This week, Francis welcomes Tomlinson Health and Safety Team members, Tracy Parks and Matt Szymczyk, for a deep dive into the critical role of health and safety within the construction industry. Sharing personal experiences, including the unique paths that led them to their current positions, Tracy and Matt explore not only the importance of safety in the workplace but also the relationships and culture-building efforts that ensure safety is an ingrained value across every project.

Throughout the conversation, our guests emphasize the often-overlooked challenges of getting workers to prioritize safety, noting that their own roles go far beyond enforcement. From recounting humorous on-site stories to addressing common misconceptions about the Health and Safety Team, they reflect on the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and leading by example. Whether it’s navigating the intricacies of safety regulations or building trust with construction crews, this dynamic duo offer listeners valuable insights on how to create and maintain safer, more effective work environments.

Episode Highlights:

• Tracy Parks and Matt Szymczyk’s roles at Tomlinson
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• Unexpected paths into health and safety roles
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• Importance of building relationships with crews
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• Balance of enforcement and mentorship
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• Use of humor to foster trust and compliance
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• Shift toward proactive safety culture at Tomlinson
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• COR Certification
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• Critical role of project management in safety
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• Flexibility in addressing on-site safety challenges
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• Integrating safety into both work and home life

"The success of Tomlinson is built on its people. Construction is very much a family."

"I've been in the construction industry since I was 15. Safety was ingrained in me."

"We're not safety officers; we're mentors. We're here to coach, not to catch mistakes."

"Building relationships is key. When safety comes on site, it should be a welcome sight."

"Take 60 seconds before starting a task. Look around. It could save a life."

"Ask if you're unsure. There's always someone with more experience who can help."

"COR is an audit of our safety program. It's about practicing what we preach."

"Safety starts from the top down. Project managers need to be present and involved."

"We're here to ensure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day."

Links:

Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/

Welcome to another episode of Red Army Radio, your go-to source for insights on the construction industry, innovation, and the people behind Tomlinson Group of Companies. In this episode, host Francis Brazeau dives into the world of surveying with team leader Silvana Ruiz-Klinar and her colleagues Riley Boyle and Parker Armstrong. Together, they shed light on the critical role the survey team plays in Tomlinson's construction projects and discuss how emerging technologies like GPS integration, drone services, and 3D modeling streamline operations.

Throughout the episode, the survey team gives an in-depth look at their daily operations and how they manage the constant challenges of project demands, design changes, and last-minute emergencies. They explain the importance of customer support, advanced planning, and how cutting-edge technologies like LiDAR and intelligent machines enhance productivity and safety in the field. The team also highlights the unique culture of collaboration and support that sets them apart, fostering a strong bond that extends beyond the workday. Tune in here today as these talented professionals share how all these factors help deliver efficient, precise, and safe results for various projects across Ottawa.

• The role of the survey team in construction, from tender phase to project completion
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• Integration of GPS, drones, and 3D modeling for enhanced precision
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• Managing workload and last-minute design changes in construction projects
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• Advanced technologies like LiDAR, intelligent machines, and tilt compensation
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• The collaborative culture within the survey team and the importance of mutual support
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• The use of drone services for stockpile management and progress visualization
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• Standardizing processes to improve communication and project efficiency

"The success of Tomlinson is built on its people."

"Our days are pretty sporadic, but the mornings are a lot like putting out fires."

"Survey is the key piece in construction—everything starts with us."

"We create designs so they know where to put the curbs, sidewalks, and structures."

"We upload 3D models into machines so operators can visualize what they haven’t built yet."

"Our drone flights allow clients to see job progress visually—it’s very cool technology."

"Everything's within spec, from the tender phase to the end of the project."

"Communication is key - the more involved the project team is, the smoother everything runs."

"We’re always learning new tech—LiDAR allows us to see through trees now."

"It's all about supporting each other, being efficient, and making sure everything’s done right."

Links:

Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/

In this latest episode of Red Army Radio, host Francis Brazeau interviews Janine Charron, a relatively new Business Development Representative at the Tomlinson Group whose lengthy list of achievements also includes podcast host, TEDX and international speaker, and Professional Athlete Mindset & Resiliency Development Coach. With only three months on the job at Tomlinson, Janine reflects on her transition from the wheelchair industry, the challenges she faced during onboarding, and how her background in athletics and business has seamlessly integrated her into the team. Her discussion with Francis here today highlights the critical role of teamwork, the vibrant company culture, and the innovative mindset that drives Tomlinson’s success.

Listeners are offered a deep dive into Janine’s approach, which emphasizes hands-on learning, shadowing seasoned colleagues, and building strong relationships within the company. She shares her enthusiasm for Tomlinson’s dedication to safety, sustainability, and the environment, particularly through her experiences at the waste recovery center. The episode showcases how her athletic discipline and resilience have shaped her professional journey, making her a perfect fit for Tomlinson’s dynamic culture. Ultimately, Janine’s story, as shared here today, is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of a supportive and innovative work environment, and underscores Tomlinson’s commitment to fostering growth through collaboration and continuous improvement.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Janine, a new Business Development Representative at Tomlinson Group.
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• Janine’s transition from a previous career in the wheelchair industry to her role at Tomlinson.
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• The importance of hands-on learning, shadowing, and asking questions in the onboarding process.
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• The significance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration within Tomlinson.
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• Janine’s passion for sustainability and her experiences touring Tomlinson’s waste recovery center.
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• The impact of Janine’s athletic background on her professional approach and mindset.
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• Tomlinson’s culture of innovation, growth, and continuous improvement.

Key Takeaways:

"When I see an opportunity, I want something, I go after it. Hence the nickname Tiger."

"Work smart, not hard. I wanted to mirror who was successful in my role before."

"This industry blows my mind. It's remarkable."

"Being part of the environmental team and seeing what we do with sustainability is just incredible."

"Teamwork is so important to me. If I show up for them, they're going to show up for me."

"I'm passionate about doing anything that's impactful to other people outside myself."

"Tomlinson’s commitment to growth and innovation really excited me."

"The sky is the limit here, and they’re open to creation."

"I thrive on working in a team. I felt like this was the perfect fit."

Links:

Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/

Janine Charron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-charron-a69050139/