Blueprints for a Safety Mentor Program
BY KYLE LANG, CSP, DIRECTOR OF SAFETY, FAITH TECHNOLOGIES, INC., A MEMBER OF MULTIPLE AGC CHAPTERS
Safety is a critical issue in the construction industry. To prevent accidents, construction companies need to foster a culture of safety that empowers workers to identify and mitigate hazards, report incidents, and learn from mistakes. One way to achieve this is by implementing a safety mentor program.
Benefits of a Safety Mentor Program
A safety mentor program can bring many benefits to mentors, mentees, and the company as a whole. Some of these benefits include:
Improved Safety Performance
Having a safety mentor program in place can help reduce the frequency and severity of accidents, injuries, and near misses. More experienced team members can share their knowledge and best practices with less experienced team members, who can learn from their mentors’ experiences and avoid common pitfalls. A safety mentor program can also increase the awareness and compliance of safety rules and procedures. Mentors can monitor and correct their mentees’ behaviors and actions, and mentees can ask questions and seek clarification from their mentors.
Enhanced Safety Culture
A safety mentor program can foster a culture of safety that values communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Team members can establish trust and rapport, exchanging feedback and suggestions on how to improve safety performance and culture. A safety mentor program can also create a sense of ownership and responsibility among workers. Mentors can act as role models and leaders, and mentees can feel more engaged and motivated to follow safety standards and expectations.
To become a mentor at Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI), employees must meet simple but important criteria, such as staying up to date on safety training like the company’s “Ladders Last” and “Click Safety” programs. They must also receive positive feedback from team members on their communication and leadership skills, and have no incidents or infractions due to blatant disregard for company policies and procedures. With more than 3,500 employees and more than six million hours worked in 2024 so far, FTI has a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.23 and a Lost Time Incident Rate (LTIR) of 0.00.
Increased Employee Retention and Satisfaction
In addition to improving safety on the job site, a safety mentor program can improve employee retention and satisfaction. Team members can feel more supported and valued by the company. More experienced team members can gain recognition and respect for their skills and expertise, and less experienced team members can receive guidance and assistance for their professional development and career advancement. A safety mentor program can also reduce employee turnover and recruitment costs overall, as all team members can have more opportunities to grow and learn within the company.
How a Safety Mentor Program Works
Several studies suggest team members are more likely to get injured or involved in an accident within their first six months to a year on a job site. Creating a Short Service Employee (SSE) program can help prevent these accidents from happening.
An SSE is a field or manufacturing team member who is new to the organization, regardless of years of experience or title. The SSE program pairs experienced team members with new hires or less experienced team members to provide guidance, feedback, and support on safety matters.
The Short Service Employee Program at FTI
At Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI), the company assigns the SSE a mentor once they are placed on their first job site for the first six months with the company. Their SSEs wear blue hard hats, rather than the white ones worn by other team members, to provide a clear indication that they are new to the organization and still learning the processes.
The mentor plays a critical role in promoting and maintaining a culture of safety within the FTI organization. Their importance cannot be understated. They serve as guides, educators, and advocates for the safety of the SSE within the program. Some of the functions of the mentor include:
- Instilling FTI’s number one core value: Uncompromised Focus on Keeping People Safe
- Ensuring active participation in the daily Operational Risk Management (ORM) process
- Understanding FTI’s organizational near-miss and injury reporting procedures
- Demonstrating the safe use of tools and equipment
- Locating safety data sheets (SDS), first-aid equipment, and other job-specific items
- Selecting the correct tools, equipment, and PPE for the task at hand
- Identifying and communicating hazards to job site leaders and co-workers
- Maintaining a clean work environment, free of housekeeping hazards
At the end of a six-month period, SSE team members should be comfortable with the processes and know where to find resources. They should have an overall understanding of FTI’s focus on safety. The company asks for feedback from the mentor to ensure the SSE is ready to “graduate.” Some employees might need more time in the program, while others might graduate early.
How to Create a Safety Mentor Program
Developing a safety mentor program may include the following steps:
- Identify: The company should assess its current safety performance and culture to identify strengths, gaps, goals, and objectives. The company can then evaluate its resources and ability to implement the program.
- Plan: The company should plan the details and logistics of the program, such as the selection, training, matching, mentoring, and evaluation processes. The company should also define the roles and responsibilities of the participants and stakeholders, as well as establish the timeline and budget.
- Implement: Once the program has been implemented, the company should monitor and manage the progress and performance. In addition to communicating and coordinating with both participants and stakeholders, the company should also provide them with the support and guidance they need.
- Analyze Effectiveness: The company should review the program results and feedback to measure the effectiveness and impact on their safety performance and culture. Also, identify the lessons learned and best practices of the program to make adjustments and improvements as needed.
Developing a safety mentor program can be a transformative step toward enhancing an organization’s culture of safety. By pairing seasoned professionals with new or less experienced team members, companies not only foster a supportive learning environment but also significantly reduce the risk of workplace incidents. A safety mentor program also ensures that every team member, from the newest to the most experienced, has the knowledge and support to work safely every day.
As a director of safety at Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI), a member of multiple AGC chapters, Kyle Lang, CSP is responsible for forming, developing, and coordinating the safety and loss control functions for the organization. He acts as a professional safety resource and provides coaching and mentoring to field employees, project supervisors, and management on matters concerning environmental, health, and safety in the workplace.