ASCC safety mentoring kit

Concrete Construction, July, 2003 by Josh DeMuro

The ASCC Safety Mentoring Kit is designed for people who are new to construction safety. This kit will not give you all of the answers, but it will provide resources that will point you in the right direction.

There are many safety issues to deal with, especially when you are new to the industry. Here a few problems that may arise.

1. Lack of support or interest from management or field supervisors

When starting out in safety you must be sure that all parties are on board. You need assurance from management that you have authority on the job. The people at the top set the example for taking safety seriously, and this attitude should spread throughout the company.

2. Stopping work and hindering production

Our primary goal as safety professionals is to get our employees home safe at the end of the day. It is our responsibility to stop unsafe acts. If safety is lacking on a continuous basis, you have to address the pre-job planning or task hazard analysis of your company. Make sure your field supers and foremen understand the importance of pre-job planning and eliminating hazards before they develop.

3. Don't feel you know enough?

When you are new, you may not know enough, The important thing is to be extremely confident in what you do know. Never be afraid to say, "I don't know, but I will find out." This is why resources and networking are so important. It is OK if you don't have the answer immediately, but you have to use resources and networking to get answers to people as soon as possible.

4. Dealing with employees

Solid people skills will help immensely. You will have better results if you communicate well with workers. Let them know why you are asking them to change the way they perform tasks. Your message will be better received if workers understand; not explaining will get resentment, not results. Listen to workers, get their feedback, and address any issues they have. Work with, not against, fellow employees.

5. Monitor training and toolbox talks

Ideally your foreman or job supervisors should conduct your toolbox talks. Monitor these training sessions at different jobsites. Advise the foremen where they could improve so that employees receive the best training possible. When you conduct the sessions yourself, maintain eye contact. Don't just read; talk to employees and always ways be receptive to their questions and concerns.

6. Your networking is soft

When you are just starting out, it is essential to have a networking system. Go to seminars and conventions, hand out your business card, and be sure to contact the people you have met. The more people you meet, the more ideas you will hear. Knowing smart people in this industry will help make you better at your job.

7. There is so much information where do I start?

Don't try to consume too much at one time. Focus on your company's primary products and tasks. Learn as much as you can about the OSHA top ten violations list. Once a foundation is built, you will be able to build upon it at a solid rate.

8. What training should I get first?

Start with the OSHA training sessions. These sessions (10-, 30-, and 40-hour classes) introduce you to the codes and standards you are hired to enforce. But don't limit yourself to OSHA classes. Find out what seminars your insurance company offers. Look for other conventions and seminars. Fifteen years from now you will be giving seminars.

9. Using your resources

Don't let the amount of information out there overwhelm you. Build and organize your resource library so it is user friendly to you. Know where to turn when dealing with different issues.

10. Job supervisor and foremen training

Do the people in the field who are in charge need training? If so, make upper management aware of this. Until you are qualified to train them, bring in outside help. This can be expensive, so shop around. Check to see what your insurance company offers. Your job supers and foremen are responsible for safety. Make sure that they have the appropriate training.

--Josh DeMuro, safety coordinator, Ruttura & Sons Construction