Safety is the #1 priority in construction. The role of the Safety Technician is to guarantee the safety of others at the jobsite by ensuring those workers adhere to health and safety policies and regulations – and that is not always an easy task. So, what does it take to be a great Safety Technician? Hourigan’s safety team shared their thoughts on what makes a successful and trusted safety leader:
Collaborative Problem Solving: It is not enough to simply tell a construction worker to stop performing a task a certain way because it is unsafe. The worker and Safety Technician should develop a solution together and then share it with others.
360-degree Vision: Always take a step back and look in all directions—up, down, left, right, front, and back. If you only focus on the element right in front of you, you may miss real danger somewhere else.
Interpersonal Communication: A great Safety Technician must be able to communicate effectively without making others feel disrespected. It’s important to be personable yet firm and to educate rather than preach. It is also key that a Safety Technician listens. Active and patient listening will establish rapport with workers and ultimately build strong relationships. At the end of the day, creating and maintaining open communication will create a safety-engaged work environment.
Proactive and Timely Response: When a safety issue arises, it’s crucial that a Safety Technician responds promptly and provides a resolution. From thoroughly investigating incidents to completing incident reports in a timely manner, this will demonstrate your dedication to safety and instill trust in your team.
Curious and Resourceful: Safety is ever-changing, so a great Safety Technician is consistently taking the time to research and learn new laws, regulations, and best practices. Attending workshops and conventions enables you to bring new ideas back to the company and jobsite, too.
Passionate Leader: As a Safety Technician, be visible on the jobsite and always actively work to make the safety program better. By demonstrating and communicating your passion for safety to others, workers will be inspired and will want to follow your lead.
At Hourigan, we believe safety is a mindset and considered everyone’s responsibility. These six attributes aren’t just for Safety Technicians; these are qualities that allow anyone to be committed to safety on the jobsite and in the office.
David Valentin, Regional Safety Manager
David Valentin is a decorated veteran who brings his extensive experience in security and military law enforcement into everything he does at Hourigan. In addition to his over two decades of military experience, he succeeded in his role as a site safety officer during a brief stint in railroad construction safety with minimal formal training. Known for being a disciplined, personable, and dedicated individual, David excels in leadership and management.
