How to Become a Champion of Safety and Sustainability in Construction

Mark Dumas, Vice President of Safety at HITT Contracting

Mark Dumas is an accomplished Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Executive leader, renowned for his unwavering commitment to safety and over three decades of invaluable experience in the Construction Industry. With a prestigious Certified Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification to his name, Mark stands as a pillar of expertise in the field of safety and health management.

With a career spanning more than 31 years, Dumas’s journey in the construction industry has been marked by outstanding accomplishments and a tireless dedication to ensuring the well-being of all involved in this high-risk industry. His extensive experience is a testament to his deep-rooted commitment to creating safer and healthier work environments.

Dumas excels in providing strategic leadership and direction across national business units, where he has consistently championed the cause of Safety Health and Environmental Management. His influence extends far beyond policies and procedures; Dumas is a master in developing, implementing, and meticulously monitoring the objectives, procedures, and goals that drive the success of these business units. His holistic approach ensures that safety is at the core of every operation.

Following is the conversation we had with Dumas.

Can you provide an overview of your role as Vice President of Safety at HITT Contracting and your primary responsibilities?

As the Vice President of Safety at HITT Contracting, my primary responsibility is to oversee and promote a culture of safety throughout our organization.

 I work closely with our executive leadership, project teams, and safety professionals to develop and implement safety strategies and policies.

I also ensure compliance with safety regulations, monitor safety performance, and lead efforts to continuously improve our safety practices.

In the construction industry, how do you stay updated on the latest safety regulations and best practices, and how do you ensure that your team is well-informed?

In the construction industry, staying updated on safety regulations and best practices is essential. We achieve this by actively participating in industry associations, attending safety conferences, and maintaining memberships with organizations like the Associated General Contractors (AGC), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and a host of others.

“We aim to create a safe and sustainable built environment for the future.”

We also rely on industry publications and partnerships with safety consultants to ensure that our team stays well-informed.

What role does technology play in enhancing safety practices in construction, and how does HITT Contracting leverage technology for this purpose?

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing safety practices in construction. At HITT Contracting, we leverage advanced safety technologies such as wearable devices, drones, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to improve hazard identification, communication, and training.

We also use software for data analysis to predict and prevent potential safety issues, enhancing our proactive approach to safety.

As the construction industry becomes more sustainable, how is HITT Contracting integrating safety practices with environmental considerations and sustainability efforts?

Safety and sustainability go hand in hand in the construction industry. HITT Contracting is committed to integrating safety practices with our environmental and sustainability efforts.

This includes careful selection of materials and processes that minimize environmental impact and ensure the well-being of our workforce. We aim to create a safe and sustainable built environment for the future.

What resources or organizations do you recommend for professionals interested in staying updated on safety practices in construction?

For professionals interested in staying updated on safety practices in construction, I would recommend organizations like AGC, OSHA, the National Safety Council (NSC), and the Construction Safety Council. Staying up to date with OSHA regulations and information and industry publications such as "Construction Safety Magazine" and online resources like "Safety+Health" are also valuable sources of information.

In your opinion, what are the key qualities and attributes that a successful safety leader in the construction industry should possess?

Successful safety leaders in the construction industry should possess several key qualities and attributes, including:

● Strong commitment to safety culture.

● Great vision and strategy.

● Deep knowledge of safety regulations and best practices.

● Excellent communication and leadership skills.

● Analytical and problem-solving abilities.

● Adaptability to changing industry trends.

● A focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

● A genuine concern for the well-being of the workforce.

● Collaboration and teamwork to build a safety-focused culture.