In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O’Brien and Chris Martin welcome Tom Scott, the Director of Safety at McClure Company. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Tom shares valuable insights into the importance of safety culture in construction.
We kick off the conversation by discussing the evolution of safety practices, especially in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom emphasizes that building a safety culture is a long-term commitment that requires support from upper management. He reflects on his early experiences in the field, highlighting the significance of having leadership that genuinely values safety.
Tom also shares unique practices at McClure, such as requiring all new employees, regardless of their role, to complete OSHA 10-hour training. This initiative fosters a baseline understanding of safety across the company and encourages open dialogue about safety concerns.
As the discussion progresses, we explore the positive changes in the industry, including the increasing presence of site safety professionals on job sites. Tom notes that collaboration among safety professionals from different trades enhances the overall safety culture, benefiting everyone involved.
We also touch on the younger generation entering the workforce, who are more tech-savvy and safety-conscious. Tom highlights the importance of empowering workers to stop work if they feel unsafe, reinforcing the idea that safety is a shared responsibility.
While wrapping up, we reflect on the key takeaway from our conversation: a successful safety culture is built on a top-down approach supported by bottom-up involvement. Tom’s insights remind us that safety is not just a priority but a fundamental aspect of a thriving construction environment.
In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O’Brien delve into the impactful KCA Scholarship Program, now in its fourth year. Jon, representing the Keystone […]