Friday, June 5, 2026

Why We Work Safely

Safety isn’t just about following the rules. It’s about being there for our family, friends, and coworkers.

By Angela Horton, Training Coordinator

While driving home from work the other day, I stopped at a red light and noticed a new apartment building going up. Through my window, I saw at least three tower cranes, all moving, carrying heavy loads to the top of the building. There were workers scurrying about, carrying large pieces of plywood, heading to the next work spot, or maybe taking a quick run to the tool crib to grab a tool they didn’t know they needed until just now. There was more equipment moving on the ground—telehandlers and a few boom lifts—some operated by a member of their crew, some by a subcontractor. All these moving parts, amongst living beings doing the work that needs to be done for families to have a place to live.

Sometimes we forget as we are driving past that these workers, who appear to be moving parts in a puzzle, are exposed to numerous hazards and have loved ones at home.

How do we mitigate the risk to these workers? It could be the morning Toolbox talk that a foreman runs each day, trying to be creative while instilling safety. It may be the health and safety regulations created by the government. It could be the standards set out by CSA or the provincial safety construction alliance. And we can’t forget the employer’s health and safety program and site required training. The list goes on and though they aren’t very exciting, they are all important.

But is there another influential piece that can affect safety?

I was chatting with my colleague about my thoughts on the safety of our members, and they mentioned that a certain company’s construction office has a bulletin board with a collage of the workers’ family members on it. This brought me to think, of course, that loved ones can play a big role in safety on site.

As a worker, you may have a partner, kids, or your dog or cat waiting for you at home after a long hard day. You come home, covered in dust, in your dirty work boots, and your people or pets come running toward you—so happy you came home. Even for those who live alone, there are family members, friends, and coworkers who care. Not only are you working to provide for yourself and your family, but your family and friends want you to be around for a long time. There is no short cut worth risking the safety of yourself or others.

At the end of the day, working safely isn’t just about following rules—it’s about making sure you, and your coworkers, get home to the people who matter most.

Why We Work Safely

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