Waldorf Nelson originally started his career in construction in 2002 as a structural ironworker with Local Union 263 in the DFW. He stayed there for 14 years, and after seeing several senseless injuries over time, the safety career path began to grab his attention. He was approached to take on the safety manager role while still working as an ironworker. It took him about three years to obtain all the necessary certifications before he moved from being a superintendent/safety manager into a more traditional role as an EHS manager, where he has been for the past nine years. Waldorf has spent the last two years at his current employer, Skanska.
For our latest Faces of EHS profile, we sat down with Waldorf to discuss how he got his start in the field, building relationships in safety, and the dangers of heat illness.
Q: How did you get your start in the field?
I began my career as an ironworker, and I worked on major projects around the Metroplex for 14 years. Unfortunately, it seemed like I was seeing more and more people get hurt in the industry, and my superiors were looking for a solution. They approached me to take on the safety manager role. I had a passion for safety, so I took on the challenge and proceeded to obtain the proper certifications over the next three years.
Eventually, I moved into the construction field with Archer Western, serving as a senior EHS manager, and I learned a lot in this new sector. And two years ago, I began working at Skanska, and I cannot say enough positive things about the safety culture engrained into each and every employee. The company goes above and beyond what is required, and it makes a big difference on employees’ attitudes, how job sites run, and the success of each project.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in the industry?
While working at Archer Western, a safety professional by the name of Bill Abbott had a major influence on how I did my job and how I continue to conduct myself today. Beyond teaching me about being consistent in the way I operate and establish processes, Bill taught me success in safety is about relationships. He created relationships with our team members, but also our subcontractors. He knew the success of a project hinged on everyone’s commitment to a safe working environment. Also, it is imperative to have contractors and subcontractors all on the same page because you’ll likely be working with them during upcoming projects. It is not a one-and-done atmosphere. Relationships in construction are critical, and I learned this from Bill.
Q: What’s your best mistake and what did you learn from it?
One thing I wish I had done early in my career was learn Spanish. In Texas, we have several people on the job site whose first language is Spanish. Communication is vital when it comes to safety, and I wish I took the time to learn how to speak Spanish early on so I wouldn’t have to rely on a translator. If the message is coming directly from me, I know everything is clearly communicated and not lost in translation. After all these years, I’m finally working to learn Spanish, so I can improve my communication skills and be a more effective safety professional on the job.
Q: What’s your favorite and least favorite part about working in the industry? Would you change anything?
A few of my favorite things about my job and the industry are I get a chance to work with a diverse group of individuals, my job allows me to help mitigate problems when they arise in a team environment, and we work together effectively to accomplish a common goal.
My least favorite thing about working in the industry is the Texas heat. Heat is a serious challenge I had to overcome, and I wish every company would take heat illness prevention as seriously as Skanska does. It is imperative that we keep everyone on our jobs safe, including during high temperatures.
Q: What are your thoughts on safety culture? How can company leaders make safety a value within their organization?
What sustains a safety culture is leaders leading by example. You can identify a job site where safety is not engrained in the culture. A truly safe environment starts at the top. Safety is an intentional part of what the company does, and the expectation is set for everyone to understand their roles and what they need to do to foster a safe environment.
Q: What safety concerns or issues do you think need more prioritization in EHS programs?
Accountability. Even though a safety culture should be supported from the top down, I think there can be an even greater emphasis on everyone keeping an eye on safety. Safety professionals can’t be everywhere at once, so it is extremely important for every superintendent and worker to place the same emphasis on safety and to uphold the same safety standards. In general, there can always be a better awareness of safety responsibility in the absence of an on-site safety officer.
Q: What will be the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles on the EHS industry?
In my opinion, ESG will likely impact the EHS industry with its increased focus on sustainability. As we adopt more methods to reduce our environmental footprint and emphasize sustainable practices in construction, there will continue to be new safety measures. Additionally, ESG opens up the industry to emerging technologies and continued innovations, which will help us be more efficient on job sites and help reduce our environmental impact. Risk management is yet another principle that will help us avoid liabilities.
Q: How will new safety technologies influence the work being done by EHS professionals?
Technology can make the job of a safety professional easier. Using drone technology, I can inspect the outside of a 30-story building in five minutes, where previously it would have taken me two hours. Additionally, drones are a great tool when we develop bid packages. I can map out an area and determine what hazards are there in a much more efficient manner.
I see technology only enhancing the work being done in the safety arena, but I do not see technology overriding the personal relationships that must be developed to create a successful safety culture.
Q: What are you most proud of?
I’m originally from New Orleans, and I made the decision to move to the Dallas-Fort Worth area so I could provide a better way of life for myself and my family. I knew I was limited professionally in New Orleans, and I wanted to take the opportunity to be all I could be. It took a lot of courage to make the move, and I am proud of this decision and the life I’ve built in my adopted hometown.
Q: Do you have any advice for people entering the profession?
Give the job everything you have, build relationships that matter, and treat everyone on the job with respect, whether they are with your company or are subcontractors, like family. You will see the same people on various projects, and each person’s life is important. Our job is about saving lives every day.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
Safety professionals must encourage each of their team members and subcontractors to take working in hot and humid conditions more seriously. Because heat is something we deal with daily in Texas during the summer months, there may be peer pressure to “tough it out.” However, working in the heat for hours upon hours can be deadly. It’s crucial for safety professionals to educate everyone about heat illness prevention.
At Skanska, if someone says they are getting overheated, we take it seriously and take immediate action by bringing them to a location to cool down and get an onsite medic involved if necessary. We have cooling stations in the injury-free environment (IFE) areas, fans and cold water scattered around the jobsite, and we offer hydration popsicles and more. There is a no-questions-asked culture when it comes to heat-related illnesses. At Skanska, we encourage preventative measures and promote physical preparation by keeping hydrated and team planning to eliminate heat-related injuries.