If you see something, you say something.
Construction is one of the most important industries in the world, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. The jobsites we call home for months to even years offer different challenges and hazards every day. But the hazards are often preventable if proper safety protocols are followed. At Ronco Construction, safety is our number one priority. And we have many ways to keep safety top of mind like regular training and safety inspections. But the most important way is through our mantra of “See Something, Say Something.”
Leading by example.
Through our day-to-day operations and activities, the first thing everyone needs to think is, “Is it safe?”
“Safety needs to be second nature. We do it every day in so many parts of our lives. From protecting our homes and keeping it safe for our children, to on our jobsites or in the office. If you’re safe, it’s one less thing to worry about,” explains Ronco’s Chief Operating Officer and Safety Director Mike Langford. “My approach is treating people with the same respect that I would want. And I don’t ask people to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. I worked myself through the trades and into a leadership role where I can help people grow just like I have.”
Leading by example is core to Mike’s leadership style. And because he understands what it’s like to be working on jobsites, his approach resonates with the Ronco team. Now, others share the same passion for safety that Mike does.
“Learning more about the approach to safety from Mike has been something I really appreciate,” explains Senior Project Manager and the 2023 Safety Committee Chair John Culver. “When Mike’s on the jobsite and identifies a safety issue, he does it from a teaching standpoint and lets the individual know why something unsafe and needs to be corrected.”
People like Mike and John are teaching our newer staff how to spot different violations and take preventative measures when needed. By explaining why something is unsafe in addition to showing how to do the activity in a safe manner, the learning opportunity moves from directive to hands on.
“I’ve been able to learn so much, both in the office and on the jobsite in my two years since graduating college,” said Kaylee Tobiason, Project Engineer. “I’ve walked jobsites with John and watched him point out things that need to be fixed and then explain why it was unsafe so I learn for the next time.”
When you see something, say something.
On our jobsites, at the office, in the field or at company meetings, our passion for safety is summarized into the simple mantra: See Something, Say Something. The basics? Anyone — in any role, any level, at any time — can speak up if they witness something unsafe happening. And while the direct, in-the-moment approach is the preferred method, we provide all employees with the ways and means speak up through our anonymous tip form and our open-door policy.
“Strong voices, smart choices — the theme for this year’s Construction Safety Week — is exactly what we promote at Ronco when we say, “see something say something,” said Langford. “Sometimes you need the strong voice when you see something unsafe. And when you can do it in a way that’s respectful, it helps the individual learn and grow.”
It’s essential for construction companies to prioritize safety. And not just to meet legal requirements. It’s the right thing to do. This means providing workers with adequate training, ensuring they have the necessary equipment to do their jobs safely, and establishing and enforcing clear safety protocols on the jobsites. It also means fostering a culture of safety. A place where workers feel comfortable reporting safety concerns, and where safety is a shared responsibility across the company.
“We want to make sure we’re setting the benchmark for safety in the construction industry,” said Culver. “Safety is a crucial part of construction. It’s making sure you’re doing everything in the right manner, being aware of your surroundings and doing what you can to prevent hazards.”
You can’t overstate the importance of safety in the construction industry. We’re responsible for watching each other’s backs and making sure we all go home at the end of the day.
