November-December, 2020CONSTRUCTIONBUSINESSREVIEW.COM8THE RIPPLE EFFECT: HOW A CULTURE OF SAFETY BREEDS INNOVATIONBY SHAUN CARVALHO, CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER, SHAWMUT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTIONThe COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of a strong and nimble construction safety program--which starts with a culture of safety. To truly impact change, safety needs to be a top-down and bottom-up business imperative. When safety is embedded in a company's culture--with a commitment to creating a healthy, injury-free environment--employees are empowered to speak up and share their thoughts and observations. With a highly-engaged workforce, safety teams can confidently pilot new technologies that push closer towards hazard prediction, and react quickly and efficiently to extreme safety challenges such as COVID-19. Laying the GroundworkWith no singular solution to prevent risk, a proactive and effective safety program is imperative, and needs to be supported by a dedicated workforce. That level of buy-in can only occur if a company proves its commitment to safety, starting at the top with leadership. At Shawmut Design and Construction, safety is a core value--everyone works towards the same goal of creating an injury-free environment, and the number one priority is making sure everyone goes home safely each night. From small, consistent actions including a safety moment at every meeting, to companywide safety updates from the CEO, to the creation of the Chief Safety Officer position, safety is engrained in Shawmut's fabric. The safety team has created consistent touchpoints to drive awareness, education, and advancement--both internally and across the entire Shawmut network--including an annual Safety Week, robust safety orientation, regular trainings and toolbox talks, and a monthly "Know Safety" newsletter. Safety incentive programs celebrate and reward positive behaviors, reinforcing the actions and Shaun CarvalhoIN MYOPINION
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