Get to Know Laborer Dale Sisco

Dale Sisco, a laborer in SPG Construction out of Portland, has been with McKinstry for over four years. He was recognized in our Safety Excellence Recognition program for demonstrating our Ask for Help pillar while on the job. Dale stopped work to get extra help to lift a heavy assembly from the floor to a standing position. He went from the fabrication shop to the toolroom to find help and was able to avoid a possible back strain or further injury.

In the Q&A below, learn more about Dale’s role at McKinstry and how he chooses to own safety every day.

Learn More About Dale’s Experience

What is your role at McKinstry/ how did you get there? Why do you choose to “own safety?” How do you “own safety” on the job? How would you describe McKinstry’s safety culture? What do you feel is the best way to encourage safety awareness? What do you do when you’re not working/ what’s one thing about you that would surprise other people?

What is your role at McKinstry/ how did you get there?

When I started with McKinstry over four years ago, I knew someone that was already a laborer here and found out that they were looking for more people, so he requested me, and I was brought onto the team.

Why do you choose to “own safety?”

I’m a big family guy. We do a lot of family functions and activities. I focus on staying safe because if I hurt myself at work, it makes it difficult to enjoy life outside of work. I’m also a new grandpa so after my granddaughter was born, it made me focus a lot more on slowing down and not pushing myself as much as I used to. There’s so much more to think about.

How do you “own safety” on the job?

I always make sure pre-tasks are done and proper PPE is set before the job even starts. Most importantly, I do job walks. If you do a job walk first, you know what you’re getting into, and you can prepare for your safety as the job goes on, so you are not going into anything unprepared.

How would you describe McKinstry’s safety culture?

Our safety culture is amazing. Everyone in the Portland office focuses on it. Safety is always talked about, and they give us the option to stop work if we don’t feel safe. We can speak up and there’s no harm, no foul. A lot of places would just tell you to get the job done, but McKinstry is not that way.

What do you feel is the best way to encourage safety awareness?

Just talk about it. If you see someone doing something that’s unsafe, speak up. I don’t think anybody faults anyone for that. If I see an act that’s unsafe, I’ll say something and explain why I feel it’s unsafe so they understand the danger of what could happen.

What do you do when you’re not working/ what’s one thing about you that would surprise other people?

My wife and I love to camp and ride our Harley in our free time. We also love to travel; we take at least one trip to Mexico every year. Our safety is important in all of our hobbies, especially with the Harley. We always wear full gear and full-face helmets no matter where we go on the bike. We also ride in groups so it’s easier to see us on the road.