I first got introduced to safety in construction as a young project engineer on projects at DC WASA’s Blue Plains—the massive wastewater treatment plant in Washington, D.C. At the time, I was a few years out of college, working for a mechanical general contractor and participating in a project management rotation program. The idea was to expose project engineers to different departments to create well-rounded future project managers. That’s how I found myself in the safety department, supporting a few projects as the “safety person.”

At first, safety felt like a separate world. I wasn’t raised in the trades, and my understanding of on-site work came from textbooks, not tool belts. But as I dove into OSHA standards, attended certification courses, and most importantly, walked the job sites, I began to understand that safety wasn’t just a checklist—it was a mindset.

Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

Early on, I learned that safety isn’t the responsibility of just one person or department. It’s not something you assign to the safety officer and forget about. From the owner of the company, the Project Executive, and the Superintendent, to the suppliers and subcontractors—everyone plays a role in creating a safe job site.

I saw firsthand that when safety is embedded in the culture, it becomes part of how people think, work, and look out for one another. Production and safety aren’t mutually exclusive. They can and should go hand-in-hand. When workers know they can meet their targets and still go home without injury, that’s the definition of success.

Learning in the Field

My time in the safety department gave me a much deeper understanding of construction beyond what I could learn in a classroom. I spent time in the field, talking to tradespeople, asking about their work, observing the methods, and learning the why behind every tool, motion, and sequence. These weren’t just conversations about rules—they were conversations about real work, and how to do it safely and efficiently.

I was lucky to have a mentor who believed in solutions, not just stop signs. He showed me how to do more than point out problems—he taught me how to fix them. Whether it was removing damaged cords or teaching others how to make repairs safely, the goal was always to build confidence and knowledge, not fear.

Respect, Empathy, and Perspective

Being a woman in construction in the early 2000s had its own set of challenges. Let’s just say I stood out on the job site—and not always in the ways I intended. I had to address more than just safety hazards; sometimes, I had to break down stereotypes and remind people that skill, professionalism, and knowledge aren’t defined by gender.

Looking back, those moments made me stronger and gave me a unique perspective. They taught me how to advocate for myself and others, how to lead with both confidence and empathy, and how to stay focused on the mission: making sure everyone went home at the end of the day.

A Lasting Impact

Even now, decades later, safety is the first thing I look for when I walk onto a job site. It’s become second nature—part of my internal checklist. While I may not remember every OSHA regulation off the top of my head, I know how to find what I need. More importantly, I understand the purpose behind the rules: to protect lives, to build trust, and to support the people who make construction possible.

Safety taught me that leadership isn’t just about hitting milestones; it’s about caring enough to pause, ask questions, and make changes when something doesn’t feel right. It’s about listening. Learning. Acting.

If there’s one thing I hope people take away from my story, it’s that safety isn’t a burden—it’s a pathway to better work, stronger teams, and a job site where everyone thrives.