The construction industry is inherently dangerous, no matter the size or scope of the project. Many contractors rely on their safety program to educate and inform workers to reduce these potential risks. Unfortunately, many programs utilize a curriculum of general safety guidelines that do little to increase employee buy-in or compliance.  An established safety culture refers to the shared values, mindset, and practices that shape how individuals within an organization approach risk management and workplace safety. It requires many of the same elements as the buildings we construct. A detailed safety plan or blueprint  establishes team leaders’ and managers' goals,  timelines, and specific assignments. A solid foundation  helps ensure compliance because safety is paramount for everyone on the job site, from the CEO to the newest employee hired yesterday.  Regular inspections and   reviews help ensure everyone follows the culture of safety blueprint to reduce workplace injuries. Open communication channels make it easy for workers, subs, and suppliers to raise potential issues and receive feedback/acknowledgement from leadership. According to Dan Wolf, PREMIER’s National Safety Director, a more effective and necessary outlook is to build a strong safety culture. This takes additional effort to bring these guidelines to fruition as a fundamental part of decision-making, leadership priorities, and daily operations. It starts at the top with the management team. If the managers and supervisors prioritize safety and lead by example, it  reinforces that safety is key for everyone within or connected to our company. One of the biggest challenges involves bridging the gap between leadership and employee perspectives into a singular and unified vision that works for everyone at the company and on the job site.  Two Different Safety Perspectives No matter the company's size, the on-site team and safety managers will likely see the same project differently. Imagine walking down a city street, you can easily see and communicate with everyone else walking down the sidewalk. You can check out the different shops and businesses at the street level or use the crosswalks to move from one block to another. Next, imagine you’re standing on a 3rd-floor balcony, looking down upon the same street. You can still see the other pedestrians, but the location makes interacting with others more challenging. While you can’t directly access any of the shops, you can observe other things not visible from the street, like the tops of different buildings, kids playing at the park, and a minor fender bender two blocks away. As this example demonstrates, neither perspective is wrong. However, a complete and accurate picture only appears when combining these different points of view. When team members take the time to understand different roles and challenges on the job site, it fosters collaboration and improves overall safety awareness. PREMIER Guardian Safety Award Program Of course, a culture of safety requires much more than a checklist to be successful. That’s why we’re pleased to announce that Artie Trautmann is the inaugural recipient of the PREMIER Guardian: Excellence in Safety Award . This honor is reserved for those who regularly go above and beyond to keep our construction teams and job sites safe for everyone. Awardees are not only teaching and doing safety activities, but they are also creating a culture of safety. Throughout this past year, Artie has led regular Safety Toolbox Talks, created a Safety Trivia Game to keep learning fun and interactive, and hosted 5-Worker Safety Lunches to foster open discussions about safety on the job site.  By spotlighting individuals like Artie Trautmann through the PREMIER Guardian Safety Award, PREMIER reinforces the very foundation of its safety culture—leadership through action, consistent communication, and shared responsibility. Artie’s initiatives are not isolated efforts; they exemplify the blueprint PREMIER aims to follow across every job site. Recognizing and celebrating this level of commitment motivates others to take ownership of safety in their own roles, bridging the gap between policy and practice. As PREMIER continues evolving and strengthening its safety culture, programs like the Guardian Award ensure that excellence doesn’t go unnoticed—it gets amplified. Because at PREMIER, safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a shared value.