Redefining Safety in the Construction Industry

Michael Nicotera, Regional Safety Director, Suffolk Construction

Michael Nicotera serves as the Regional Safety Director of Suffolk Construction, a leading national building contracting company that builds, invests, and innovates. Prior to joining the organization, Nicotera worked as a field engineer and  safety manager on numerous projects in various industries,  including life sciences, health care, and education. His steadfast determination and operational mastery, combined with over a decade of experience as a safety manager in the industry, have enabled Suffolk to foster better and safer working conditions for employees.

In an interview with Construction Tech Review, Nicotera sheds light on the prevailing challenges pertaining to safety in the construction space and how ensuring a risk-free work environment can make a difference.

What are some of the primary challenges in the construction safety space, and how do companies tackle these issues?

One of the pertinent challenges in the construction safety space is the lack of a skilled workforce. The recent construction boom underscored this issue as there was a shortage of trained professionals to keep pace with the  demand. On top of that, increased working hours, double shifts, demanding schedules, and inexperienced employees worsened the situation.

Fortunately, we are witnessing a deceleration in the pace of new construction projects, reducing the high demand for labor. This has given us an opportunity to hire skilled professionals to replace the undertrained employees.

Another severe issue is substance abuse and the different types of drugs consumed by workers. Substance abuse threatens a worker’s mental health, becoming a huge concern that needs to be addressed. We are partnering with the local jurisdiction and unions to strengthen our efforts in helping workers overcome drug abuse.

“We strive to ensure our employees are  delighted at work while remaining  safe. We are keenly focused on their well- being and ensure they practice all  the safety protocols around the clock”

What are the leading trends and technological advancements that are taking place in the construction space, and how are these making a difference in the way projects are being run?

Leveraging technological advancements in construction processes bolsters a company’s position in the market. Using data and technology helps us to organize and efficiently manage projects, breaking down and categorizing different processes not by weeks or days but by minutes and hours. This allows us to set appropriate schedules and better manage our projects.

Please walk us through your leadership strategy in guiding and leading your team to follow all the regulations and norms to ensure safety.

At any given time, we are working on more than 40 projects at 40 different locations in the Northeast. In order to ensure all the safety protocols are maintained at each site, I work with my safety team, regional managers, and safety managers. We depend on each other and work together as a team to ensure that the workers comply with our standards and excel because of them.

How do you envision the future of construction safety space?

The relevance of safety in the construction industry has been growing over the years. With an increasing number of professionals, more eyes monitoring security, and updated insurance policies, safety has become the top priority in the industry. Construction workers spend long hours at work and stay away from their families. We strive to ensure our employees are delighted at work while remaining safe. We are keenly focused on their well-being and ensure they practice all the safety protocols around the clock.

What advice would you give to your fellow peers in the industry to cope with the changes and adapt to the emerging norms and regulations?

When you’re up for a project, the safety culture you establish from day one has to be maintained, and the workforce has  to follow the same. You need to practice what you preach  and live by what you say. If people are convinced that you’re insincere, they will be able to see right through you. Sincerity and compassion are crucial traits to possess. The goal is to convey to your employees that you genuinely care about their safety.