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Upcoming GRIP Webinars Getting Your GRIP on Claims, Comp, and Safety October 6 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. November 3 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. December 1 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. GRIP Education—Mentoring for Safety: Coaching vs. Discipline October 6 | 1–2 p.m. GRIP Education—New Year, New Rates November 3 | 1–2 p.m. GRIP Education—Ladder and Scaffold Safety Awareness December 1 | 1–2 p.m. Visit mbaks.com/events for up-to-date information on the status of events. A ccording to the Center for Construction Research and Training, construction is "one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. In 2020, construction workers were significantly overrepresented in injuries, comprising only 7.3% of the workforce but having 21.7% of fatal injuries. … [Fatalities] rose 11.1% between 2011 and 2020." These statistics may be grim, but it doesn't have to be this way. How can we improve? A Culture of Safety Starts at the Top Companies boasting strong safety performances have leaders who make safety an integral part of their company culture. What does that look like, though? Every organization is different, but the data is clear: safety starts with leadership. As Mike Octave, vice president of Loss Control, puts it, "Supervisor safety leadership is one of the most effective ways to drive overall safety performance within your business. Effective safety leadership includes leading by example, coaching, positive recognition, and training." Below are a few simple examples of what that actually means. 1. LEAD BY EXAMPLE Good leaders walk the talk. They are a model of good safety behavior on the worksite, in training, and in the office. Their workers are more likely to follow suit and not take shortcuts. 2. POSITIVE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION Good leaders recognize workers who demonstrate appropriate behavior. It is a positive way to show others what positive safety practices look like. 3. ADDRESS UNSAFE BEHAVIOR Good leaders have high expectations of themselves and others and hold people accountable—even if it is not popular. 4. FOCUS ON SERIOUS INJURIES AND FATALITIES The consequences of serious injuries and fatalities not only affect workers but their families, friends, and your business. It is vital to focus on preventing these. How to Start a Culture of Safety For more information on supervisor safety leadership, contact your GRIP Safety Team at GRIP@mbaks.com or 844.MBA. GRIP. If you need help starting or even refining your safety culture, they have deep knowledge of the subject and can point you in the right direction. You can also attend the upcoming GRIP education webinar on Mentoring for Safety on October 6. Get a GRIP on Safety Leadership BY KIM MURPHEY ERNWEST Companies boasting strong safety performances have leaders who make safety an integral part of their company culture. Get a GRIP on safety at mbaGRIP.com MEMBERSHIP VALUE 46 master BUILDER | FALL 2022