Spend enough time on a construction jobsite, and you’ll quickly learn that safety isn’t a checklist—it’s a mindset. For Damien Hayden, loss control construction specialist at Central Insurance, that insight was forged over the years working in the field. From large-scale concrete work in Houston to supporting the largest commercial construction project in Montana’s history, Hayden built his construction career long before transitioning to insurance. Today, he brings that hands-on experience to his role at Central, supporting construction clients throughout the Southwest region.
Hayden says, “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. My experience helps me have honest conversations with contractors about protecting their people and their bottom line, because I have lived it.”
Read on to learn how Hayden’s real-world experience and relationship-first mindset are helping contractors build safer construction sites and stronger businesses.
From Large Construction to Loss Control
Hayden’s career began at Baker Construction, the largest concrete contractor in the country. He later returned home to Montana to support multiple large-scale commercial projects. While preparing to join Mortenson and build wind farms across North America, a conversation with an insurance rep changed Hayden’s career trajectory.
“I met a guy who thought my background would be a great fit for loss control,” recalls Hayden. “I had never considered an insurance career, but the more I learned, the more I realized this was an opportunity to work in construction from a different angle.”
Hayden spent seven years with the insurer, eventually leading large construction loss control efforts across nine western states. When the opportunity to join Central came along, it didn’t take much convincing.
“I knew Scott Zemberi, Central’s senior director of construction underwriting, from my time in the Northwest. We wrote a lot of great business together and always joked about uniting forces to change the industry,” laughs Hayden. “When I saw what he was building at Central, I wanted to be part of it. The alignment between his vision, enhancing expertise, and building strong relationships was something I was excited to get behind.”
Relationships and Specialization
When it comes to his work, Hayden’s goal is simple: build relationships that lead to better outcomes.
While his long-term focus is growing Central’s construction presence in the West, Hayden knows growth happens one conversation at a time.
Every construction job is unique, and risks evolve daily. Different expectations, timelines, and exposures make specialization key to success.
“In a loss control role, you have to understand the challenges contractors face and the realities of construction projects. You can’t speak in generalizations,” Hayden says. “Every visit and conversation is different. Contractors can tell when you’ve been there, done that. Real-world credibility builds trust and sets us up for strong partnerships.”
Building a Strong Safety Culture, One Site at a Time
Hayden knows not every contractor welcomes a loss control visit with open arms and is quick to push back against the misperception that loss control is about pointing fingers. Many assume loss control specialists are there to point out problems, assign blame, or issue report cards on safety performance. That perception couldn’t be further from the truth.
“We’re not inspectors,” he notes. “We’re not coming onto a site with a critical mindset; we’re there as partners. Our goal is helping contractors protect their people, become more efficient, and stay competitive.”
When Hadyen steps onto a jobsite, he’s not just looking for safety gear; he’s reading the room.
“A strong safety culture starts at the top,” he says. “It’s immediately apparent if the project manager, superintendent, and foreman are aligned. When crews understand hazards and feel empowered to speak up, that tells me there’s real buy-in.”
Organization also speaks volumes. “Construction sites are busy and ever-changing. But if you see good housekeeping and well-planned staging, that’s usually a sign that safety isn’t being sacrificed for speed.”
Emerging Tech and Trends
Being a strong partner requires staying ahead of emerging industry trends like AI and digital telematics. As Hayden sees it, technology isn’t just about innovation; it’s a tool for embracing smarter, safer building methods. In construction, where deadlines are tight, and margins for error are even tighter, that balance matters.
That’s where technology plays a critical role. Hayden has seen significant strides in virtual design and construction tools, which allow teams to build entire projects digitally before breaking ground.
“When you can walk a site virtually, identify conflicts, and iron out logistics in advance, you’re reducing risk before it even exists,” he explains. “It prevents rework, improves communication, and sets the tone for a safer, more organized job site.”
Hayden is also excited about AI’s growing role as a data-backed tool for analyzing loss trends, streamlining quality control, and informing preconstruction planning. He’s using AI platforms to investigate past incidents and identify patterns across job types, project phases, and subcontractor roles.
“Data helps us give contractors more relevant, targeted recommendations,” he says. “It’s not just about checking a box; it’s about helping them make better real-time decisions to prevent losses.”
Wearable safety tech and drone-based site documentation also stand out as game changers. Hayden, an OSHA-authorized trainer, makes it a point to stay ahead of evolving safety standards and share those insights with contractors in the field.
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Safety Success
What does success look like for Hayden?
“When a contractor tells me a recommendation I gave them worked, that’s a win,” he says. “We want to see improvement over time. Safer sites. Fewer incidents. Successful businesses. That’s the goal of loss control.”
Hayden adds the most significant measure of impact is when crews, not just leadership, feel the difference. “When the workers on the ground feel safe and supported, I know I’m making an impact.”
The Central Difference
At Central, construction is more than a vertical; it’s a long-term commitment. As we continue growing our presence in the space, we’re investing in the resources and expertise, like Hayden’s, that bring real value to our agents and policyholders. Loss control is key in that strategy, helping reduce risk, improve operations, and create safer jobsites.
Hayden brings boots-on-the-ground experience and a relationship-first approach to every visit. He understands the pressures contractors face and works to provide practical, forward-looking support that strengthens outcomes across the board.
“Our goal isn’t to point out problems; it’s to help protect people and better businesses,” he says. “When we can be part of that process, everyone wins.”
From jobsite walkthroughs to emerging tech insights, Hayden is critical in helping Central deliver the strong relationships and specialized support construction accounts need and deserve.
Interested in working with Damien to explore how you can enhance site safety and prevent losses? Reach out to your agent to get started.
Check out the posts below to meet a few other members of Central’s Construction Loss Control team:
The information above is of a general nature and your policy and coverages provided may differ from the examples provided. Please read your policy in its entirety to determine your actual coverage available.
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