From the End of a Shovel to Risk Management with Mike Flynn, Corporate Safety Director at Barnard Construction Company
Aug 9, 2023
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Mike Flynn, Corporate Safety Director at Barnard Construction Company, discusses the art and science of risk management, the significance of layers in business, key attributes for success as a safety director, effective communication and philosophical aspects of risk management, and advice for a successful career in the construction industry.
Effective communication and collaboration are key aspects of the role of a Corporate Safety Director, with 40% of the job focusing on risk science and the remaining 60% on collaboration and communication.
The aging workforce in construction poses unique risk management challenges, requiring strategies that consider the implications of an older workforce and the advancements in personal protective equipment to ensure improved safety measures.
Deep dives
Role of a Corporate Safety Director
The Corporate Safety Director oversees the safety of the entire corporation, which involves developing safety policies, tracking field trends, hiring safety professionals, and providing expertise when challenges arise. Collaboration and communication are key aspects of the role, with 40% of the job focusing on risk science and the remaining 60% on effective communication and collaboration. While a college degree is not a requirement for this role, practical experience and knowledge gained in the field are highly valuable.
Industry Trends in Risk Management
One significant industry trend is the aging workforce in construction, which poses unique risk management challenges. As the average age of workers increases, the risk management strategies need to consider the implications of an older workforce. Technology also plays a vital role in risk management, with advancements in personal protective equipment offering improved safety measures. However, implementing such changes can be a challenge, especially when cost and resistance to change come into play. The industry's shift towards subcontracting brings additional risk management considerations, as a balance needs to be struck between leveraging subcontractors' expertise, controlling risk, and maintaining accountability.
Success in Risk Management
To be successful in risk management, the qualities of being a good listener, having unwavering convictions, and being authoritative are crucial. Understanding the balance between production and risk, and effectively communicating this balance to stakeholders, contributes to the overall success of a risk management program. Recognizing and celebrating successes, rather than solely focusing on mistakes, fosters a positive safety culture within an organization. Furthermore, emphasizing the human element in risk management, promoting long and healthy careers for workers, helps strengthen the industry as a whole.
In this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl is joined by Mike Flynn. Mike is the Corporate Safety Director at Barnard Construction Company, a Montana-based firm that specializes in heavy civil construction projects. With more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Mike is responsible for overseeing the company's safety programs and ensuring compliance with all relevant safety regulations and best practices.
During their conversation, Jason and Mike discuss how much of risk management is science and how much is art, how Mike’s experience as a laborer allows him to be more successful as a Safety Director, and why community relations with subcontractors can be so beneficial. Plus, the pair really break down many layers of risk management by looking at it from the human angle.
Risk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Previous guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation.