positive, making it something people want to talk about and put into action, not just something they’re told to do. - Build Deep, Then Build Together
Safety doesn’t begin and end on-site. It should permeate every step of the way and with all stakeholders involved. Be partners to your clients — educate and collaborate with them to ensure safety goals are not only met throughout the building process but operationally once completed. Going above and beyond is what keeps teams safe and keeps clients coming back.
By following these safety tips, you can establish a culture of safety. A principle that permeates your company and leads to a major decrease in safety accidents. Building a safety-led culture at McCarthy Building Companies has decreased safety incidents drastically — safety has continued to be a priority and passion.
