Virginia Tech has introduced a new major in Construction Safety Leadership offered through the Myers-Lawson School of Construction. This program is designed to meet the growing demand for safety-conscious professionals in the construction industry. The new major aims to equip students with the technical knowledge and leadership skills to address workplace safety, health, and wellness issues.

Based in Blacksburg, Virginia, the program offers a well-rounded curriculum that covers essential topics like hazard identification, risk management, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. The goal is to produce graduates who can assume leadership roles and ensure worker safety and well-being through effective safety protocols and management techniques.

The major features five core courses designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills:

• Construction Safety Systems: A foundational course exploring the application of management systems in construction safety operations.
• Construction Health and Safety: This course delves into the regulations set by governing agencies like OSHA and how they apply to construction projects.
• Controlling Construction Safety Hazards: Focuses on developing cognitive skills for identifying and managing safety hazards.
• Construction Safety Culture: Explores the impact of organizational culture on safety practices, emphasizing leadership’s role in fostering a safety-first mindset.
• Construction Industry Futures: Safety, Health, and Wellness: Evaluates future trends, including integrating robotics and emerging technologies to improve safety outcomes.

“These five courses are designed to position our students as leaders in construction safety,” said Brian Kleiner, Director of the Myers-Lawson School of Construction. “Our industry partners are already expressing interest in hiring graduates for roles as safety engineers, managers, and directors.”

Construction companies face increasing safety challenges due to complex projects, evolving technologies, and a stigma surrounding safety in the industry, making the launch of this program very timely. In 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that five out of its top ten most commonly violated safety standards were linked to the construction industry; this new major reflects Virginia Tech’s commitment to advancing construction safety while preparing students for leadership positions that will make a meaningful impact in the industry.

“I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of a safety-first culture,” said A. Ross Myers, co-founder of the school and CEO of Allan Myers, the largest heavy civil construction company and materials provider in the Mid-Atlantic. “This program is essential to ensuring that construction professionals make safety their top priority.” His company has a stellar safety record, significantly outperforming industry standards.

This major reinforces the importance of safety and prepares students for long-term success in leadership roles, fostering a culture of safety and responsibility across the construction sector​.