Introduction
Do you want to know how to run a safe project, program, or company? Well, I did. And I learned from some of the best, and I’m going to share with you the concepts in this post and in the description below. So let’s get started.
The Key to Safety
So what is the key to safety? Is there a single key? It seems complex. What are the five key steps? I’m going to share that with you. I’m also going to share a personal experience of when I actually had eyes to see what it really means to be safe. So strap in, because we’re about to go for a ride.
Safety is a Mindset
Safety, like I’m telling you, sounds simple. It is not simple. Please don’t dismiss this. Safety really is about mindset. As soon as this switches, everything switches. It’s kind of like a spark, meaning that as soon as you have one person who sees safety for what it is and has a mindset that’s fanatical about it and truly cares, that’s going to spread through the team, the project, the program, or the organization—100%. I’ve seen it over and over again. Like that spark I was talking about, it can start from one match and create a massive fire that lights everyone up with a commitment to safety.
It’s not going to come from a procedures manual. It’s not going to come from compliance, punishment, or a single direct order. It’s going to come from passion spread throughout the organization. We must have that catalyst.
Understanding the Right Mindset
When we’re talking about safety, it comes down to mindset and seeing things the right way. Before I go any further, let me explain that mindset. I remember someone once said, when I was working at DPR Construction, that until you go to work every day and feel the weight—not just care, not just know about it, not just be responsible for it, not just think it’s your duty—but actually feel the burden and responsibility of keeping everyone safe, then you don’t truly get it.
When I could come to work and feel personally responsible for sending everyone home safely, and truly care as if they were my own family, that’s when everything changed. That’s when I had the mindset that creates real change in any group.
Ownership and Accountability
Once you have that mentality, it’s about ownership. It’s not just about keeping yourself safe. It’s about saying, “I will not work anywhere unless we are safe. I am responsible.” The moment you step onto a project, you become a catalyst for change.
With respect-based systems and a genuine sense of care for people, you hold others accountable. That’s it. When your best people work harder than everyone else and hold others accountable, that creates a winning culture. The same applies to safety.
Personal Experience
Let me share a quick experience. When I first started at DPR, I knew about safety. I had my OSHA 30 training. I understood the rules. There was a safety director who asked me to install lights along a fence line for pedestrians. I didn’t agree and ignored it.
A few days later, she came back and asked why it wasn’t done. I gave excuses. She challenged me directly, essentially asking what I didn’t understand about my responsibility to keep people safe. She involved my supervisor, and I quickly realized they were serious.
I installed the lights, fixed the issue, and something changed. I started getting positive feedback. Pedestrians appreciated it. The job felt safer. Suddenly, safety wasn’t just paperwork—it became a tool. Procedures weren’t compliance—they were guidance. Everything came alive.
Safety became proactive, based on real care for people. She held me accountable, and it sparked something in me.
The Five Key Steps
1. Clear Expectations
You need a health and safety manual that is simple, accessible, and easy to understand. It shouldn’t be overly complex. People should always know what’s expected.
2. Project Walks
Conduct regular safety walks—preferably weekly, but at least twice a month. Walk the site with others, identify issues, and document corrective actions.
3. Follow-up
If something can be fixed immediately, do it. If not, put it on a list. The best professionals send out assignments quickly and ensure everything is completed within 24 hours when possible. Then confirm completion.
At first, this may feel like pressure, but it creates accountability and a culture where people want to do the right thing. You don’t get in trouble for issues—you only get in trouble for not taking them seriously.
4. Root Cause Analysis
When incidents, injuries, or near misses occur, investigate deeply. Understand the root cause and prevent it from happening again. Take it seriously, involve the team, and learn from it.
5. Complete Transparency
Don’t hide anything. Share information openly—incidents, reports, and improvements. Use clear communication channels and create a supportive environment focused on improvement, not blame.
Conclusion
If you want a great safety program, it must be transparent, proactive, and built on strong communication.
To implement this anywhere, follow these steps and focus on mindset. Find the person with that spark and scale it. Safety is about how you see it—and once you truly see it, everything changes.
I hope you enjoyed this post. On we go.
