In this episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the impactful initiative known as the "Hike for Hope," a movement aimed at raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, particularly within the construction industry. I had the pleasure of speaking with Rob Labbe, a highly respected construction professional based in New York, who has been instrumental in launching this initiative.

We kick off the episode by introducing Rob and his extensive background in heavy civil work, where he has served as a superintendent and project manager. Rob shares his passion for improving safety in the workplace, not just in terms of physical safety but also mental well-being. This sets the stage for our discussion about the Hike for Hope, which Rob first learned about from Dr. Vince Hefeli in Florida. The event aims to connect communities, raise awareness, and provide information about various mental health resources.

Rob recounts the success of last year's hikes, which took place in multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, New York, and Arizona. He emphasizes the importance of leadership in this initiative, as many leaders are stepping up to share their personal experiences and support the cause financially. We discuss the challenges of organizing such events and the significance of community involvement.

Rob opens up about his personal connection to the issue of suicide, sharing a poignant story about his family's loss due to suicide and the ongoing struggles of his best friend with mental health challenges. This personal narrative underscores the urgency of addressing mental health in our communities, especially in high-stress industries like construction, where suicide rates are alarmingly high.

As we delve deeper into the conversation, Rob highlights the importance of conversation starters, such as the "Hope Coins" and hard hat stickers that promote mental health awareness. He shares how these tokens have sparked discussions and encouraged people to reach out for help or check in on their friends and colleagues.

Towards the end of the episode, we discuss the upcoming Hike for Hope events in Pennsylvania, scheduled for April 26th, where we will have two hikes led by local organizations. The excitement and positive response from the community are palpable, and Rob expresses his hope that these events will make a significant impact.

Overall, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of the Hike for Hope initiative, the importance of mental health awareness, and the power of community support. Rob's insights and personal stories serve as a reminder that we all have a role to play in addressing mental health challenges and supporting one another. Join us as we continue this vital conversation and work towards making a difference in our industry and beyond.

In this exciting episode of the Building PA podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Kathy Freeman, the Senior Director of Operations at Amphibious Medics. Kathy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in safety management, and we dive deep into the critical topic of managing injuries in the construction industry.

From the outset, Jon and Chris express their enthusiasm for the conversation, highlighting the importance of safety in ensuring that workers return home safely to their families. Kathy shares her passion for safety and her commitment to creating a culture that prioritizes the well-being of employees. She emphasizes that the goal of safety programs should not only be to achieve zero injuries but also to sustain that success over time.

Kathy recounts her impressive track record at Mortenson, where she played a pivotal role in breaking safety records and fostering a culture of accountability and trust. She explains that building strong relationships with team members is essential for a successful safety program, as it encourages open communication about injuries rather than hiding them out of fear.

The discussion shifts to the evolution of injury management in the industry. Kathy reflects on how the approach has changed from a reactive mindset—where injuries were often dismissed or treated with medication—to a more holistic view that prioritizes employee care and well-being. She shares a compelling story about a superintendent who benefited from alternative treatments like massage therapy and yoga, illustrating the positive impact of a caring approach to injury management.

As the conversation progresses, Kathy offers valuable advice for smaller companies looking to implement effective injury management programs. She encourages them to leverage resources from their insurance brokers and to foster a culture of trust by being present in the field and understanding their employees' needs.

Kathy also discusses the importance of measuring the success of injury management programs, noting that a key indicator is when employees feel comfortable reporting injuries without fear of repercussions. This trust leads to proactive communication and ultimately contributes to a safer work environment.

In closing, Kathy expresses her excitement about her new role at Amphibious Medics and the opportunity to make a broader impact on injury management across the nation. She is eager to share her philosophy and work with a team that aligns with her values.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the construction industry, as it sheds light on the often-overlooked aspect of managing injuries and emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of safety and care. Join us for this insightful conversation that not only highlights the challenges but also offers practical solutions for improving safety in the workplace.

In this exciting episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien celebrate the culmination of their fourth season by announcing the winners of the inaugural 2024 Podcast Awards. With a focus on recognizing outstanding contributions within the construction industry, the hosts reflect on the journey of the podcast since its inception in the spring of 2020.

The hosts dive into the details of the awards, which were determined by listener votes across three categories: Most Interesting Topic, Best Advice for the Industry, and Best Community Impact.

1. Most Interesting Topic: The award goes to Steve Powers from Novingers for his episode on prefab construction, which garnered 42% of the votes. Chris and Jon reminisce about their field trip to Novingers, where they witnessed the impressive prefab process firsthand. They highlight the significance of prefab construction in enhancing efficiency and productivity in the industry.
2. Best Advice for the Industry: Darren Rech from Alexander Building Construction Company takes home this award for his insightful discussion on improving toolbox talk delivery. The hosts emphasize the importance of engaging workers during these talks and how Darren's advice can revitalize this essential practice in the construction field.
3. Best Community Impact: Sonya Bohmann from the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention is recognized for her impactful episode addressing mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. Chris and Jon commend the relevance of this topic and share the behind-the-scenes effort that went into recording this episode, especially the quick turnaround to ensure it aired during Suicide Prevention Week.

Chris and Jon also announce the Listener of the Year award, which goes to Chris Lalevee from Operating Engineers Local Union 825. We celebrate Chris's dedication to promoting the podcast and engaging with the content, highlighting the importance of community involvement in the industry.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Jon express their gratitude to all nominees and guests, reinforcing their commitment to delivering valuable content that resonates with listeners. We encourage everyone to explore the extensive catalog of over 200 episodes available on our website, buildingpapodcast.com, and invite potential guests to reach out with topics of interest.

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to our followers for being part of our podcast community - here's to 2025!