The Impact of a Safety Culture on Physical, Mental Wellbeing
The Unified Group discusses safety resources during 2023 Safety Directors’ Forum
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about,” said Robin Williams. “Be kind. Always.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the construction industry is ranked as the No. 1 industry for deaths by suicide. Professionals in this field must be better at not only empathizing but initiating conversations that could save lives.
To that end, approximately 20 professionals from 15 member companies attended The Unified Group’s 2023 Safety Directors’ Forum in Chicago. During the October event, attendees learned about safety-related issues, ranging from physical protection to mental health. Although all companies follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and regulations, many lack that mental health awareness component.
“As a group, we face a lot of the same issues, whether it’s dealing with other contractors or even employees,” said Joshua DeBurgo, safety manager, Environmental Systems Inc. “I got insight on issues I didn’t even know we had within our organization. It was definitely eye-opening.”
On day one of the two-day session, Randy Nemchin, president and executive coach, Radical Guidance Consulting, opened with a presentation titled “Creating a Safety Culture.” Nemchin covered relevant tactics regarding mindset, behaviors, processes, and overall culture. The true culture of an organization is what happens when the managers leave the room. Erika Wickstrom, certified life coach, Radical Guidance Consulting, led the second half of the day by covering “Raising Mental Health Awareness.”
“The best part of the meeting was making new contacts within the mechanical community,” said Melissa Melendez, safety engineer, Intech Mechanical. “If I didn’t attend, I would have missed out on making new connections and learning their unique insight to how they approach issues within their company.”
The panel of professionals who led the “Effectively Communicating Safety Practices Within Your Company” segment was the highlight of day two. Brian Scott, safety director, Mechanical Services & Systems Inc., facilitated as member emcee, and panelists included Mike Eck, project manager, Dean E. Norris; Raymon Brison, EHS director, General Sheet Metal; Erica Peet, safety officer, VHV Company; and Melendez. These experts covered the various tips and tricks practiced within their company that have proven successful and effective.
If you’re interested in attending an upcoming session or want to inquire about membership with The Unified Group, contact Janet Kelleher at KelleherJ@theunifiedgroup.com.
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