Construction Safety Perspectives

In this episode, Shaun, Derek, Bob, and Jason discuss something that doesn't get talked about enough — the gap between job site safety culture and what actually happens when construction professionals get home. From ice dam removal to gutter cleaning, the risks are real and the consequences are the same whether you're 35 feet up at work or 35 feet up on your own roof.

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In this episode Shaun, Derek, Bob, and Jason break down Massachusetts Senate Bill 2522 — a sweeping proposed construction safety regulation that could reshape how the Commonwealth oversees jobsite safety.

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If you work in construction as a GC, trade contractor, safety professional, or developer — this Bill will affect you.

Derek Lines from John Moriarty & Associates joins Bob, Jason & Shaun on the Construction Safety Perspectives. They talk about how they're using AI and other tech for safety on their construction sites.

In this episode of the CSP Group Podcast, industry leaders sit down to explore the future of construction innovation — from AI and automation to human-centered safety culture.

The conversation dives deep into how artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and connected platforms like SiteForm and FactorLab are transforming how general contractors plan, communicate, and manage safety. The hosts also discuss the CARE universal orientation program, a groundbreaking initiative that brings contractors together to create consistent safety standards and empower the trades.

But innovation in construction isn’t just about technology — it’s about people. The team talks openly about the shift from discipline to coaching, the importance of mental health awareness, and how real collaboration across companies can simplify life for trade partners while improving project outcomes.

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The rise of AI in pre-task planning and jobsite safety

The CARE Program and universal workforce orientation

Collaboration vs. competition between general contractors

Using drones and robotics for site management and inspections

Rethinking safety through coaching and engagement

Building a culture that prioritizes people and performance

If you’re passionate about innovation, safety, and the future of construction, this episode offers practical insight, honest debate, and forward-thinking ideas that are reshaping the industry.

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.

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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.

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.

In this episode, Bob sits down with Michael Currier, the Director of Recovery at Building Futures RI, to discuss his impactful first year at the organization and their innovative workforce development initiatives. We dive into Building Futures RI’s “We’ve Got Your Back” program and explore their unique collaboration with Construction Management (CM). Michael shares valuable insights into what employers can and should be doing to create more supportive environments for their workforce.

Building Futures, launched in 2007, is dedicated to leveraging the Registered Apprenticeship model, which has trained highly skilled tradespeople for over 100 years. Michael highlights the organization’s focus on pre-apprenticeship programs designed to prepare low-income Rhode Islanders for successful careers in the building trades. Learn how their Apprentice Utilization Program is shaping the future of construction labor in the state and how Building Futures is expanding into new sectors like healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and green industries.

For more information about Building Futures, visit: bfri.org.

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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!

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In this episode, hosts Shaun Carvalho and Jason Edic are joined by Jamie Evans from Turner Construction. They discuss the critical question of who truly owns safety on construction sites.

From the roles of superintendents and project executives to the impact of organizational structure, this discussion provides valuable insights for anyone in the construction industry. Whether you're in management, operations, or safety, this episode is packed with practical advice on cultivating a strong safety culture within your projects.

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In this episode of Construction Safety Perspectives, Shaun Carvalho sits down with Brendan Ready, a key player in Shawmut Design and Construction's safety team. Brandon shares his insights on what it takes to maintain safety excellence on the job site, drawing from his extensive experience in the industry.

He discusses the critical safety protocols Shawmut has in place, the importance of a safety-first culture, and how the company stays ahead of industry standards. Whether you're a safety professional, a construction manager, or simply interested in the field, this episode provides valuable lessons on the intricacies of safety management in the construction industry.

Jason Edic joined by Drew Peckham VP of Risk Management and Employee Development at Unified Construction Group. They discuss the skills needed and hazards in demolition. He stresses the importance of having the make safe discussion before demolition starts and having the MEP trades onsite with demo. Demolition is not the precursor to construction; it is the start of construction.

Jason Edic is joined by Jenaya Nelson, Laborer at Lee Kennedy,. They chat about the advancements of safety in the industry, challenges women face in construction, and some of Jenaya’s personal experiences on job sites. Jenaya’s advice: “Learn everything you can.” Links: GBH podcast: Build A Life MA: https://buildalifema.org

We are on-site for this episode!  Jason Edic is joined by Jeremy Long, Quality Assurance Manager/Corporate Safety Director at Prime Steel. He shares his extensive knowledge about the art of ironworking and his personal journey in the industry. He discusses future advancements in safety for iron workers, such as heart monitoring devices and safety netting, the demand for more training in the tricks of the trade, and prioritizing work-life balance over a schedule.

Doug LaPlante is joined by John Burress, MD, MPH, FACOEM, Principal and Medical Director at OccMed. They discuss occupational medicine's impact on the construction industry. He emphasizes communication on modified duty between safety professionals and workers, worker fitness, and a quality care cycle from injury to recovery. His goal is to have workers recover to an even better condition than they were in pre-injury to help people become more resilient for the next injury. Links: OccMed: https://occmedcic.com/john-burress/

Shaun Carvalho is joined by Brian Mello, Associate Vice President of Engagement and Regulatory Affairs at AGC CA, to discuss how to have candid conversations with trades to establish respect and relationships. He reflects on his experiences in the industry so far and how the industry can adapt to change rather letting it happen to us. Brian has climbed the ladder really fast, and they discuss his motivation, goals, and what has changed over the course of his career to date. He is one of only a handful of executives in AGC of CA, so they dig into how he got there so fast and what changes he wants to see and be part of in the industry. Brian cares a lot about construction and wants to be part of a positive change to attract people to go into the trades.

Today, Bob is joined by Bill Aalerud, Executive Vice President of Columbia Construction Company, dives into best practices for creating and fostering a psychologically safe and acceptable workplace environments, where people feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their opinions to cultivate a better pull plan because everyone participates, and you get the most amount of feedback on the project. Links: Amy Edmondson: https://amycedmondson.com

On this episode of Construction Safety Perspectives, Jason Edic joined by John Ferrante, CEO of AGC MA, discuss the universal safety orientation. The goal of the universal orientation is to have high quality video that general contractors or managers can share and easy access to trades people’s completed certifications. This process creates an efficient, simplified procedure for trades people going from project to project. John explains the genesis of AGC MA’s CARE Construction Safety Program and his hopes for the impact it will have on the industry. Links: Ally Safety: https://allysafety.com AGC MA: https://www.agcmass.org John Ferrante email: johnferrante@agcmass.org

On this episode of Construction Safety Perspectives, Jason Edic discusses safety orientations on projects with the trades. He challenges how we can make the lives of construction workers more efficient with fewer reiterating orientations.

Shaun Carvalho is the Chief Safety Officer at Shawmut Design and Construction. Shaun’s safety philosophy: There’s more than one way to apply safety. Learn and converse with as many people as you can on the job site to collect the most feedback and narrow down what policies can be improved. When people feel safe and secure they are going to preform better.

Jason Edic is the Vice President of Risk Management at Lee Kennedy Co., Inc. Jason’s safety philosophy: Take safety off of the pedestal. Integrate safety in smaller ways throughout everything you do, as a business, to drive profitability. Trades people are not second class citizens.

Doug LaPlante is the Health and Safety Director at Turner Construction. Doug’s safety philosophy: Create an environment where safety is essential to the project. If safety is a key ideology for the company and managers, then that shows respect for trade workers and union members.

Bob Kunz is the Corporate Safety Director at Dimeo Construction Company. Bob’s safety philosophy: It is important to create a balance between safety code and care for workers on site. When you really show care you can connect on a deeper level with workers to create a sustainable safety plan.

Welcome to the Construction Safety Perspectives Podcast! The show where competing construction companies come together to discuss and educate about the inner workings of safety procedures and practices within in the industry. In this episode, Joe Kelly, Bob Kunz, Doug LaPlante, Jason Edic, and Shaun Carvalho offer their perspectives on the balance of safety code vs employee care, the perception of workers being labor rather than people, ways to provide support to operations teams on site and more.