Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace: ‘A safety issue’

Sharing the journey

After instances in which he’s been treated differently on a jobsite – ostensibly because he’s Black – Russell practices perseverance. “For me, being a professional and priding myself on being exactly that, I just look at it as one challenge among many that ultimately you have to find a way to rise above and overcome,” he said.

Experts stress that creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces requires similar resolve. Martin called it a shared journey of consistent improvement – one she relates to a quote from late writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou:

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

“Safety, particularly physical safety, is just one aspect of caring about the people in the workplace that you’re trying to get good work out of,” Daniels said. “Inclusion and diversity has limited effectiveness as a program. It has to be a value.”