Congratulations on your retirement after 40 years with Fay, S&B USA Construction, and 25 years on the CAWP Safety Committee! Reflecting on your career, what aspect do you consider to be the most rewarding?

As I look back and reflect on my career, what most stands out as rewarding is training and educating people. I have watched new hires come aboard with no construction knowledge whatsoever and slowly gain knowledge, experience, and confidence in our industry to become safety leaders and supervisors of our company- what a great feeling to be part of that experience.

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

Our industry has changed drastically in the past 40 years. There were little to no safety measures- big bad construction workers didn’t wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or have fall protection systems/harnesses. As time went on construction and insurance companies got involved and realized the costs associated with injuries and fatalities (which were common) and started to push safety. Over the years safety was enforced to the letter and as time passed, safety became part of the construction mindset and the safety culture began.

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is April 17-21, 2023: what is its significance to you, and how will your company raise awareness during this event?

Our company has had the misfortune of a drunk driver entering our work zone and killing one of our employees. It was extremely hard for our company and employees to deal with such a loss.

We participate each year by putting up numerous message boards on our jobsite to bring awareness to the driving public to “Slow Down”. We also put out different newsletters to our employees and their families to help raise awareness.

Reflecting on your time with the CAWP Safety & Risk Committee, can you describe what this role meant to you and its importance in the industry?

CAWP is by far the best association I have ever been a part of in my career and I have been on a lot of safety committees. What makes them stand out is they care about the industry and they value construction companies and their people.

The safety committee is made up of a team that truly cares about people- it doesn’t matter who they work for, we are truly one team at these meetings. Over the years the committee has always led the industry in updated and new training and education for our people. I am proud to state I have been part of a “Great Safety Committee” and will never forget it.

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

I hope all construction companies realize the importance of their people and get on board with a culture of doing it the safe way. We have come a long way in our industry, but there is plenty of room to improve. Engaging with our field folks and listening to what they have to say is what I hope happens in the future.

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

Safety is a wonderful career and very pleasing and humbling at times. Do not think you are smarter or more knowledgeable than the field guys, most of them have a world of knowledge, be fair and direct with each individual you meet. 

If you do not know something or understand the process – ask don’t try to BS  your way through it. Always value the crew members’ opinions and be honest and true to them, and you will gain respect.