To Mattamy Homes Health & Safety Specialist, Sam Domes, safety is the most important part of any construction or work site. It’s the foundation that every task, decision, and interaction should be built on.

Construction is constantly changing, and we’re now putting a greater emphasis on public protection, communication, and minimizing disruption. Our industry and association play an important role when it comes to improving safety and construction practices, through strengthening standards, sharing knowledge, and adapting to new challenges as they arise.

But, the work isn’t done. How do we adopt safety and make people care about it? By embedding it into everyday habits, leading by example, and making it a shared responsibility across every level of the job site.

New workers on a site are the most likely to get hurt. In fact, construction is one of Alberta’s most hazardous industries, accounting for 12% of the province’s workplace injuries, and about a third of all fatalities. The only way to change this is by providing the training, resources, and education to help them succeed.

The role of current construction workers, labourers, tradespeople, and supervisors are not just to get the work done safely, but to act as a role model for the next generation. Failure is natural, but unsafe practices aren’t. We have to continuously raise the bar so that this industry isn’t seen as a dangerous career, but as a profession that people are proud to be part of.

This week is not just a celebration of the great work we’ve done; it’s a chance to raise awareness and reinforce our commitment to safety each and every day –– because, after all, Safety Sam wants you to return home safely!