At Oftedal Construction, prioritizing safety is more than just a policy—it is a core value that empowers every employee to take action when necessary. The company’s approach is built around a simple yet powerful concept: Stop Work Authority. This authority is not only given to every employee, but it is also their responsibility. If any individual on-site sees something unsafe or hazardous, they are encouraged, even required, to stop the work immediately. This empowers the workforce to prioritize safety over anything else, ensuring that each person on the team feels confident in preventing potential accidents.
The emphasis on Stop Work Authority reinforces the message that safety should never take a backseat to productivity or profit. Oftedal Construction has worked hard over the past two years to shift the narrative around safety and productivity, recognizing them as complementary rather than opposing forces. Many companies in the construction industry struggle with the misconception that safety and productivity cannot coexist—often believing that taking shortcuts or putting safety on hold leads to faster, more profitable work. At Oftedal, however, the experience has proven otherwise. By focusing on safety, the company has seen increases in both productivity and profitability.
Safety and Productivity: A Powerful Partnership
Oftedal’s Project of the Year awards provided concrete evidence to back up this philosophy. In evaluating project performance, the company reviewed key metrics like safety, productivity, profitability, quality, and equipment damage. What they found was compelling: the projects that excelled in safety were also the most productive and profitable. This data was a game changer, allowing Oftedal to demonstrate to field employees that safety is not a hindrance to success but a key driver of it. Rather than simply stating the importance of safety, Oftedal had proof that supervisors and teams could use to believe in and embrace this approach.
When Oftedal’s supervisors were brought together for a training session this year, the leadership team focused on this integrated approach. They encouraged supervisors to look beyond the notion that “Safety is the number one priority” just because it is expected. Safety is indeed vital, but so is quality, productivity, and profitability. A successful project requires excellence in all of these areas—not just one or two. By working safely, Oftedal believes that productivity naturally follows, along with profitability and quality. This message was emphasized to ensure that every employee, from the field to management, understands that safety is a fundamental part of doing business successfully.
Building a Culture of Safety, Quality, and Profitability
Oftedal’s safety-first approach goes beyond words. The company integrates safety planning into every aspect of its work, from initial project design to execution. Minimizing accidents, reducing equipment damage, and eliminating the need for rework all contribute to a safer, more efficient job site. And when quality work is done right the first time, Oftedal reduces the unnecessary risks that arise from rework and rushed timelines. This holistic approach creates a win-win situation where employees are protected, and projects are completed on time, on budget, and at a high level of quality.
By making safety a core element of the company’s culture, Oftedal ensures that employees are empowered to do their jobs without fear of accidents or injury. It’s not just about following procedures but understanding how safety contributes to the overall success of a project. Oftedal’s leadership is committed to maintaining a workplace where safety, productivity, and profitability go hand-in-hand, ensuring a successful future for the company and its people.
Conclusion: Safety as a Path to Success
Oftedal Construction’s dedication to safety is clear: it’s not a choice between working safely and being productive, but a partnership that drives success in both areas. By empowering every employee with Stop Work Authority and fostering a culture that prioritizes safety alongside quality, productivity, and profitability, Oftedal proves that construction work can be safe and successful. It’s a message backed by data and practice, and one that continues to shape the company’s path forward as a leader in the industry.
