Construction Safety Week (May 5-9, 2025) is more than just dates on the calendar — it’s a powerful reminder for every professional on the job site. In a constantly evolving field like construction, where professionals have a higher injury rate than most professions, safety isn’t just about rules — it’s a mindset.
Here are 10 lessons that keep our teams safe, our projects on track, and our construction community strong.
1. The Safety Rail That Made All the Difference
I was once on a job site where an inspector — a month away from retirement — was inspecting on top of a roof. Suddenly, he lost his footing. Thankfully, a properly installed safety rail stood between him and a serious fall. This isn’t just a story; it’s proof that details matter and every precaution counts. Sometimes the gap between a close call and a tragedy is only a few inches or a split second — and safety is what fills that gap.
2. Safety Is a Mindset
Safety should be part of your everyday routine. Before walking onto a job site, I pause to consider what’s going on, who’s where, and what’s needed to keep everyone safe. Proper safety is about staying alert and thinking ahead. I like to think of it as ensuring everyone goes home safely before the first tool is even lifted.
3. Leaders Set the Pace
When leaders put safety first, they set the standard for the entire team. By focusing on daily risks — from keeping cords in check to ensuring balcony work is protected — leaders create an environment where everyone has each other’s backs. In 2022, nearly one in five workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry. Construction leaders must take safety seriously and encourage their teams to do the same. But it doesn’t have to be negative! Set up your safety structure and make it fun for your team and easier to enforce.
| Your local Wirtgen America dealer |
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| Brandeis Machinery |
4. Compliance as the Standard, not a Chore
The days of treating safety compliance as a box to tick are behind us. Now, safety should be woven into every project from the start. This cultural shift will be led by those who value transparency and integrity. Make safety a team value instead of a burden. When bigger builders have tighter safety standards, it sets the precedent for smaller builders. We are changing the culture.
5. Don’t Get Complacent
The best teams never get comfortable. They keep learning, stay curious, and look for ways to improve. Letting your guard down can lead to missed hazards and accidents that easily could have been prevented. I always encourage a proactive approach to safety on construction sites, including regular inspections and planning for potential safety concerns before they happen. You can also use third-party safety inspectors to develop and audit safety programs to keep your team updated on the latest safety trends.
6. Speaking Up Is a Lifesaver
Open, honest communication is more than a value; it saves lives. Sharing both the good and the bad — and having tough conversations when needed — ensures everyone is ready for whatever comes their way. Seeing a safety issue and ignoring it is just as risky as the violation itself. Addressing concerns right away stops unsafe habits from spreading and keeps everyone responsible for their actions.
7. Every Step Matters
From planning to final walkthrough, careful record keeping and precise work prevent costly mistakes and dangers. Quality is about more than the finished product — it’s about every step along the way.
| Your local Sennebogen LLC dealer |
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| Brandeis Machinery |
8. Embrace Innovation
Construction safety technology is evolving rapidly. At Hardaway Construction, we utilize A-frame ladders that can lean against walls safely. We are also embracing cordless tools, which have gotten more powerful and lighter, lessening fatigue from prolonged use that often caused injury in the past. These technologies offer a safer and more efficient construction environment. It is vital to ensure your company stays on top of new developments and adopts them where needed.
9. Get Certified Early and Often
Certifications like OSHA 30 aren’t just pieces of paper — they’re the knowledge that empowers workers to spot and fix hazards. Encourage ongoing training for every team member to keep safety at the forefront. Through OSHA, worker deaths in America are down, on average, from about 38 a day in 1970 to 15 a day in 2023.
10. Teamwork Makes Safety Work
Construction is all about collaboration; no one builds a project alone. From subcontractors to inspectors, teamwork ensures that everyone knows what’s expected and how to stay safe. At Hardaway, we aim to set a standard for safety that can be used across all parties we work with, ensuring we contribute to a safer tomorrow.
