By Esau T. Ramos

The recent establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with backing from President-elect and Real Estate Developer Donald Trump, aims to streamline government by reducing bureaucracy and cutting “red tape.” While efficiency is commendable, I want to bring attention to a critical question: Will this drive for speed and cost-cutting undermine essential safety and environmental protections, particularly in construction? My goal is to raise awareness about the balance needed to protect what matters most.

The Cost of Cutting Corners: Lessons from History

There is a well-documented history of deregulation in the construction industry leading to unintended – and sometimes tragic – consequences. For instance, the UK’s cladding crisis is a stark reminder of what can happen when oversight weakens. In that case, reduced scrutiny and self-certification of building materials created serious safety risks for residents and firefighters alike. This tragedy underscores the danger of prioritizing speed and cost savings over a strong regulatory framework, particularly concerning materials and structural safety.

On a personal revelation, Imagine, for instance, if 50,000 homes each cover just 500 square feet. That adds up to 25 million square feet of land covered, displacing a massive volume of water. Without proper drainage systems, this will lead to millions of gallons of runoff water, causing flooding, erosion, and contamination of local water sources. Sadly we’ve observed many residential “real estate flippers” attempting to add square footage clandestinely and without proper permitting and infrastructure to support the land we cover, we risk significant consequences.

Our Silent Guardians: OSHA and Environmental Protections

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces standards that protect workers and the public. Environmental protections also play a key role, ensuring that construction practices don’t jeopardize ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources. Balancing safety, environmental stewardship, and efficiency is no easy task; however, it’s one that we must not overlook. For example, a recent mandate for states to establish comprehensive safety plans for federally funded road construction highlights a commitment to worker and driver safety.

A Reckoning for Our Industry: Choosing Responsibility Over Speed

Efficiency and integrity should not be mutually exclusive. To everyone who believes in safe, sustainable construction, this is a call to stay vigilant. Yes, we should welcome innovation, but not at the expense of safety or sustainability.

Me, coming home after a long day of painting – where my hands-on journey in the industry began.

Reflecting on my journey—from working with my family in construction through challenging times to founding BIG—I understand the importance of balancing efficiency with integrity. As new initiatives like the Department of Government Efficiency take shape, it’s essential to stay mindful of the people and protections that form the backbone of this industry. I’m not here to say these priorities will be overlooked but to ensure that we all stay aware of their importance. By fostering an ongoing dialogue, we can collectively support a future where innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility work hand in hand. If there’s an opportunity for us to contribute to this vision, I’m here to help in any way I can.

And if you’re as passionate about building a better future as I am, then I’d say we’ve already got something in common. Here’s to creating meaningful connections along the way.

PS. We invite you to explore roles that champion these values on our START CAREER page.