Richard Castro’s dedication has led him to one of California’s highest honors in safety leadership–the inaugural AGC of California Individual Safety Effort of a Frontline Foreman Award.
Richard started his career with Hensel Phelps in the Southern California Region 17 years ago as a young, eager labor apprentice, immediately wanting to make an impact. He was the first to volunteer for any task that many would say is difficult or scary, whether that be cutting guardrail posts with a torch, operating a boom lift 90 feet in the air or manning a hose during a concrete placement. Now, as a foreman with 13 years of leadership experience, Richard continues to lead by example, never asking his crew to perform work he would not do himself. His philosophy is simple and unwavering: every worker deserves to go home safe, every day, to their friends and families.
As Richard plans work, he guides others through the step-by-step process of identifying hazards and developing mitigation strategies, ensuring buy-in and a better understanding of the overall plan. Richard approaches safety with a questioning approach, asking members on the crew questions like, “What worked or didn’t work last time? What’s our plan if we encounter issues? Has anyone done this before?” This collaborative approach not only improves hazard recognition but also fosters ownership of safety among crew members.
Richard is deeply involved in training. When he sees a new or upcoming hazard the team will encounter, he holds interactive sessions with hands-on demonstrations and real-world scenarios from past projects. These actions reinforce his commitment to leading by example and providing an environment that is engaging and accessible to every worker.
“Richard’s approach to safety creates an environment where every worker is respected, heard and empowered to return home safely each day.”
— Regional Vice President, Damian Buessing
Richard Castro embodies the qualities of a true safety leader–visionary, proactive and deeply committed to protecting those around him. His mentorship and dedication to continuous improvement distinguish him as an exemplary foreman.
