Passion, Safety, and Growth: The Journey of a Veteran in the Construction Industry
Enjoy an insightful journey into the construction industry with Tony Santiago, the veteran Safety Director at Southwest Construction. With an enduring career that spans across three decades, Tony offers a rare glimpse into the harsh realities and fruitful rewards of life in construction. From his early days as a labor crew leader to embracing his passion for safety, his tale is a blend of personal growth, dedication, and a relentless pursuit for workplace safety.
The Road to Becoming a Safety Advocate
Tony’s transformation into a safety advocate was triggered by a close call with a co-worker. Determined to ensure workers’ well-being, he took on this role with gusto, carving a path that would positively impact lives at a deep personal and professional level. His daily activities vary from joint sealing to sandblasting and soil concrete, but his relentless dedication to safety remains constant.
The Desire to Belong
But safety isn’t just about risk management for Tony – it’s about people, connection, and personal growth. He recognizes a deep-seated need for belonging in his team, a desire for recognition and identity that transcends the workplace boundaries. By focusing on these pivotal aspects, Tony fosters a strong bond with his team – one that’s ignited by mutual respect and shared goals.
Family and Workplace Safety
For Tony, the foundation of workplace safety resides in the selfless love for family – an unwavering reminder that their work’s purpose isn’t just career progression, but also their families’ welfare. By adopting this approach, he extends a sense of familial warmth within his team, inspiring them to prioritize safety and care for one another as they would for their families.
A Vision for Safety
In Tony’s philosophy, safety isn’t a checklist but an ever-evolving journey aimed at continuously coaching and empowering people to prioritize their well-being. His future vision for safety remains aligned with this ethos – to perpetuate this ceaseless cycle of learning and growth, thereby influencing a safer construction industry.
