Construction Safety Week Spotlight: Harry Hocks, HSE Director
At BRPH, safety isn’t just something we follow, it’s something we believe.
“The most important thing we build here at BRPH is a safe way home,” says HSE Director Harry Hocks. “Because everybody goes home safe.”
That belief is what turns safety from a requirement into a culture. And according to Harry, that culture has to be built intentionally, consistently and by everyone.
“Safety culture is about how we think, how we act and how we hold one another accountable,” he explains. “It’s the difference between following rules because we have to and doing the right thing because we believe in it.”
And that belief shows up on every job site.
It’s the moment a worker speaks up to a teammate at height.
It’s the decision to pause work when something doesn’t feel right.
It’s leadership showing up, engaged and setting the standard.
“Nothing we build is more important than the people building it,” Harry says.
While OSHA standards provide a baseline, Harry emphasizes that true safety goes further.
“A true safety culture has to go beyond compliance,” he says. “It’s about identifying risks, planning the work with safety in mind and continually improving how we operate. And it’s not just me, everybody works in safety,” Harry adds. “Every individual has not just the right, but the obligation to stop work if something isn’t safe.”
5 Safety Actions to Carry Forward This Week
- Take Personal Responsibility
If something isn’t safe, stop work. Every team member is empowered to speak up.
- Watch Out for Your Team
A quick reminder to a coworker can prevent a serious incident. It’s our job to watch out for each other.
- Stay Alert and Avoid Complacency
Pay attention. Be aware of your surroundings. Routine is where risks hide.
- Communicate Early and Often
Safety often starts with one conversation. Share what you see and what you learn.
- Plan with Safety in Mind
Don’t just react but anticipate possible risks. Pre-task planning and hazard awareness make all the difference.
Construction Safety Week is a good reminder, but the mindset has to last year-round.
Because in the end, success isn’t just what we build. It’s how we protect the people building it, and ensuring everyone goes home safe.
