How Highway Leaders Build a Safety Culture

July 15, 2026
Listed in Daily Tasks

I've attended plenty of safety meetings over the years. I've watched countless training videos, sat through toolbox talks, and reviewed more safety policies than I can remember. Those things all have their place. Every highway department needs rules, procedures, and training. But during my years as a deputy highway superintendent in upstate New York, I came to believe that a genuine safety culture isn't built in a conference room. It's built in the everyday interactions between p…continue

Why Every Highway Department Should Track Potholes

July 13, 2026
Listed in Asset Management

Every highway department fills potholes. It's one of those jobs that never truly ends and, put plainly, potholes are a massive pain in the ass. As soon as you think you've caught up, another freeze-thaw cycle, heavy rain, or overloaded truck creates a fresh crop of pavement failures that demand attention. Because pothole repair is such a routine task, many departments simply fix them and move on. Once the hole is filled, the paperwork ends. In my opinion, that's a missed opportunity.…continue

Yes, Virginia, You Can Be Sued as a Civil Servant

July 11, 2026
Listed in Administration

Santa Claus may not exist, but personal legal liability for negligence in your duties as a civil servant certainly does. That may sound like a dramatic way to begin an article, but if you have spent any time working in local government, you have probably heard some version of the same comforting myth repeated countless times. "Don't worry. The town will protect you." "You can't be sued personally." "That's what the insurance is for." Maybe. Maybe not. Th…continue

The Little Hazards That Prevent the Big Ones

July 10, 2026
Listed in Daily Tasks

If someone asked a highway employee what the biggest dangers on the job are, the answers would probably be predictable. Working in traffic, operating heavy equipment, tree removal, confined spaces, excavation work, and working around high-voltage electrical lines. These are certainly among the most hazardous tasks performed by highway departments, and they deserve every bit of attention they receive during safety training. But there is another category of hazards that is often overlooked. The li…continue

Safety Is About People, Not Paperwork: Building a Safety Mindset That Lasts

July 8, 2026
Listed in Daily Tasks

For many organizations, safety training is measured by spreadsheets. How many days since the last injury? How many OSHA recordables? How many hours of annual safety training have been completed? These numbers matter. They reduce liability, lower workers' compensation costs, and help ensure regulatory compliance. But if those are the only reasons a department invests in safety, it has missed the point entirely. The real purpose of safety is much simpler. It is about making sure every employee…continue