Construction Safety Perspectives

Construction Safety Perspectives

Welcome to the Construction Safety Perspectives Podcast! Dive into a treasure trove of insights, stories, and expert advice from contributors across the industry, Covering topics ranging from best practices on-site to the latest innovations in safety technology. Join us as we explore the crucial role of safety in construction and learn from the experiences and perspectives of professionals in the field. Have tips to share, questions to ask, or suggestions for the show? Reach out to us at csperspectivespod@gmail.com. Let's build a safer future together!

  1. 10/23/2025

    Rethinking Pre-qualification: Why Real Safety Data Beats the EMR Myth

    In this episode of the CSP Podcast, industry leaders sit down for an honest and in-depth roundtable on procurement, prequalification, and safety in construction — and how technology is changing it all. From Experience Modification Rates (EMRs) to recordable incident rates (RIRs), the discussion dives into what general contractors really look for when evaluating trade partners — and why some traditional metrics no longer tell the full story. The group breaks down how safety data, leadership culture, and real-world performance intersect to define a contractor’s true reliability. They also explore how companies are beginning to use AI, predictive analytics, and smarter data systems to transform the prequalification process — helping identify risk, strengthen relationships, and build safer job sites. Whether you’re a subcontractor looking to prequalify, a GC refining your process, or just someone interested in where construction safety and technology are heading, this episode offers practical insights, candid perspectives, and a glimpse into the future of the industry. Topics Covered: How GCs truly evaluate trade partners Why EMR isn’t the only measure of performance Turning lagging indicators into leading results Using OSHA logs and safety data effectively The rise of AI and automation in construction procurement Building real partnerships through transparency and communication If you’re in construction, safety, or project management, this is a must-listen conversation about how data, people, and innovation are redefining what it means to build smart and build safe.

    35 min
  2. 04/07/2025

    Rena Harrington: Turning Tragedy Into Advocacy for Safer Workplaces

    In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Construction Safety Perspectives, host Bob Kunz speaks with Rena Harrington — a mother whose world changed forever on January 18, 2018, when her 27-year-old son, Justin, was killed in a workplace accident while working on a residential construction site in Gloucester, Massachusetts.Rena shares the emotional story of Justin’s life, his passion for heavy equipment and construction work, and the troubling safety concerns he voiced just days before the accident. She takes listeners through the harrowing timeline of being notified — not by police at her door, but through a series of calls while at work — and how her family found out about his death through a news article being shared on Facebook before official confirmation.Through grief, heartbreak, and unimaginable loss, Rena has become a powerful advocate for change. Today, she is an active voice within the United Support & Memorial for Workplace Fatalities (USMWF) — a national nonprofit organization that supports families affected by preventable workplace deaths and helps them navigate the difficult process of investigations, OSHA proceedings, and workers’ compensation.In this episode, Rena speaks candidly about: • The critical safety oversights on Justin’s job site • How young workers often aren’t aware of their rights or options • Gaps in how employers handle emergency contact protocols • The emotional toll of workplace loss and the lack of accountability many families face • Her ongoing legislative work in Massachusetts to strengthen workers’ comp funeral benefits and hold small employers to safer standards • And how she found strength and healing by helping other families through USMWFThis episode is not just a tribute to Justin — it’s a call to action for employers, regulators, and construction professionals to ensure that no other family experiences what Rena has.To learn more about USMWF or to connect with someone for support after a workplace fatality, visit: https://usmwf.orgThe organization provides emotional support, access to resources, and helps families share their stories to raise awareness and push for real safety reform.

    1h 14m
  3. 10/16/2024

    Health, Safety, and Construction Site Wellness w/ Doug LaPlante & Natalie Centeno

    In this episode, Doug welcomes Natalie Centeno, MS, LAT, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer and certified health and nutrition coach at Pivot Onsite Innovations, an Athletico company. Natalie shares her expertise on the essential role of wellness programs in the construction industry, highlighting the innovative work being done to support workers’ health and well-being on site. With over two decades of experience, Pivot Onsite Innovations has been transforming workplace health outcomes through proven healthcare, prevention, and performance solutions. Natalie discusses how their team of occupational health specialists collaborates with employers to customize programs that reduce injuries, enhance safety cultures, and mitigate workers’ compensation costs, resulting in a healthier and more productive workforce. Throughout the episode, Natalie emphasizes the importance of treating workers as “industrial athletes,” providing injury prevention, care, and education tailored to their unique needs. She highlights initiatives like daily stretching routines, nutrition challenges, and mental health resources that promote overall well-being. Additionally, Natalie addresses the critical issue of heat illness prevention and the proactive measures taken on site to ensure worker safety. If you’re interested in learning how wellness can be effectively integrated into high-risk environments like construction, this episode is a must-listen! 🔔 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights into construction safety and management!

    31 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Construction Safety Perspectives Podcast! Dive into a treasure trove of insights, stories, and expert advice from contributors across the industry, Covering topics ranging from best practices on-site to the latest innovations in safety technology. Join us as we explore the crucial role of safety in construction and learn from the experiences and perspectives of professionals in the field. Have tips to share, questions to ask, or suggestions for the show? Reach out to us at csperspectivespod@gmail.com. Let's build a safer future together!