‘Shift by shift, decision by decision’

CEO Ward Nye emphasizes situational awareness during mid-year safety message

In his mid-year safety address to Martin Marietta, Chair and CEO Ward Nye announced that, based on incidence rates, the first half of 2025 represented the safest start to any calendar year in the company’s history.

Delivered at the onset of summer (traditionally the company’s busiest season), the message acknowledged not only the organization’s success but the ongoing need for diligence and focus while maintaining safe work across the enterprise.

“With the first half of 2025 completed, I’m pleased to note that, from a trailing indicator perspective, the past six months marked the safest start to any year in Martin Marietta’s history. That’s a real achievement that should make us all proud,” Nye said.
“As ONE team, our reportable injury incidence rate and total injury incidence rate continue to surpass world-class levels. However, this type of safety excellence doesn’t just materialize over a six-month period. Rather, it emerges shift by shift and decision by decision.”

While discussing a cornerstone of Martin Marietta’s safety best practices, Nye challenged every team member to place greater attention on situational awareness.

“Strong situational awareness comes when we recognize the various environmental factors present in our operations and understand how they may impact our work,” he said.

Nye further singled out line-of-fire incidents as common and recurring hazards that have a significant impact across the broader industry. To reduce the risks of line-of-fire incidents, he called on all Wingmen to properly lock-out, tag-out and try-out, maintain safe positioning during tasks, and exercise heightened vigilance around mobile equipment.

While noting the need to recognize potential workplace hazards, Nye encouraged ONE team members to take decisive steps to eliminate or control the risk — whether through immediate action or engineered solutions.

Safe work, Nye said, requires unwavering commitment.

“Safety remains our preeminent value, not simply for Martin Marietta’s benefit, but for your families, friends, partners, and children—the people behind your reasons for safe work,” he said.
“With all of this in mind, it’s up to you to make the right decisions each and every day.”