WPIP Construction during Safety Week: “Belted against hazards”

The WPIP Group once again joined the Safety Week celebrations organized by the Agreement for Construction Safety. This year’s theme is “Belted against hazards,” emphasizing the importance of consciously responding to hazards and building a safety culture on construction sites. Dariusz Rzempała, Technical Director of WPIP Construction, discusses the importance of safety in everyday work.

Why is safety so important to the WPIP Group?

Safe work is one of the WPIP Group’s main goals – just as important as high-quality execution and timely completion of tasks. Protecting the lives and health of employees is our absolute priority.

Ensuring appropriate occupational health and safety conditions helps prevent accidents and occupational illnesses, but also increases work comfort, concentration, and team efficiency. Through hazard identification, training, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), we build a culture of responsibility and safety awareness on every construction site.

High safety standards reduce sick leave, improve the work environment, and strengthen the company’s image as a responsible employer.

What do you think has the greatest impact on daily safety on a construction site?

People have the greatest impact on safety on a construction site – their awareness, behavior, and approach to work. Most accidents result from rushing, routine, inattention, or disregard for hazards, which is why a safety culture and mutual accountability across the entire team are so important.

The principle of limited trust is also crucial – every employee should be aware of the risks they and those around them may pose. Reporting near-miss situations is also crucial, as a quick response can prevent more serious incidents in the future.

Safety is not just about occupational health and safety documentation, but above all, good daily habits – pre-work briefings, proper use of personal protective equipment, maintaining order on the construction site, and ongoing inspections of equipment and workstations.

Management commitment also plays a crucial role. A construction manager who personally adheres to occupational health and safety regulations and sets a good example builds a culture where safety is a real priority.

In summary, continuous education, mutual responsibility, and order are the three pillars that most significantly impact daily safety on a construction site.

This year’s motto of the Construction Safety Agreement is “Belted against hazards” – what do you think it means in everyday construction work?

For me, the motto “Belted against hazards” means, above all, consciously responding to every threat and not being indifferent to dangerous situations. Construction safety cannot be merely a formal obligation – it must be a daily choice and the shared responsibility of the entire team.

Every employee has the right and obligation to say “STOP” and stop work if they notice a hazard, unsafe behavior, or have any concerns about the safety of the work being performed. It also means having the courage to react and overcome the fear of alerting others.

Remember that safety on a construction site is everyone’s responsibility – regardless of position or responsibilities.

What is one safety rule every employee and subcontractor should always remember?

The most important safety rule every employee and subcontractor should remember is: “Stop unsafe work.” Everyone has the right and obligation to stop work if conditions threaten their own health or life or the life of others.

Most accidents result from inappropriate behavior, rushing, or ignoring hazards in the name of meeting deadlines and completing tasks. Therefore, reporting hazards and responding to dangerous situations is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents.

Safety must always take precedence over the pace of work.

What can each of us do today to improve our own safety and that of the entire team?

Improving safety at work starts with each of us and our daily habits. The most important thing is not to remain indifferent – ​​if you see a threat, react. Sometimes, a single observation or reporting of a dangerous situation can prevent a serious accident.

Each of us can ensure our own safety and that of our entire team today by following occupational health and safety regulations, using personal protective equipment, maintaining order in the workplace, and taking a responsible approach to our tasks.

Safety also means continually building awareness and being responsive to responding when risks arise. Safety is our shared responsibility.