Safety on our jobsites doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built through experience, consistency and the right leadership in the field. Rick Drews, General Superintendent & Director of Safety, has played a key role in shaping that culture at Krusinski Construction Company, helping set the standard for how we approach safety across every project.
We sat down with Rick to discuss what a strong safety culture looks like, why safety is everyone’s responsibility and the role mental health plays in keeping our teams safe. Here’s what he had to say.
What does a strong safety culture look like on a KCC construction jobsite?
“A strong safety culture is every person on site speaking up, looking out for one another and never walking past a risk. It shows in how our KRU communicates, holds one another accountable and takes ownership of keeping everyone safe.”
Why is it important that safety is viewed as everyone’s responsibility at KCC?
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility. It’s not owned by one person or a department. The safest jobsites are the ones where every individual is paying attention, identifying risks and stepping in when something isn’t right. When even one person becomes disengaged, it can put the entire team and project at risk.”
Why is mental health a critical part of the safety conversation at KCC?
“Mental health matters because a clear, focused mind is just as important to safety as wearing the right PPE. If someone is distracted, stressed or not in the right headspace, that’s when mistakes happen. We talk a lot about physical safety in this industry, but mental wellbeing is a major factor in keeping people safe and making good decisions on site.”
What is one thing every construction professional can do to help create a safer jobsite?
“Address unsafe conditions immediately. Don’t wait, don’t assume someone else will handle it. Most serious incidents come from situations that could have been corrected early. Small actions make a big difference and can prevent injuries before they happen.”
At Krusinski Construction, safety is more than a program. It’s a core value that guides how we plan, communicate and work every day. Rick’s insights during National Safety Month serve as a reminder that creating a safer jobsite requires accountability, awareness and a commitment to looking out for one another.
