The upcoming 2026 Safety and Health Conference is more than an industry event—it’s a movement to protect and empower the people who build our world. Among this year’s featured keynote speakers is Dr. Justin Azbill, PhD, a national leader in construction safety, mental health advocacy and organizational leadership.
Meet Dr. Justin Azbill
With more than 30 years of leadership in the construction industry, Dr. Azbill is known for his grit, authenticity, and unwavering advocacy for America’s trade professionals. His mission: to elevate the people who build this nation through leadership rooted in integrity, vulnerability, and purpose.
Dr. Azbill’s career includes senior roles at Kiewit Power, Suffolk Construction, Cannistraro, Callahan Construction, and MILWAUKEE TOOL, shaping safety standards and organizational culture. His leadership has earned numerous honors, including:
- OSHA VPP Star Award – first awarded to a construction site in Region 1
- MCAA MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional Award
- NSC Safety Excellence Award
- ABC Platinum STEP Award
Keynote Session: From Life-Altering Hardship to Mindset Advocate
This powerful session invites safety professionals to explore the intersection of mental health and leadership through the lens of lived experience. Azbill shares his deeply personal journey—from a near-death experience with suicide to becoming a passionate advocate for mindset awareness in the construction industry.
With raw honesty and professional insight, Azbill sheds light on:
- The hidden struggles of masking and silent suffering on job sites and in boardrooms
- Why leaders must embrace empathy and vulnerability
- How proactive mindset maintenance can transform organizational culture
This is more than a motivational talk—it’s a movement toward a workplace where mental health is prioritized, vulnerability is embraced, and leadership is redefined.
Beyond the Keynote
Azbill is also the creator of The Human Side of Leadership, a groundbreaking program that challenges traditional leadership models by emphasizing emotional intelligence, mental health awareness, and authentic connection. As a founding member of Safety for Safety (S4S), he leads national conversations on psychological safety, self-care, and suicide prevention in the trades.
Why You Should Attend
Azbill’s message is clear:
Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about courage, connection, and doing what’s right.
His keynote will empower you to:
- Build safer, healthier job sites
- Foster a culture of trust and accountability
- Lead with empathy and authenticity
Reserve your spot today and join us in shaping the future of construction safety.
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