Damien Hayden, a loss control construction specialist at Central Insurance, is on a mission to improve safety in the construction industry. With years of hands-on experience in the field, Hayden knows that safety is more than just a checklist; it’s a way of thinking. His journey in construction began with large concrete projects in Houston and continued with major commercial projects in Montana. After a chance meeting with an insurance representative, he shifted his focus to loss control, aiming to help contractors protect their workers and their businesses.
“I’ve been the guy out there working in the mud. I know what it takes to build a project and where things can go wrong,” Hayden said. This real-world experience allows him to have open and honest discussions with contractors about safety.
Hayden’s career started at Baker Construction, the largest concrete contractor in the U.S. He later returned to Montana to work on significant commercial projects. Just as he was preparing to join Mortenson to work on wind farms, he was introduced to the world of insurance. He discovered that his background could help him make a difference in loss control.
For seven years, Hayden worked with another insurer, leading loss control efforts across nine states. His connection with Scott Zemberi, Central’s senior director of construction underwriting, drew him to Central Insurance. Hayden appreciated Zemberi’s vision for the industry and wanted to be part of it.
At Central, Hayden’s main goal is to build strong relationships that lead to better safety outcomes. He believes that every construction job is unique, and understanding the specific challenges contractors face is essential. “You can’t speak in generalizations,” he noted. His credibility comes from having been on the job site, which helps him earn the trust of contractors.
Hayden emphasizes that loss control is not about assigning blame. Instead, he sees himself as a partner who helps contractors improve safety and efficiency. When he visits a job site, he looks for signs of a strong safety culture, such as alignment among project managers and workers feeling empowered to speak up about hazards.
He also keeps an eye on emerging technologies that can enhance safety. Hayden believes that tools like AI and digital telematics are crucial for improving building methods. For example, virtual design tools allow teams to identify potential issues before construction begins, reducing risks and improving communication.
As Hayden continues to work with contractors, he measures success by the positive feedback he receives. When contractors tell him that his recommendations made a difference, he knows he’s achieving his goal of creating safer job sites and more successful businesses.
At Central Insurance, the commitment to construction safety is long-term. With experts like Hayden on board, the company aims to provide valuable support that helps reduce risks and improve operations in the construction industry.