Construction Inclusion Week 2025: Toolbox Talk 7

Psychological Safety in Construction

Creating a safe work environment goes beyond wearing the right gear; it's about people feeling safe enough to speak up and be themselves.

This conversation helps teams understand that safety isn’t just about PPE, it’s about psychological safety on the jobsite.

Understanding what psychological safety means in a construction setting is key, and the discussion shows how team dynamics impact trust, safety, and a crew's long-term retention. It helps individuals identify specific behaviors that make others feel respected and heard, and it offers ways for both leaders and peers to support open communication. Ultimately, a strong safety culture is directly connected to mental well-being and a team's overall performance.

PILLAR ALIGNMENT: Belonging & Workforce Culture, Attract & Retain

Sample Activity Options

JOBSITE ACTIVITY

Start a “You Good?” check-in at the start or end of shift, one team/crew member asks each person on the team.   Consider adding a jobsite visual: “You Good? It’s OK to Ask” sign/poster

OFFICE ACTIVITY

Have supervisors practice saying: “Thank you for telling me, I’ve got your back.”

School/Community Activity

Teach students that safety includes mental and emotional well-being, not just gear.

Group Activity

Share the phrase, “It’s OK to ask” and brainstorm how to make that real on the job.

Discussion Questions

Building a safe jobsite is about more than just the right gear; it’s about a crew built on trust. So today, as a team,  we will share how we react to mistakes, how we support each other, and what it looks like to truly have someone’s back. We’ll talk about how we can build a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up and share ideas without fear of blame. Our goal is to reinforce that we are all on the same team, working towards a common purpose, so we can be stronger and safer together.

  • What keeps people from speaking up at work?
  • How do you respond to mistakes, and what does that teach people?
  • What does it mean to have someone back here?
  • What’s the difference between fixing problems and blaming?
  • What’s one way your team can build more trust this week?

Start planning your Toolbox Talk Activities now! Download this Toolbox Talk below or download the full set:

Download Toolbox Talk 7 Download All Toolbox Talks

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Opening Doors through Mentorship

Mentor your crew to build a stronger team

Sparking Early Interest in the Construction Industry

Build a talent pipeline by inspiring the next generation

Respect and Inclusion on the Jobsite/ Workplace

Create a respectful crew for a safer jobsite

Career Re-entry

Build your workforce by giving second chances

Building an Inclusive Site Culture

Reinforce an inclusive crew with everyday actions

Mental Health in Construction

Promote mental well-being to build a safer jobsite

Psychological Safety in Construction

Constructing a Culture of Trust and Safety

Pivot & Build – Life After Athletics

Harness athletic talent to strengthen your crew

Construction Careers for Veterans

Framing Opportunities for Veterans in Construction

Supporting People with Different Abilities and Neurodivergent Thinking Styles

Different minds, same mission: a stronger crew

Small Actions, Big Impact

Small actions build a stronger jobsite culture.

Bridging Generations: Respecting Differences, Building Together

Uniting Crews Through Generational Understanding

Economic Opportunity - Broadening Opportunity for Qualified Suppliers

Expanding Possibilities Through a Broad Supplier Network
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