Article by – Oliver Safety Committee

Construction Safety Week is more than just an annual observance—it is a vital opportunity to reinforce the principles that keep our teams safe, our projects successful, and our industry moving forward. At Oliver Fire Protection & Security, safety is not merely a policy or a checklist; it is a foundational value embedded in every decision we make and every action we take. This week serves as a powerful reminder of why safety matters, how far we’ve come, and the work still ahead to ensure every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.

The importance of Construction Safety Week cannot be overstated. In an industry where risks are inherent, prioritizing safety saves lives, prevents injuries, and fosters a culture of accountability and care. It is a time to reflect on best practices, recommit to vigilance, and celebrate the progress made through collective effort. For Oliver, this week is also an opportunity to recognize the dedication of our team, whose unwavering commitment to safety has earned us some of the highest honors in the construction and fire protection industry.

This year’s theme, “Prevent Falls: Inspect Before You Step,” underscores the critical importance of fall prevention—one of the leading causes of injuries in construction. At Oliver, we have reinforced this focus through enhanced training on proper harness use, guardrail systems, and ladder safety, ensuring every team member understands how to mitigate fall risks. Equally important is our rigorous inspection program for fall protection equipment. Before any elevated work begins, our teams conduct thorough checks of harnesses, lanyards, anchors, and other protective gear, because even the best equipment is only effective when properly maintained.

Beyond compliance, we’ve integrated fall protection into our daily safety conversations, from toolbox talks to job hazard analyses. By empowering employees to speak up about potential hazards and equipping them with the knowledge to assess their surroundings, we’ve created a proactive safety culture where prevention is everyone’s responsibility. These efforts are not just about meeting standards—they’re about ensuring that every worker has the confidence and tools needed to perform their job safely, no matter the height.

Over the past year, Oliver has taken significant strides to strengthen our safety culture. Through rigorous training programs, proactive risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives, we have built a framework where safety excellence is not just encouraged but expected. Our leadership team, led by Safety Professional of the Year Matt Heiser, has championed innovative safety protocols, ensuring that every employee—from the field to the office—understands their role in maintaining a secure work environment. This commitment has been recognized at the highest levels, including the prestigious 2024 Excellence in Safety Award from the Construction Excellence Awards and the 2025 Highwire Gold Safety Award, marking our third consecutive year as one of the top-performing contractors in safety.

One of our most notable achievements this year has been reaching an historic EMR (Experience Modification Rate) of 0.617—our lowest since 2002. This remarkable milestone reflects our team’s relentless focus on reducing workplace incidents and underscores our position as an industry leader in safety performance. Additionally, being named the Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council’s Safety Professional of the Year further highlights the impact of our programs, which go beyond compliance to create a true culture of care and prevention.

As we observe Construction Safety Week, let us remember that safety is not a destination but a journey. The accolades we’ve earned are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together, but they also serve as a challenge to aim even higher. Every precaution taken, every hazard identified, and every training session completed contributes to a safer tomorrow—not just for our team, but for the entire industry.

To our employees, partners, and clients: thank you for making safety a shared priority. Your dedication is the reason Oliver stands as a benchmark for excellence, and together, we will continue to raise the bar. Let this week inspire us to renew our commitment, celebrate our achievements, and push forward with the knowledge that safety is, and always will be, our most important job.

Here’s to another year of protecting what matters most—each other.