World Day for Safety and Health at Work gives an opportunity for global leaders to raise awareness and drive commitment toward safer and healthier workplaces. Spearheaded by the International Labour Organization (ILO), this day reminds us that promoting decent work conditions is not only about laws and policies but about people, dignity, and the right to return home safely after every shift. For us at Clayco, safety is not a one-day observance. Safety is our everyday mission and a fundamental part of who we are.
Since day one at Clayco, we have made a bold and unwavering decision to build differently and always build safely. Fast-forward to today, and we have thousands of superstars working on our projects across North America. Each of them has someone counting on them to come home, and I want them to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that their safety is our highest priority. Safety is not just a slogan, but a system that we continually work to innovate.
Whether it’s our investment in the next generation of smart PPE or our 20/20/20 protocol (every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to scan the 20 feet around you for hazards), we are constantly evolving our practices to ensure that zero injuries becomes the standard everywhere. From the office to the field, we’ve built a “safety net” that catches potential risks before they become problems. NO job is ever too urgent to be done the right way.
This World Day for Safety and Health also highlights the importance of mental health in the construction industry. Almost a fifth (17.9%) of deaths by suicide with a reported industry code were in construction, despite construction workers accounting for only 7.4% of the workforce. That’s not a statistic we can ignore — it’s a call to action. At Clayco, we have taken meaningful steps to break the stigma surrounding seeking help and to provide resources that truly make a difference.
One of our proudest initiatives is Clayco Cares, a dedicated resource group that promotes mental well-being and fosters a culture of compassion, resilience, and support. I encourage every executive, manager, and team leader reading this to implement programs like these within their institutions. Recognize that safety isn’t a checklist – it’s a culture, and it should be deeply rooted in the core of your business, guiding your decisions and shaping your values. We don’t get to choose IF safety matters; we choose how MUCH it matters. At Clayco, the answer is simple: it matters more than anything else.
Read more about how I take safety personally here.
