Top-Down Safety: The Key to Construction Success with Tom Scott

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, to discuss the critical topic of safety culture within the construction industry. The episode marks the fifth season of the podcast, which has a strong focus on safety, and highlights the importance of fostering a safety-first environment on job sites.

Jon kicks off the conversation by acknowledging the significant changes the construction industry faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of safety professionals like Tom in developing effective safety protocols. Tom shares his extensive experience in the field, having been with McClure Company for over 20 years, and expresses gratitude for the company's commitment to safety, which has allowed him to thrive in his role.

The discussion delves into the challenges of establishing a safety culture, particularly the necessity of support from upper management. Tom recounts a past experience where he faced resistance to safety initiatives, illustrating the importance of having a leadership team that values safety as a core component of the business. He emphasizes that a successful safety culture requires time, effort, and a collective commitment from all levels of the organization.

Listeners learn about McClure's unique approach to safety training, which includes requiring all new employees, regardless of their role, to complete OSHA 10-hour training. This initiative not only provides a foundational understanding of safety but also fosters open communication and camaraderie among employees.

As the conversation progresses, Tom highlights the positive changes he has observed in the industry, such as the increasing presence of site safety professionals on job sites. He notes that collaboration among safety personnel from different trades enhances the overall safety culture and helps prevent accidents, which can halt productivity and impact morale.

The episode also touches on the evolving mindset of younger workers entering the industry, who are more safety-conscious and willing to engage in conversations about their well-being. Tom discusses the implementation of stop work policies, empowering workers to pause operations if they feel unsafe, which contributes to a culture of safety and accountability.

While wrapping up the episode, Jon and Chris reflect on the key takeaways, emphasizing the dual approach of top-down support and bottom-up involvement in creating a robust safety culture. Tom's insights provide valuable lessons for industry professionals looking to enhance safety practices within their organizations.