In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Construction Safety Perspectives, host Bob Kunz speaks with Rena Harrington — a mother whose world changed forever on January 18, 2018, when her 27-year-old son, Justin, was killed in a workplace accident while working on a residential construction site in Gloucester, Massachusetts.Rena shares the emotional story of Justin’s life, his passion for heavy equipment and construction work, and the troubling safety concerns he voiced just days before the accident. She takes listeners through the harrowing timeline of being notified — not by police at her door, but through a series of calls while at work — and how her family found out about his death through a news article being shared on Facebook before official confirmation.Through grief, heartbreak, and unimaginable loss, Rena has become a powerful advocate for change. Today, she is an active voice within the United Support & Memorial for Workplace Fatalities (USMWF) — a national nonprofit organization that supports families affected by preventable workplace deaths and helps them navigate the difficult process of investigations, OSHA proceedings, and workers’ compensation.In this episode, Rena speaks candidly about: • The critical safety oversights on Justin’s job site • How young workers often aren’t aware of their rights or options • Gaps in how employers handle emergency contact protocols • The emotional toll of workplace loss and the lack of accountability many families face • Her ongoing legislative work in Massachusetts to strengthen workers’ comp funeral benefits and hold small employers to safer standards • And how she found strength and healing by helping other families through USMWFThis episode is not just a tribute to Justin — it’s a call to action for employers, regulators, and construction professionals to ensure that no other family experiences what Rena has.To learn more about USMWF or to connect with someone for support after a workplace fatality, visit: https://usmwf.orgThe organization provides emotional support, access to resources, and helps families share their stories to raise awareness and push for real safety reform.

In this episode, Bob sits down with Michael Currier, the Director of Recovery at Building Futures RI, to discuss his impactful first year at the organization and their innovative workforce development initiatives. We dive into Building Futures RI’s “We’ve Got Your Back” program and explore their unique collaboration with Construction Management (CM). Michael shares valuable insights into what employers can and should be doing to create more supportive environments for their workforce.

Building Futures, launched in 2007, is dedicated to leveraging the Registered Apprenticeship model, which has trained highly skilled tradespeople for over 100 years. Michael highlights the organization’s focus on pre-apprenticeship programs designed to prepare low-income Rhode Islanders for successful careers in the building trades. Learn how their Apprentice Utilization Program is shaping the future of construction labor in the state and how Building Futures is expanding into new sectors like healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and green industries.

For more information about Building Futures, visit: bfri.org.

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In this episode, Doug welcomes Natalie Centeno, MS, LAT, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer and certified health and nutrition coach at Pivot Onsite Innovations, an Athletico company. Natalie shares her expertise on the essential role of wellness programs in the construction industry, highlighting the innovative work being done to support workers’ health and well-being on site.

With over two decades of experience, Pivot Onsite Innovations has been transforming workplace health outcomes through proven healthcare, prevention, and performance solutions. Natalie discusses how their team of occupational health specialists collaborates with employers to customize programs that reduce injuries, enhance safety cultures, and mitigate workers’ compensation costs, resulting in a healthier and more productive workforce.

Throughout the episode, Natalie emphasizes the importance of treating workers as “industrial athletes,” providing injury prevention, care, and education tailored to their unique needs. She highlights initiatives like daily stretching routines, nutrition challenges, and mental health resources that promote overall well-being. Additionally, Natalie addresses the critical issue of heat illness prevention and the proactive measures taken on site to ensure worker safety.

If you’re interested in learning how wellness can be effectively integrated into high-risk environments like construction, this episode is a must-listen!

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