Transforming Safety Culture: Lessons from Colby Davis at Ervin Cable Construction

OK everyone, this one is packed with insight and action. If you lead people in construction, or any high-risk environment, this episode of The Canary Report: Safety & Risk Management is going to challenge the way you think about safety. I sat down with Colby Davis, Director of Safety at Ervin Cable Construction, and what he shared is nothing short of transformative.

Colby has a big job. He oversees safety for 1,700 employees across a nationwide telecommunications construction firm, and under his leadership, the company’s incident rate dropped from industry average to an astonishing 0.1. But this isn’t about flashy stats or checking boxes; it’s about building a culture where every employee knows they matter, every action counts, and safety is something we live, not just measure.

Safety Starts with Mindset

One of the first things Colby made clear is his mindset: zero incidents are possible. He doesn’t see that as wishful thinking; it’s a requirement. “If you don’t have the mindset that you can hit zero, you don’t need the job,” he told me. For Colby, safety is personal. He takes seriously the responsibility of ensuring every worker goes home safely each day. That commitment drives decisions, from leadership strategies to frontline training.

This is one of those moments that really hit me. Too often, safety conversations are framed around compliance or “acceptable” numbers. Colby challenges that thinking. He insists on eliminating excuses and building systems that make zero incidents achievable. And that philosophy permeates every part of the safety program at Ervin Cable Construction.

The Three E’s Framework: Educate, Empower, Enforce

If there’s a single takeaway from Colby’s approach, it’s the Three E’s Framework. He calls it Educate, Empower, Enforce, and it’s a roadmap that any safety leader can adopt.

Educate means more than just running employees through a checklist. Colby emphasizes teaching workers what right and wrong look like, how to identify hazards, the training required for each task, and proper documentation practices. Education sets the foundation.

Empower is where the magic happens. Many companies train workers, but then leave them hesitant to act on what they know. Colby flips that model: he gives employees the confidence, authority, and encouragement to apply their knowledge in the field. Positive reinforcement, “carrots” instead of “sticks,” drives behavior that lasts.

Enforce completes the cycle. It’s about holding everyone accountable, but in a way that aligns with the culture of empowerment rather than fear. By consistently applying the Three E’s, Colby’s team has not only reduced incidents dramatically but also created a shared responsibility for safety across all levels of the organization.

Comprehensive Driver Training: Safety on Wheels

One of the most impressive parts of Ervin Cable’s safety program is its driver training approach. Colby doesn’t take for granted that all employees can safely operate commercial vehicles. They’ve implemented a multi-step, interactive training program that combines Liberty Mutual’s research-backed curriculum with elements specific to Ervin Cable’s operations and vehicle types.

Drivers complete five learning modules, pass practical exams, and demonstrate hazard awareness through “commentary drives” with certified instructors. They learn to spot hazards up to 400 feet ahead, a skill that literally saves lives. Colby’s approach proves that investing in thorough, hands-on training pays dividends in safety outcomes. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about competence and confidence.

Data-Driven Safety: Predict, Don’t Punish

Another area where Colby is breaking new ground is in safety analytics. Ervin Cable built a sophisticated algorithm that aggregates data across multiple indicators: human performance metrics, training compliance, crew assignments, productivity data, and inspection records. The goal isn’t punitive; it’s proactive.

The system acts as an early warning mechanism, highlighting where additional support or training is needed before an incident occurs. Colby says, “We’re not using data to punish. We’re using it to prevent.” This is a mindset shift that every safety leader should consider: move from reactive management to predictive prevention. The results speak for themselves: record-low incident rates without sacrificing productivity.

Blended Learning for Maximum Impact

Safety education at Ervin Cable doesn’t rely solely on online modules, and it doesn’t rely solely on in-person training. Colby champions a blended approach. Online learning provides the foundational knowledge, addresses language barriers, and familiarizes employees with procedures. But real-world competency only comes through hands-on practice.

Workers demonstrate proper techniques and hazard awareness in controlled settings before performing tasks independently. This hybrid method ensures training sticks, improves field performance, and maximizes efficiency. Colby’s advice for safety professionals: don’t choose between online or in-person training, use both strategically.

Leadership in Action: Mindset Meets Systems

Throughout our conversation, one theme kept emerging: safety isn’t a set of rules; it’s a mindset backed by systems and leadership. Colby’s programs work because they integrate philosophy, training, technology, and accountability. He’s creating an environment where employees feel supported, informed, and empowered to act safely.

That human element, caring about people, is what makes safety programs sustainable. Metrics matter, but culture drives behavior. Colby doesn’t just manage compliance; he nurtures a culture that motivates people to do the right thing because they understand why it matters and feel confident in doing it.

Why This Matters

You might be thinking, “This sounds great, but can it work for my company?” The answer is yes. Colby’s principles are scalable, practical, and transferable to any high-risk environment. Whether you’re managing a nationwide workforce or leading a local crew, the lessons from this episode apply:

• Adopt a mindset that zero incidents is possible, and refuse to accept excuses.
  
  
• Educate employees thoroughly, empower them to act confidently, and enforce standards consistently.
  
  
• Invest in hands-on training, particularly for high-risk tasks like driving or equipment operation.
  
  
• Leverage data as a preventative tool, not a punitive one.
  
  
• Combine online learning with field practice for maximum retention and competence.
  
  

Final Takeaways

Talking with Colby reminded me why I started The Canary Report: because safety isn’t just compliance, it’s about people, leadership, and making sure everyone goes home safely. Colby’s approach proves that when you lead with care, accountability, and data-driven insights, you can transform safety culture from a checklist into a shared value that drives performance and protects lives.

If you lead people, this episode will challenge your assumptions, inspire new approaches, and give you practical tools to make safety real on the ground.

👉 Don’t miss this episode of The Canary Report: Safety & Risk Management with Colby Davis. 

Whether you’re a safety leader, construction executive, or operations manager, this conversation will change the way you think about workplace safety.

🎧 Listen here:

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4hsHfld
Spotify: https://bit.ly/47DetuL
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tj0BG7mpaYQ