Building a Culture of Safety at McGill: An Interview with Mike Patton
At McGill, safety is more than a checklist, it’s a commitment embedded in the culture of every project and every employee. Since June is National Safety Month, we sat down with Mike Patton, the Construction Services Practice Area Leader, to discuss how McGill is taking action to ensure the health and safety of field and office staff.
Prioritizing Safety from Day One
“Every employee at McGill receives a Health and Safety Manual and role-specific safety training,” says Patton. From engineers visiting sites once or twice a year to those who are on-site weekly, the level of training is tailored to their exposure.”
That training includes:
- OSHA 10-Hour Certification for employees who make occasional site visits
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification for those who regularly visit construction sites (this certification includes a mandatory test)
- In-House Safety Training, which is required company-wide
This tiered approach ensures everyone understands the general safety protocols and how to stay safe in real-world, high-risk environments.
A Collaborative Approach to Safety Improvements
When asked about a key safety improvement, Patton credits teamwork: “Over the past few years, I’ve worked closely with Bill Hunigan (Knoxville Construction Administrator) and Lisa Watts (Executive Assistant) to define the right level of safety training for our staff. Autumn Bishop (Senior Training and Development Specialist) has been instrumental in getting this rolled out.”
This kind of collaboration reflects McGill’s proactive stance—identifying needs, working across departments, and implementing changes that last.
On-Site Awareness: The Human Factor
According to Patton, one of the most overlooked aspects of job site safety is communication with the general contractor. “Too many times, visitors forget to check in with the contractor or superintendent. But it’s their site, and they deserve to know you’re there, especially if you’re entering a high-risk area. Each project is different and has different risks,” he says.
Equipping Employees for Success
McGill ensures that safety isn’t just theoretical. Field team members are issued their own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and any other employee can request PPE when needed.
The Road Ahead: Safety as a Core Value
Looking to the future, Patton hopes to see safety training even more deeply engrained in the onboarding process. “We’ve already started this, but we want safety to be an automatic part of the culture at McGill.”
Why National Safety Month Matters
June marks National Safety Month, and for Patton, it is a meaningful reminder of what is at stake. “It’s not just about completing a project on time and on budget. It’s about making sure everyone goes home safe to their families at the end of the day.”
At McGill safety isn’t just a box to check—it’s a responsibility we’re committed to upholding.
