Meet Chris Abbs, Director of Health and Safety at B&K Enterprises. With a passion for ensuring workplace safety, Chris has built a great relationship with our field staff and loves organizing our semi-annual company-wide safety meetings. These gatherings are important for developing a robust safety culture and providing a fun and engaging way to bring everyone together.
Tell us about yourself and what led you to pursue a career in H&S.
I was born in Nebraska and spent most of my childhood in Washington State. I didn’t really know what I wanted to be when I was growing up, so I have worked in a variety of industries in my life, and I have grown to enjoy construction the most. I like the idea that every day doesn’t have to be the same and that every process can be open to outside-the-box thinking. Health and Safety was admittedly not front of mind when I was younger. Myself, as well as many people I worked with, could have been considered walking OSHA violations. It was actually working with a flagging company that started to get me interested. When I saw how little some motorists seem to respect highway workers, it changed something in me. In my mind, it was one thing to risk my own life for my job, but it was not okay that many others would put it at risk through their own negligence.
Slowly, I came to realize that if I could be upset that a motorist won’t act as if they value my life, then I should be just as upset with myself for risking it at work. Then a near-miss accident sealed the deal for me. I decided to meet with our company President and make an “I can be that guy” pitch to take over our health and safety function. He took a chance on me, and the rest is history.
What has been your favorite project or initiative so far?
I would say our semi-annual company-wide safety meetings. It’s nice to get everyone together and focus on workplace health and safety, while also having fun.
What is your favorite thing about working for B&K Enterprises?
The people and the culture. I have worked for many companies that treat their employees like a number, or like company property. B&K Enterprises is very people-oriented in a way that I have not seen before.
What advice do you have for new employees?
Never EVER be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they are irrelevant or unnecessary.
Thank you, Chris!
