Podcast Summary: Dirt Talk by BuildWitt
Episode: Practical Safety w/ Justin Azbill of Milwaukee Tool – DT 298
Release Date: December 19, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Dirt Talk, host Aaron engages in an in-depth conversation with Justin Azbill, a seasoned safety professional at Milwaukee Tool and a former Marine Corps member. The discussion delves into practical safety measures within the construction industry, the influence of military discipline on workplace safety, and the challenges faced in creating a genuine safety culture.

Personal Background and Experiences

Early Career and Military Service

Justin Azbill shares his journey, beginning his foray into construction at the tender age of 12 under the mentorship of a local construction company owner. This early start laid the foundation for his hands-on experience in both residential and commercial construction.

At [06:10], Justin recounts his decision to join the Marine Corps straight out of high school:

“That was my exit plan.” — Justin Azbill [06:21]

His nearly three and a half years in the Marines instilled a sense of discipline and resilience, which he has carried into his professional life. Justin emphasizes that the Marine mindset fosters humility and a direct approach, traits that set former Marines apart in the workforce.

Transition to Safety Professional

After his military service, Justin returned to the construction industry, initially working as an ironworker before transitioning into safety. His move into safety was influenced by his commitment to preventing workplace injuries and fostering a more empathetic and accountable work environment.

Safety Culture in Construction

Empathy and Human-Centric Safety

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the necessity of integrating empathy into safety protocols. Justin advocates for a shift from a purely compliance-driven approach to one that genuinely cares for the workforce's well-being. At [25:26], he states:

“Much of the safety culture needs to legitimately be about the people doing the work.” — Justin Azbill [25:26]

Involving Workers in Safety Decisions

Justin underscores the importance of involving workers in safety decision-making processes. By doing so, workers feel valued and are more likely to adhere to safety measures, fostering a collaborative environment. He illustrates this with his initiative to provide fog-free safety glasses after addressing a persistent issue on-site:

“We were honest. Right. And two weeks later, this is like a program they're running through the whole company now.” — Justin Azbill [63:52]

Leadership and Human Factors

Focus on Strengths Over Weaknesses

Drawing from his Marine experience, Justin emphasizes leveraging individuals' strengths rather than fixating on their weaknesses. He notes:

“In the Marines, they focus on your strengths.” — Justin Azbill [18:22]

Authentic Communication

Effective leadership in safety involves honest and open communication. Justin shares anecdotes illustrating the pitfalls of an enforcement-heavy approach versus a supportive, conversation-based strategy. He advocates for leaders to be present in the field, understand the challenges workers face, and address safety concerns collaboratively.

Challenges with OSHA and Regulatory Standards

Limitations of OSHA Training

Justin critiques the current state of OSHA training programs, pointing out that while OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 hours are intended to educate workers on safety risks, they often fall short in practical application:

“Most of our people are trained OSHA 10 or OSHA 30. That means they're safe. No, that's not how.” — Justin Azbill [46:36]

He argues that these programs have become more of a business model rather than effective training tools, often failing to keep pace with the evolving construction industry.

Antiquated Regulations

Both hosts agree that many safety regulations are outdated, pointing out that industries like mining still operate under rules unchanged since the 1970s. This disconnect hampers the implementation of modern safety practices and technologies.

Recommendations for Improving Safety

Boots on the Ground Approach

Justin champions the "boots on the ground" philosophy, where safety leaders actively engage with workers in their actual work environments. This hands-on approach ensures that safety protocols are relevant and effectively enforced.

Empowering Workers

Empowerment is key to a successful safety culture. Justin encourages workers to take personal responsibility for their safety and to actively participate in maintaining a safe work environment. He emphasizes:

“Safety should be. I'm incentivized to be safe.” — Aaron [69:55]

Realistic and Honest Safety Conversations

Honest discussions about the realities of construction work, including the inherent risks and expectations, can lead to better safety outcomes. Justin advocates for transparency from the outset, ensuring workers understand both the rewards and the demands of their roles.

Incentivizing Safety

Justin highlights the financial benefits of maintaining a safe workplace. By reducing injuries, companies save significantly on workers' compensation and other related costs, which can then be reinvested into improving the workforce and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Aaron and Justin reaffirming the importance of authentic safety cultures in the construction industry. They stress that genuine care for workers, coupled with effective leadership and realistic safety measures, can transform the industry's approach to safety. Justin’s experiences and insights underscore the necessity of moving beyond compliance to create workplaces where safety is a shared responsibility and a true priority.

Notable Quotes:

• Justin Azbill [06:21]: “That was my exit plan.”
• Justin Azbill [25:26]: “Much of the safety culture needs to legitimately be about the people doing the work.”
• Justin Azbill [46:36]: “Most of our people are trained OSHA 10 or OSHA 30. That means they're safe. No, that's not how.”
• Justin Azbill [63:52]: “We were honest. Right. And two weeks later, this is like a program they're running through the whole company now.”
• Aaron [69:55]: “Safety should be. I'm incentivized to be safe.”
• Justin Azbill [25:26]: “You're the grunts of military. And they're not shy. They’re not shy about telling you that.”

This episode serves as a crucial reminder that effective safety in construction hinges not just on regulations and protocols, but on the human elements of empathy, communication, and genuine leadership.