You Have the Power to Make Safer Choices: My Top 10 Insights from a Week in the Life of Gilbane Cares
Emerging from a week focused on safety across the construction industry, I am energized from the heightened Incident and Injury Free mindset displayed to our construction workers. The theme of last week, The Power of Safe Choices, resonated with our Gilbane Building Company family of team members and construction workers around the world. As we launch Gilbane’s inaugural blog, I can’t think of a more powerful message to share with everyone…“YOU have the power to make safer choices!” I am excited to share my top ten insights with you from Gilbane’s Safety Week celebrations.
Power Insight #1: Choose to Build Relationships
When we take the time to get to know what is important to others, we can communicate advice in a more personal way and change unsafe behavior. We listen better to those we know.
Power Insight #2: Make Stretch and Flex a Routine
No matter what your work setting is, take a break to stretch those muscles, breathe, refocus, and stay limber. Your mind and body will thank you later.
Power Insight #3: Create a Culture that Shares Meaningful Information
Before every meeting, we share a Gilbane Cares moment. The topic can be industry specific or general. The main point is to share something to bring awareness to a topic, issue or current event to make your day safer. What would you share?
Power Insight #4: Pledge to Go Home Safe
The choices you make can help you return safely home to your family and those you care about. Make your pledge. My pledge is to never text and drive.
Power Insight #5: Set a Reminder to Think Safe
When you leave home, what will help you remember to make safe choices? Set a symbol in place to bring safety awareness to your day.
Power Insight #6: Be a Role Model for Safety
Set the example for your kids, family, coworkers and those you care about. Be a role model for safety. People will respect your integrity and commitment.
Power Insight #7: Never Stop Learning
Regulations in the construction industry are always changing to improve productivity and safety. Train yourself and others to stay on top of new ways to improve your safe choices.
Power Insight #8: Protect Yourself From Head to Toe
Wearing a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, ear protection and proper footwear are not just for the construction industry. Work smart and safe at home, in your yard and especially riding that motorcycle!
Power Insight #9: Prepare a Plan
Many of us have been impacted by hurricanes, fires and other natural disasters. Make a plan and communicate it to your family. Get started here: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
Power Insight #10: Live Safe
Safety is a mindset that is always on. It doesn’t turn off at the end of a shift.
Download Seven Tips for Personal Safety and Security Awareness, shared by Gilbane’s director of site security, Greg Sassi. Be safe out there!
