Episode 191-In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by the ABC Self Insured Group, we sit down with David Tibbetts, Chief Safety Officer at Highwire, to talk about one of the most important — yet often overlooked — topics in the skilled trades: safety. Whether you’re on the jobsite every day, leading a crew, or working to build the next generation of trades professionals, this conversation is packed with insight, real-world experience, and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.
David brings decades of experience in construction, risk management, and safety leadership to the table. He shares his personal journey into the industry, the moments that shaped his passion for protecting workers, and why he believes safety is not just a compliance requirement, but a culture that starts with people. From near-miss stories to leadership lessons learned the hard way, David reminds us that every safety rule is written in response to a real human experience.
We dive into how technology is transforming jobsite safety and how companies can use data to move from reactive to proactive safety strategies. David explains how organizations can better identify risk, improve communication, and create environments where workers feel empowered to speak up. He also challenges leaders to rethink their approach, shifting from enforcement to engagement, and from checklists to meaningful conversations.
For instructors, apprentices, and industry leaders, this episode highlights the critical role education plays in building safer futures. David discusses why safety training must start early, how mentorship impacts long-term outcomes, and why the next generation of trades professionals has an opportunity to raise the bar even higher.
We also explore the business case for safety — how strong safety cultures improve productivity, retention, and reputation. David breaks down common misconceptions and shares actionable steps any company, regardless of size, can implement immediately.
This episode is a reminder that safety is not just about policies or procedures. It’s about people, families, and the responsibility we all share to make sure everyone goes home at the end of the day. If you care about leadership, culture, and the future of the skilled trades, this is a conversation you need to hear.
You can learn more about Highwire by checking out his website here >> https://www.highwire.com/
Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast
Learn more about ABC Massachusetts visit www.abcma.org
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