Podcast Replay - Safety Culture in the Construction Industry

Building PA Podcast

This is a throwback podcast from 2020. Co-hosts Jon and Chris talk safety culture in the construction industry with Owner and President Clayton Leibold from Leibold Inc. Leibold is a mechanical contractor based in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.

Leibold shares the biggest challenge for the construction industry regarding safety is overcoming job site hurdles and the pressure to complete work within shorter timelines. While the industry is facing a worker shortage, Leibold mentions that as a union mechanical construction company, they have a good source of competent and well-trained individuals from their apprenticeship programs.
They focus on molding their key employees into effective safety leaders, combining field expertise with safety knowledge.
Onboarding new hires can be a challenge, especially if they lack field experience or previous exposure to safety protocols.
Leibold emphasizes the importance of educating and providing the necessary information and protocols to ensure new employees understand and abide by safety standards. It is crucial to instill a safety culture and not compromise on safety, even if it means taking longer or facing initial resistance.
He advises other companies to emphasize safety as a priority and avoid compromising safety for shortcuts. Leibold mentions that more and more clients are prioritizing safety in their projects.
Many clients demand a high safety standard, especially in sensitive facilities, and not meeting those standards could result in losing future work. The industry as a whole has placed a significant emphasis on safety in recent years, and Leibold believes that it is crucial to continue moving forward with a strong focus on safety to shape a positive perception of the industry.
The discussion covers various aspects of safety culture in the construction industry, including the importance of education, buy-in from employees and clients, and the need to prioritize safety even when faced with challenges and tight timelines.
Leibold Inc. has won two safety awards from the KCA for being the safest subcontractor under 50,000 man-hours worked with zero injuries for two consecutive years.