Celebrate Safety Where You Work

The construction industry has made significant strides in safety over the decades, yet serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) persist on jobsites across the nation. Recognizing the high energy hazards that are present on the project site is essential to addressing the high energy risks that lead to SIFs. Early identification of high energy hazards, combined with clear and effective communication using hazard identification models will not only protect workers, but also foster a strong culture of care.

Responding is about what we do once a hazard is recognized—not reacting after something goes wrong, but acting in advance to prevent it from causing harm. We can turn hazard recognition into real protection when we build safety into the plan from the start, prioritize direct controls and make adjustments as needed if conditions change. The strongest protection happens when hazardous energy is eliminated, reduced, or isolated through planning, engineered safeguards, and verified field conditions before work begins.

Today we are taking part in OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls, which remain one of the leading causes of worker fatalities and life-altering injuries. The most troubling part is that nearly all fall-related incidents are preventable with the right preparation, equipment, communication, and awareness. Fall protection only works when we use it correctly every single time—no shortcuts, no exceptions. Speaking up, slowing down, and choosing the safer action every time is what prevents falls, protects each other, and ensures everyone goes home at the end of the day.

Planning is critical to everything that happens on a construction project. Not respecting the plan or planning process, failing to follow an established plan, or neglecting to reassess when conditions change can lead to significant safety incidents. Respecting the plan is more than following instructions. It is about creating a culture of safety where every worker feels empowered to speak up, use Stop Work Authority and collaborate openly across every phase of the project. By doing this, we prevent serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) and eliminate STCKY (Stuff That Can Kill You) hazards.

Construction Safety Week 2026 reinforced our efforts and commitment to protecting workers through the pillars Recognize, Respond, and Respect, which provided a framework for addressing the persistent challenge of serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) within the industry. We explored how a deeper engagement, a mindset of continuous improvement, mutual accountability and collaboration between trade industry partners can make a difference. Early hazard recognition, use of tools like the Energy Wheel, and applying the Hierarchy of Energy Control in planning and inspections keep high energy risks managed and workers safer.