Construction safety is a top issue that necessitates a shift in thinking and approach to properly manage hazards and safeguard workers. Traditional safety indicators, such as the recordable incident rate, have been widely used, but they only reveal part of the story. To effectively enhance safety results, contractors must look beyond this data and focus on detecting and mitigating high-risk exposures that could result in significant injuries or fatalities.
Meet David Tibbetts, Chief Safety Officer at Highwire. A certified safety professional with more than 20 years of occupational safety experience in both general industry and construction settings. He assists hiring partners at High Wire in identifying, managing, and reducing risks posed by contracting partners on building projects and in already-existing operational facilities by using their portfolio of software solutions. He joined us today to talk about the importance of a proactive safety culture, beyond mere compliance, focusing on both leading and lagging indicators.
Listen to the podcast here
Watch the video podcast here
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[01:05] How safety became David’s passion.
[02:05] Building better relationships with owners.
[03:33] The importance of building a strong safety culture.
[05:27] The importance of a robust inspection program.
[06:38] Building a powerful inspection structure.
[08:11] The balance between recognizing good performance and addressing safety concerns.
[11:07] Mitigating garbage data.
[15:19] Understanding prequalification.
[21:11] The value of having practical experience in both the general contractor and owner sides of construction.
[22:06] The role of technology in facilitating different aspects of construction delivery.
[24:09] The importance of looking beyond traditional safety metrics.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- If you’re working with an involved owner, take advantage of that opportunity to foster a collaborative environment.
- Don’t overlook the need for strong leadership and management systems that enable the execution of safety programs.
- Implement a robust inspection program and track the data consistently.
- Ensure your inspection program is seen as a tool for growth and improvement, not just as a way to point out mistakes.
- When reviewing inspection data, look for patterns that suggest your program might be missing unsafe behaviors or high-risk activities.
- Approach prequalification with a mindset of collaboration rather than elimination.
THE SHIFT
Imagine making the shift from building projects to truly leading people.
You’ve taken projects from start to finish—now it’s time to build a team of people who can do the same.
In construction, authentic leadership goes beyond managing tasks; it’s about inspiring and guiding people.
The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader is a no-BS, hands-on course I designed specifically for construction professionals ready to make that transition.
The Shift is all about mastering the skills that matter:
- – Direct, clear communication.
- – Handling tough conversations with confidence.
- – Guiding your team toward quick, practical solutions.
- – Setting the standard for high performance.
And let’s be honest—you’re busy.
That’s why I’ll also give you the tools to manage your time and energy efficiently so you can lead without getting overwhelmed.
This course combines a self-paced masterclass with highly practical materials to help you shift from managing projects to leading people.
Click the link to learn more about The Shift, including a detailed description, free bonuses, and testimonials from construction leaders like you who have already made the shift: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com
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About David Tibbetts
Prior to joining Highwire, David served as the Manager of Construction Safety in Harvard University’s Environmental Health & Safety Department. Here David was responsible for managing Harvard’s Construction Safety Program which included maintaining Harvard’s Construction EH&S Standard, overseeing a comprehensive substance abuse prevention program, and monitoring effective use of Highwire’s contractor safety assessment program. In this role, David was focused on helping project teams at the University manage risk across Harvard’s campuses on dozens of projects involving hundreds of contractors each year.
Please share a link to your promotional photographs and/or a one-page summary for use in the promotion of your episode: Highwire is the Contractor Success platform for managing risk in capital project construction and operations. The technology was developed at Harvard, as the university sought to ensure the safety of its students, faculty, and contractors while reducing insurance costs. In 2008, Harvard spun the technology out as an independent company. Today, Highwire is used by some of the world’s most admired owners and general contractors to deliver Contractor Success. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Highwire is Made in the USA.
