HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN heavy highway construction SAFETY?

I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) where I received an undergraduate degree from the Safety Science Program while being employed by PennDOT District 10 as a Safety and Health Intern for their Roadway Maintenance Activities. From then, I knew I wanted to work in this industry.

In your experience, how has the construction safety industry changed?

Over my career, the construction industry has always tried to continually increase education and raise awareness among employees and the public to prevent accidents and injuries. That has not changed. 

What has changed is the evolution, innovation, and mindset of safety are now ingrained in every aspect associated with the construction industry. We now have software programs that can identify/predict risk and show trends in every phase of the job. New vehicles and equipment come with sensors, cameras, and have automatic stopping capability.

As for personal protective equipment (PPE), it is far superior that it was 20 years ago.

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is April 17-21, 2023: how will your company raise awareness during this year’s event?

We will place digital message centers along highways with this year’s motto, along with holding training meetings and promoting the national event on our Instagram page.

What are some methods you have used to reduce work zone speeds, distracted driving, or overall jobsite safety?

One of the biggest improvements that we have found to reduce work zone speeds, next to having a police officer on site, is the use of Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Cameras. Unfortunately, you cannot obtain them on every project.  

We have also used flares, stop/slow paddles that light up, use of high-visibility apparel that lights up for low-light operations to help aid in getting the motorist’s attention.

as a CAWP Safety & Risk Committee, can you describe what this role meant to you and its importance in the industry?

I hold great value in being a member of this committee. Each of the members that serve on this committee has different experiences, insights, and points of view on solving industry issues that are brought to the table. 

It is a great feeling when the committee assists in developing and initiating policy change, training, and overall promoting a culture of safety and education for the members and the community. 

What do you hope to see in the future regarding safety in the industry?

I hope to see the industry continue to grow and evolve- today’s safety issues will be solved by new technologies, different thinking, or an overall different approach.

What advice would you give young professionals entering the safety field?

My advice to young professionals: put in the extra time to learn the work, listen to the employees, and understand the foundation of your organization. 

Join an industry association to meet peers and mentors to bounce ideas off or to just ask general questions. 

Lastly, having friends within a network of professionals will make your career more rewarding.