Enhancing Job Site Safety Through Mentorship

In the busy and ever-changing construction field, safety stands as a vital concern. Creating mentorships on the job site can play a crucial role in instilling a safety-first culture among aspiring trade professionals. Seasoned mentors, through their wealth of experience, can share not only technical know-how but also emphasize the importance of adhering to safety protocols and practices on construction job sites.

Mentors serve as safety examples, showcasing safety measures in action and highlighting their significance in preventing accidents and injuries. They can guide mentees on identifying potential hazards, understanding safety regulations and implementing best practices to create a secure work environment.

Mentorship fosters a mindset where safety is ingrained from the outset of a new team member’s career. Mentors educate mentees on the significance of risk assessment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and the adherence to safety guidelines, ensuring that safety becomes an inherent part of their work ethic.

Due to its nature, the construction industry’s safety challenges are ongoing, necessitating a robust mentorship approach. At FTI, field team members with less than six months of experience with the company are part of our Short Service Employees (SSE) program and are paired with mentors upon their arrival on a job site. Pairing SSEs with mentors who excel in safety practices provides a firsthand learning experience, encouraging the adoption of a safety-oriented mindset early in each team member’s career at FTI. The program has been very successful since its inception in 2016 and has significantly reduced safety incidents with FTI’s new team members.

Technology can also complement mentorship efforts by offering innovative solutions for safety training. While performing audits in the field, mentors are encouraged to include their mentees in the audit process and guide them through identifying safety concerns and developing corrective measures to control hazards. This promotes a strong safety mindset guided by their mentor’s expertise and expectations.

By connecting safety education with mentorship initiatives, the construction industry can cultivate a generation of professionals who not only excel in their craft but also prioritize safety as an integral part of their work philosophy. This cooperative relationship between mentorship and safety not only ensures the well-being of workers but also contributes to the industry’s overall growth and sustainability.