In this episode, we talk with Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety, about how leadership drives construction safety culture across teams and why that can determine structural success or failure. We cover insights from major builds, how military values shape site safety leadership, and ways structural engineers lead safety—even remotely.

Engineering Quotes:











Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Shawn Galloway:



On major projects like the Houston airport expansion, what’s your approach to setting construction safety culture priorities from day one?

In roles where structural engineers aren’t physically present on site, how can they still demonstrate strong safety ownership in engineering?

What strategies help engage large teams early in the planning process to ensure alignment of safety goals in construction?

How do you sustain a construction safety culture across all project phases, especially when teams and conditions change?

What can individuals at the field level do to influence leadership and elevate safety on a project?

Which safety challenges in construction are most common, and how can early design choices help mitigate them?

How has your military background influenced the way you approach site safety leadership in your work?

On large projects with multiple contractors and teams, how do you build true shared safety ownership in construction?

When budgets are tight, what’s the most effective way to show that investing in construction risk mitigation adds real value?



Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How Structural Engineers Strengthen Construction Safety Culture:





Every successful safety effort begins by defining what success looks like beyond avoiding injuries. Teams set clear expectations, involve key stakeholders, and establish feedback loops to guide decisions from day one.

Structural engineers lead by consistently elevating safety in conversations, documentation, and decision-making. Being intentional about their role, even from a distance, helps align field conditions with design intent.

Engagement starts when people are invited to contribute their input and perspectives at the beginning. Involving those closest to the work leads to stronger alignment and more meaningful ownership.

Sustaining a construction safety culture requires consistent messaging, visible leadership, and clear expectations at every stage. Communication and accountability remain steady even when team members rotate or site conditions shift.

Field professionals lead by example and build trust through consistent, informed actions. Asking thoughtful questions and forming strong relationships helps bring attention to safety from the ground up.

Common challenges include poor communication, incorrect assumptions, and errors in load paths or materials. Proactive safety planning and coordination reduce risk before construction begins.

Military experience reinforces the value of discipline, preparedness, and accountability across teams. It shapes a mindset where safety and mission success both depend on shared responsibility and clarity.

Shared ownership happens when each contractor feels connected to the overall goal and understands why safety matters. Giving people a voice and space to contribute creates stronger alignment and commitment.

Strong safety performance signals healthy leadership and reliable project delivery. Demonstrating how safety links to schedule, quality, and cost helps decision-makers see it as essential rather than optional.



More Details in This Episode…

About Shawn Galloway:

Shawn is the CEO of the global consultancy ProAct Safety and has over 20 years of experience in safety systems, strategy, culture, leadership,