Safety Knights ♞’s Post

I tell all the young new folks I work with and around, know the work. If you don’t know how the work is done and why they’re doing what they’re doing you can’t keep your crew safe. Don’t speak in ignorance if you’re not sure what a crew is doing. Ask them to explain what they’re doing and why. Speak the language of the crew. Get to know them as people. Build relationships, but don’t let them push you to do what you know is wrong.

Get rid of the idea that safety is first for anyone but you, the disappointment and betrayal will deplete you. Fix your expectations to include being the “enemy” with your project/site leadership, and build relationships with your people in the field. Fight for them and they’ll play by your rules which can squeeze your leadership into a position of compliance. Safety is a game of manipulation, learn what you can do to get what you want and do it. Trying to force others to do what they’re “supposed” to when they are PAID to prioritize production and profit is futile and exhausting. Take your PTO. All of it. I know it’ll be a wreck when you get back, but it’ll be an even messier wreck if you burn out, and THAT will be your fault.

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Invest in a coffee machine for your desk, you’re gonna need it

Just show up and try. If you show up on time and try every day the rest will figure itself out.

Listen first before you talk safety. I learned at the very beginning of my safety career that no one wanted the presence of the safety guy. Why? The employees' perception of a safety professional was someone that just shoved rules, regulations, policies, and procedures down everyone's throat. Listen to the employees about what safety concerns/issues they have, build rapport with them by establishing how you're there to help them be safe, and build trust through the engagement of safety programs.

Slow and steady wins the race. Everything is not an emergency and take time for yourself, your family and do what you love. You will not be everyone’s friend but you will be another persons hero. Show care and compassion but stand your ground….you will have challenges. Oh and of course, pick and choose your battles.

Don’t lose your bright eyed polish. But use your experience and be sure you’re not accidentally ignorant of the happenings around you. There is no reason to become the grizzled old grumpy old man in safety. Focus on becoming the more aware and knowledgeable safety professional, that still promotes positive engagements and is open to new thoughts and ideas. It’s easy to become jaded - don’t let it happen.

The first guidance i gave to my first specialist i hired on, "you're going to learn two things while working with me in your position, how to do things, and how not to do things.. you get to decide which one is which." We operated with integrity and pushed ownership on departments, assisted with investigations and where we were needed. He filtered it well, and has went on to do big things for himself to provide for him and his family while contributing to assisting others in their accountability.

Learn to love the taste of black coffee. If you’re 15 minutes early, you’re late. Find a great safety manager, trades foreman and craftsman that will willingly coach and push you to be your best. Listen more, talk less. Learn to be mindful AND have a backbone… and, know when to apply them. Embrace the grind. When things get tough and it pushes you outside of your comfort zone - GOOD! That’s when you learn and grow. Lastly, don’t wear red and stilettos on your first day 🤣