Striving for Continuous Improvement

October 19, 2018

Clark Construction Workers

Clark Concrete Division Safety Director Seth Randall knows that being a leader in safety means continuously evaluating the way we build and challenging the status quo to identify better means of keeping our people safe. Seth, who was recently recognized as a Rising Star of Safety by the National Safety Council, played an instrumental role in Clark's adoption of KASK helmets.

Why are you so passionate about safety?

Seth: My passion for keeping people safe stems from being a child of blue-collar parents who sometimes worked in treacherous conditions. I want to ensure that everyone in the construction industry has a safe work environment like the one we provide at Clark.

When you work in safety it is inevitable that you will be faced with the unfortunate circumstance of someone sustaining an injury. Once you see the dangers of our industry, your commitment to the mission is taken to a new level. We must provide all workers on site with the tools, processes, and equipment needed to work safely. At Clark, the process of continuous improvement never stops. We are always looking to improve our procedures, educate our people, and identify innovative solutions to guarantee that everyone goes home safe at the end of every day.

What drove you to identify better head protection for our workforce?

Seth: Seeing the effects of traumatic brain injuries first-hand, I knew our industry needed to evolve. We were providing our employees with protective equipment that was designed in the 1960s. With so many innovative products on the market, I knew there had to be a better way to protect our most vital organ.

A KASK representative introduced me to their new product line of helmets equipped with adjustable chin straps. Coming from an adventure sports niche, they were looking for guidance on our industry needs and standards. Clark partnered with KASK to improve the helmet’s design so that the prototype received the appropriate rating. I am proud to say that Clark was the first in the construction industry to pilot and fully adopt these helmets—each of our 2,000 employees now wear one! Being first to the market meant that we had a big responsibility to continue evolving the product to make it the best for our people and the industry. 

How do you help strengthen Clark's culture of safety?

Seth: At Clark, the strong partnership between operations and safety personnel is integral to our safety culture. Safety considerations are taken into account from day one of preconstruction. By developing plans for staffing, sequencing, and scheduling with safety in mind, we are able to deliver projects for our clients on time and on budget, and in the safest possible manner. This integrated approach is built on strong relationships—from executive management to front-line craftworkers. You must engage your colleagues, respect them as professionals, and ensure they remain safe above all else.