Safety: Own It!
Safety is in our DNA. It’s our culture, and we own it.
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. Every task. Every day. Every person.
Own It
Our Safety Culture
Since 1947, protecting our people has been a foundational commitment at E.S. Wagner. Safety isn’t a department, a checklist, or a program. It’s a shared responsibility embraced by every employee, on every project, every day. Our culture is built on the belief that every individual has the ability and obligation to recognize risks, address concerns, and protect the people around them.
Our “Own It” philosophy reinforces personal accountability and proactive decision-making. Whether planning work, operating equipment, or leading a crew, safety starts with individual ownership. When every employee takes responsibility for doing the right thing, we create safer jobsites, stronger teams, and better outcomes for our clients and communities.
The Foundation
- Knowledge in the discipline of safety
- Individual responsibility to identify and eliminate unsafe work practices and conditions
- Health and Safety is a top-down/bottom-up shared responsibility embraced by all
- Accountability for all members of the organization
Our Commitment
- Development and enforcement of rules, procedures, programs and policies to support a safe and healthful work environment.
- Education and training in safe work practices and compliance with industry standards for all employees.
- Providing a work environment where safety is the first priority and holding all members of the organization accountable to that standard.
- Management support at all levels for safety policies and programs.
Employee Requirements
- Fully comply with all ESW safety rules, procedures, programs and policies.
- Participate in training programs.
- Assume responsibility for your safety and the safety of others.
Through its dedication to these core principles, ESW has achieved a level of safety excellence that has been formally acknowledged by clients and leading construction advocacy groups.
“We do what we say we’re going to do. We’re going to give you the product that you specified and that we told you we were going to give you, and we’re going to give it in a safe, cost-effective, and schedule-compliant manner.”
— Kris Hamilton, P.E., Chief Risk Officer
How We Work
Safety in Action
Daily Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
Every task begins with planning. Through daily Job Hazard Analyses, our teams identify potential risks, discuss controls, and align on safe work practices before work begins. Proactive planning helps prevent incidents before they occur.
Stop Work Authority
Every employee has both the authority and responsibility to stop work when conditions are unsafe. We empower team members to speak up, address concerns, and take action without hesitation when safety is at risk.
Behavioral Safety
Safety is driven by behaviors, choices, and accountability. Our behavioral safety approach encourages observation, communication, coaching, and continuous improvement at every level of the organization.
Well-Founded Planning
Safe projects begin long before crews arrive on-site. Through thorough planning and risk assessment, we identify challenges early and develop strategies that promote safe, efficient execution.
Self-Perform Control
By self-performing key scopes of work, we maintain greater oversight, consistency, communication, and accountability across our projects, helping deliver safer and more predictable outcomes.
Training & Education
From onboarding and equipment certifications to ongoing safety meetings and toolbox talks, we continuously invest in the development of our workforce so employees have the knowledge and resources to work safely and confidently.
Drug-Free Workplace
Maintaining a drug-free workplace supports a culture of responsibility, awareness, and safety while helping ensure every employee is fit for duty and prepared to perform at their highest level.
Continuous Improvement
We continuously evaluate our safety practices, learn from experience, and look for ways to reduce risk and prevent incidents. By applying lessons learned, encouraging feedback, and improving how we plan and perform our work, we strengthen our safety culture and create safer outcomes on every project.
Safety Record
Measuring our Commitment
Building a Culture of Safety since 1947.
17,160
Manhours of Daily JHA Safety Meetings, 2025
1,248
Manhours of Management Safety Training, 2025
0
Tolerance for Unsafe Practices
100%
Employees with Stop Work Authority
Experience the ESW Difference
Whether you’re looking for a career with a safety-first company or seeking a trusted construction partner, safety remains at the center of everything we do.