Safety is not just a word, but a commitment and a culture at Gilbane Building Company. It is a commitment that is deeply ingrained in every aspect of our operations, and a culture that is fostered across all levels of our organization. We understand that in the construction industry, safety is not just about preventing accidents, but about protecting lives. It is about ensuring that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day, and that every project we undertake is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safety.
We are excited to share an insightful conversation with Omar Jackson, New York State’s Director of Safety. In this Q&A, Omar provides valuable insights into safety practices at Gilbane, highlighting the importance of safety in the construction industry and how it is a shared responsibility among all team members.
Let’s dive into the crucial discussions surrounding safety practices in the construction industry, and explore how Gilbane is leading the way in promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Q: How do you encourage individual team members to take personal responsibility and accountability for safety on the job site?
A: At Gilbane Building Company, we make it well known that safety is not our safety department’s sole function and responsibility but everyone’s duty. We encourage all employees to observe their work environment for unsafe acts or conditions actively. When we identify any work zone safety issues, we intervene immediately, remediate such issues and safety concerns, measurably report such observations via our internal safety management system, and engage our trade contractors to bring swift and sustainable resolution to such safety concerns. This proactive approach to leading our respective projects fosters a culture of accountability. In New York, we reference Stage 4 of the Bradley Curve, which shows a benchmark of where Gilbane’s safety culture is inherently woven into the company’s core values and ethos.
Q: How does our safety team foster an environment where new ideas related to safety are welcomed and valued?
A: When we examine the 4 Quadrants of Psychological Safety, the safety team must create a safe space for Inclusion, Learning, Contributions, and Challenge. We want new safety ideas. The space by which we can capture such new ideas is by creating a culture of open communication and collaboration. We’ll continue to encourage all employees to share their ideas without fear of judgment or repercussions. Additionally, we will continue actively seeking feedback from our employees and involve them in decision-making, especially concerning baseline safety updates, continuous improvement plans, incident investigations, and lessons learned case studies. By promoting a culture of constant improvement and innovation, the safety team will continue to show that we value and appreciate new ideas that contribute to a safer work environment.
Q: How do we actively listen to and embrace the perspectives of all team members, regardless of their role or experience?
A: We always create safe and inclusive environments where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Encouraging open communication and a desired willingness to consider different viewpoints shows how we practice empathy and understand where employees are coming from. Showing respect for others’ opinions, even if we may not always agree, is critical in showing how our values incorporate the perspectives of all employees, how we foster collaboration and innovation, and how it provides a sense of belonging among each other as one body.
Q: How do we ensure everyone feels comfortable discussing occupational safety concerns?
A: Creating a safe, non-judgmental environment ensures everyone is comfortable discussing safety concerns. For example, once a month, I have virtual sessions entitled “30 Minutes with Omar.” In this meeting, we discuss our baseline safety practices, procedures, expectations, and recommendations. We create a space to allow employees to openly voice any questions, concerns, thoughts, ideas, and challenges. Through this initiative, we have demonstrated another vehicle by which we’re actively showing our people that Gilbane Cares. When we take the safety of our people seriously and value their input, we create a culture of open communication and collaboration regarding occupational safety matters.
Q: How do safety practices contribute to shaping our “Gilbane Cares” culture?
A: Safety practices are critical to shaping our “Gilbane Cares” culture. By prioritizing safety in everything we do, we demonstrate a commitment to the well-being and security of our employees, clients, and the communities we build in. This mindset helps create a positive work dynamic and environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Q: Can you share an example of how safety awareness has positively impacted our team dynamic on a project?
A: Safety awareness within our offices and job sites can significantly impact team dynamics. For example, when team members prioritize safety and communicate effectively about potential risks, it fosters a sense of trust and mutual respect among team members. This can lead to improved collaboration, productivity, and overall morale
