Construction Safety Week 2025

Cy Whitmire

Project Foremen

I was raised in a logging community by a family of timber fallers. They worked hard, but because of the unpredictable nature of the job, everyone seemed to have a story about injuries, serious cuts, or knowing someone who died while working.

When I first entered the construction industry, I worked for smaller construction companies. The work environment resembled my family trade—getting the job done by any means necessary. When it came to safety, the owner would always remind us, “If you fall, you’re fired before you hit the ground,” or “If you cut yourself, there’s superglue in the glovebox.” My dad always told us that the number one rule in life is to pay attention. Well working for these smaller outfits, it was easy to detect that something wasn’t right when it came to safety.

Then I joined Perlo, which was a culture shock from day one. Within the first 15 minutes, while cutting wood stakes for footings, I had pinned the guard on my saw. Dave Castillo, known as “Gravy,” was the foreman at the time. He walked over and told me, “You’re fast, but unpin the guard. I don’t want to see that again.” That set the tone for me working with Perlo. After being with the company for almost a decade, I can confidently say that I’ve witnessed far fewer injuries compared to the numerous good catches made by my colleagues during our daily operations.

Now that I’m a Foreman, I have the opportunity to pass on the same expectations that leaders like Gravy, Superintendent George Trice, Laborer Paulie Roster and many others instilled in me. The open collaboration among all departments is a testament to our company’s commitment to safety, paving the way for a safer tomorrow.

Chris Gregg

President | Partner

Carrying the responsibility of the company is something I feel most deeply in quiet moments—often when I’m lying in bed at night. A large part of that weight comes from knowing the risks our field crews face every day. But that burden is eased by the fact that we’ve built a culture where safety is our top priority. It gives me peace of mind knowing that we’re all committed to making sure everyone goes home in the same—or better—condition than when they arrived.

One recent example that illustrates our commitment to safety occurred with the siding on one of our projects in Portland. During our preconstruction, we identified the potential hazards associated with high-voltage power lines on one side of the building. While the work area technically fell outside the danger zone, we recognized that the risks could escalate due to external factors, such as strong winds affecting our materials. After evaluating several engineering solutions, we made the choice to invest in relocating the power lines temporarily, thereby ensuring a safe buffer zone for our crew.

This type of proactive planning, made possible through our relatively new preconstruction safety meetings, shows the value of addressing hazards before they become incidents. It felt good to make a decision that put safety first. Our collective commitment to safety is key to company success. It minimizes downtime, keeps our teams motivated, protects our reputation, ensures compliance, and helps deliver high-quality results. When safety is a shared priority, everything else runs smoother.

Jeff Hankins

Project Director | Former Chair of Perlo’s Safety Committee

When I joined the Safety Committee in 2023, my goals were twofold: to deepen my understanding of safety within our industry and company, and to connect with field leaders and crews to see how safety impacts their work. I have to say that both goals were accomplished and much more.

The committee is designed to have a good mix of participants from the Executive team, Project Management, Safety team, Field leaders, and Laborers. One of the highlights of this experience has been engaging with the Superintendents, Foremen, and Carpenters during meetings and while walking through our projects on site. It’s been incredibly insightful to hear their perspectives.

In these meetings, I realized that while we already excel in safety practices, particularly in maintaining a clean and organized jobsite—it’s often the smaller details that can make a significant difference. For example, using glow sticks to illuminate paths for early morning pours, conducting lifting clutch inspections, implementing new types of roof barrier stanchions, and exploring various new tools all contribute to enhancing safety.

The Safety Committee provides a platform for all voices in the field and office to be heard, enabling us to address challenges that affect everyone. I am proud to have served as the committee chair and encourage everyone to engage in safety beyond their daily routines.

Meuy Tzeo

Marketing Manager

When I first entered the construction industry, I didn’t know much about safety practices, but, over time, I’ve learned a great deal from our field leaders and crew members. Whenever I visit a jobsite for marketing purposes, I always make it a point to chat with the field crew. I ask them about the best paths to take and which areas to avoid, what PPE should be worn for specific tasks, and how to properly handle certain equipment or materials. When tilting is in progress, I always consult the field team to understand how close I can get for photos/videos without compromising safety or disrupting their work. I trust them to be honest with me and keep me accountable for safety.

Though I’m not in the trades, I am committed to following all safety procedures whenever I’m on site. Accidents can happen regardless of your role in this industry, and I don’t take safety for granted. It’s reassuring to know that I can count on our field crews to steer me in the right direction about what’s safe and what’s not.

Jimmy Hill

Field Safety Coordinator

As we enter into Construction Safety Week, I’d like to share some thoughts regarding our process here at Perlo.  Since transitioning from my role as Warehouse Coordinator to my current position as Safety Coordinator, I’ve gained valuable insights that have shaped my perspective.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how our culture is continuously evolving. We’ve come a long way from the days when I would arrive at jobsites and notice a lack of PPE among our employees. Today, however, our team includes not only our own staff but also our trade partners and all visitors on site. This is an area where we have the opportunity to enhance our practices through better communication. It’s essential that we hold everyone accountable for safety to further strengthen our culture.

In my role, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with safety professionals from various backgrounds. It’s been enlightening to share ideas and learn from their experiences. I’ve realized that many of us face similar challenges in our work. Ultimately, we all share a common goal: to create a safe work environment where every worker can return home to their loved ones at the end of the day. When that happens, we know we’ve had a good day.

As we prioritize safety in every task, let’s use this Construction Safety Week to focus on supporting one another. We can hold each other accountable in a positive and encouraging manner, ensuring that we all remain safe and healthy. Together, we can continue to build a stronger safety culture.

Meghan Looney

Director of Human Resources

From day one at Perlo for me, it’s been clear that safety isn’t just a priority here – it’s a core value that guides every decision we make, both in the field and in the office. As someone in Human Resources, I see firsthand how deeply our safety culture is embedded in every part of the organization. It’s not just about policies or checklists — it’s about people. Our teams are empowered, trained, and supported to take ownership of their safety and the safety of those around them.

What makes me proud to be part of the Perlo team is the genuine care our people have for one another. Leadership leads by example, and there’s a shared commitment across all levels to ensure that everyone goes home safe at the end of each day.

At Perlo, safety is more than compliance — it’s a reflection of who we are. And I couldn’t be prouder to stand behind that.

Josh Schwabauer

Field Safety Coordinator, CHST, STSC

Coming to Perlo to work as a Field Safety Coordinator, I was nervous to see how the program worked and how I would be accepted. However, as soon as I was hired and stepped onto my first job site, I knew I had made the right choice.

Having a strong safety team here is incredibly rewarding. I appreciate the support of my peers as we strive to do what’s right for our job sites and our people. When the safety team conducts audits on-site, we do not focus solely on identifying problems; instead, we look for opportunities to improve by teaching our workers, both internal and subcontracted, how to perform their tasks as safely as possible. When we are all on the same page and working together, it significantly contributes to the project’s success. When everyone on the site is aware of potential hazards and is looking out for one another, incidents and near misses are greatly reduced, leading to an improved safety culture.

Tony Harbison

Field Safety Coordinator

When I joined the Perlo Team, I came in strong and determined, eager to change the way my colleagues thought just expressed their points differently. One morning, while having a conversation with a couple of team members, I learned valuable insights that helped me improve how I communicated about safety. I came to understand that safety is not just about coaching others; it’s also about being open to being coached myself.

Years ago, while working on a Federal Building in downtown Portland, we had a safety toolbox talk about wearing harnesses properly and our rescue plan. Normally, I wouldn’t pay much attention to these discussions, but that day I did. As a result, I put on my harness correctly before heading up to the sixth floor to work. While standing and talking with a co-worker, I fell. However, because I had paid attention and worn my harness properly, along with the existence of a rescue plan, I am still alive today.

This experience taught me the crucial importance of wearing safety gear correctly and being actively engaged and open-minded during safety discussions.

Joe York

General Superintendent

I have been in the construction trade since 1990, and during this time, I have witnessed many changes in safety practices. As the years have gone by, the industry has improved its understanding of the hazards associated with both materials and tasks. Numerous tools and machines have been introduced that help us work more safely and efficiently. For example, asbestos was a commonly used building material decades ago, but we now recognize its dangers and no longer find it in buildings. This trend applies to many other materials and high-risk tasks as well.

During my time with Perlo, I have come to appreciate how we embrace changes in the construction industry. We are always looking for better methods to ensure our employees can perform their jobs safely and successfully. I firmly believe that safety is a shared responsibility that involves everyone, every moment on site. At Perlo, every employee truly has a voice.

Brandon Brooks

Field Safety Coordinator

Safety is more than just a checklist – it’s a culture that we live in every day at Perlo. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how our commitment to safety transforms the way we work, building not just structures but trust and peace of mind.

One moment that stands out to me was during a particularly complex project where our pre-task planning and safety walkthroughs helped identify a potential hazard long before it became a risk. Because of our proactive approach, we avoided an incident, stayed on schedule, and reinforced morale across the crew.

What truly sets Perlo apart is how safety is viewed not as an obligation but as shared responsibility. This collective mindset empowers everyone from the field to the office to speak up, look out for one another, and continuously improve. This “team first” attitude makes our jobsites safer, our work more efficient, and our company stronger.

Debra Cobun

Controller

When I joined Perlo in the early 2000s, we didn’t have a dedicated safety department. We ran lean and mean and Safety responsibilities were often merged with roles like IT and HR, overseen by our controller. It was a time in our industry when safety was an afterthought, not a priority. I vividly recall stepping into my role and working alongside a colleague to develop the return-to-work program for injured employees. While she managed daily safety operations, my focus was on administration and management. One of my first challenges was to untangle our workers’ compensation insurance issues, which required me to sift through three years’ worth of records and audits to meet the auditor’s standards.

Today, it’s incredible to see how construction safety has transformed. The hiring of dedicated safety personnel was a major milestone for our company, mirroring a larger industry shift towards prioritizing safety. The strategies we’ve implemented over the years underline the necessity of fostering a strong safety culture. Safety is no longer simply a box to tick; it’s a core aspect of our operations and values. This evolution not only safeguards our workforce but also boosts overall productivity and morale, proving that investing in safety yields significant human and economic benefits.

Devin Koopman

Senior Vice President | Partner

The construction industry is both challenging and dangerous. During my 27+ years with the company, I have witnessed significant evolution in the world of safety. What initially felt like simply going through the motions has transformed into a more structured way of operating with much improved standard practices.

Safety and integrity create a strong bond among all stakeholders, creating a supportive community where everyone feels encouraged to contribute. The best safety practices emerge naturally with group buy-in and a focus to rally around.  Integrity is defined by how you behave when no one is watching, and I believe the same principle applies to safety. For example, wearing PPE should be a consistent practice, not something we only adhere to when others are around.

Safety has increasingly become a focal point in our discussions, planning, and overall culture. The phrase “all is well when all is well” applies to safety because a single unsafe practice can turn our world upside down, potentially leading to serious or fatal injury. No one wants an event of that nature to happen on their jobsite, and should therefore be proactive to avoid it. In the construction industry, it is crucial for us to remain mentally present and aware of our actions at all times. This includes everything from how we park our cars to how we walk while talking or looking at our phones. Past experiences might suggest that we’ve been fine without focus, but I firmly believe that our best selves are present when we are fully engaged. Do your part to help the cause.

Jake Jensen

Project Director | 2025 Chair of Perlo’s Safety Committee

We all work extremely hard to provide for our families and to be able to enjoy what life brings outside of work. Without a safe and healthy work environment, we all risk losing that enjoyment in an instant.  I used to think safety was all about pointing out improper PPE, missing rebar caps, and correcting fall protection. While that’s true I have learned at the end of the day the biggest challenge we face is the building the culture of strong communication and empowerment from all levels of the workforce. It’s easy to walk past safety issues, but it takes courage to stop work, call someone out, and make corrections.

At Perlo, we continue to inform, educate, and provide the proper tools to be ready to have those hard conversations. One of the things that really sticks with me are the subcategories of safety, including hearing loss and mental health, that seem abstract because often we are not impacted by them today, but our industry is plagued by issues directly related to these as we see issues develop in the aging workforces. I pledge to continue to improve our communication, empowerment, and tools for all aspects of safety so that we can all live a meaningful and healthy lifestyle for years to come.

Travis Stone

Safety Manager

I have worked in construction for the last 30 years and have seen safety standards evolve tremendously. It used to be all about doing whatever it took to get the job done—no matter the risk. There was a different mentality that resulted in a lot of hurt workers in the industry. Today, we’ve shifted to a much healthier mindset: let’s find a way to get the job done safely, so everyone goes home to their families and enjoys their free time. Not only have we improved the physical well-being of our workers, but we’ve also made great strides in supporting mental well-being and awareness across the industry. Recognizing the importance of both has helped create a more balanced, sustainable workforce.

As construction continues to advance, it’s imperative that we coach new workers on how to perform tasks the safe and correct way. This not only protects individuals but strengthens the team as a whole.

When safety and the project team work together, we don’t just meet requirements—we build a culture of care, accountability, and mutual respect. That collaboration creates a positive, supportive environment where people look out for each other and take pride in what they do. Since my time here, I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in the safety culture—more communication, more engagement, and a stronger commitment to doing things the right way. That’s the kind of safety culture that lasts.

Jimmy Ray

Project Engineer

Spending time out on-site has opened my eyes to the importance of safety. From the project management side of construction, leading by example goes a long way. I make it a point to always wear proper PPE when out on-site to demonstrate to our trade partners that safety is on the top of Perlo’s priority list for all stakeholders. Safety is a shared responsibility – no one is above the law.

When I think of safety, Perlo Practice #4 comes to mind: “To be heard, you have to say something.” It is everyone’s responsibility to call out safety hazards when they’re identified. This mindset of collective accountability is key to continuously improving our safety culture over time. Safety incidents can negatively impact productivity and increase project costs, but more importantly, they can diminish a person’s quality of life—both on and off the job. That’s why fostering a proactive, team-oriented approach to safety is so vital to our success.