The Elephant in the Room-Addressing Safety Risks Together – 11/10/25

Safety E-Quick Tip

OWYN Safety Management Platform

“The Elephant in the Room – Addressing Safety Risks Together”

The Current State of Safety in Construction and Beyond

As we dive deeper into the “See a Hazard – Fix it Together” approach, it’s crucial to address a significant concern: the stark reality of safety professionals in the construction industry. Currently, there are only 13 safety professionals for every 1,000 construction employees. This means that most of the safety oversight relies on a small group of individuals, leaving a significant gap in knowledge and support for the workforce.

Important Note: While we are using construction as a primary example, this situation applies across all industries. Many sectors face similar challenges with limited safety professionals compared to the total workforce, making it essential for everyone to take an active role in safety.

The Problem: Lack of Knowledge and Support

How’s that working out? The reliance on a small number of safety professionals to oversee the safety of 8.3 million construction workers is not sustainable. This approach has led to a lack of awareness and understanding of safety protocols among employees. Many workers feel uncertain about how to identify hazards and what actions to take when they see one.

The Solution: Empower Everyone to Be a Safety Expert

What if everyone became a safety expert? By empowering all employees to take an active role in safety, we can significantly increase the number of safety experts on the job site. Instead of relying solely on the 13 safety professionals to identify and address hazards, we can create a culture where every employee feels responsible for safety. This shift in mindset can transform the workplace, making it safer and more productive.

The Challenges: Overcoming Resistance to Change

What challenges might we face? Shifting the safety paradigm will require overcoming several challenges, including:

• Cultural Resistance: Employees may be hesitant to take on safety responsibilities, fearing they lack the expertise or authority to make decisions.
• Training Needs: Effective training programs must be developed to equip all employees with the knowledge and skills to identify and address hazards.
• Management Buy-In: Leadership must actively support this cultural shift by promoting the importance of employee involvement in safety.

The Benefits: A Safer Workplace for Everyone

What benefits can we expect? By making safety a shared responsibility, we can expect several positive outcomes:

• Increased Awareness: Employees will become more aware of their surroundings and more likely to identify hazards.
• Improved Morale: When employees feel empowered to contribute to safety, their engagement and morale will increase.
• Enhanced Reputation: A proactive safety culture will enhance the company’s reputation and protect profits by reducing accidents and injuries.

Why This Matters: Protecting What Matters Most

When “See a Hazard – Fix it Together” becomes a core value, it fosters a culture of accountability and teamwork. Employees feel empowered to speak up about safety, leading to higher engagement and morale. On the flip side, accidents can lead to bad press, OSHA citations, and lawsuits that can damage a company’s reputation and drain profits. By fostering a culture of safety, we can protect what matters most—our employees, our reputation, and our bottom line—and ensure long-term success for everyone involved.

Conclusion

Addressing the elephant in the room—the lack of safety professionals in the construction industry—requires a cultural shift that is applicable across all industries. By empowering every employee to take ownership of safety, we can create a safer, more productive work environment. Let’s work together to create a safer environment for everyone. Remember, safety is not just a priority; it’s a collective effort that leads to long-term success.

Employee QuickTip

Safety is everyone’s responsibility; when you see a hazard, don’t just report it—collaborate with your team to find a solution that protects everyone.

Management QuickTip

Lead by example; when management actively engages in safety initiatives and collaborates with employees to address hazards, it fosters a culture of accountability and teamwork that drives long-term success.

Stay Safe – You’ve Got This!

Your OWYN Safety Solution Team

Keith B. Dague, President