Spotlight on Safety: a look at Kraus-Anderson’s Safety Department and annual Safety Week

By Brenden Nickels, Senior Office Assistant

KA Job Site Safety Week

Any form of work can involve hazards, but construction professionals must remain especially attentive to safety protocols. Each May, alongside the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls, Kraus-Anderson holds its annual Job Site Safety Week.

The program supports a strong safety culture by training employees in safe work habits and encouraging them to practice and share those habits at the office and on-site.

Safety culture has evolved over time. Growing research on workplace ergonomics, hazards and well-being has expanded how the industry approaches safety.

“Our industry as a whole is dedicated to making safety culture a top priority for many companies, KA included,” said Jay Vanderleest, director of safety at KA. “Safety is about making sure everyone who comes to the jobsite or the office returns home safely in a better condition than when the day began.”

During KA Safety Week, employees gather while office leaders and superintendents lead discussions on safety and safe work habits. That year’s key jobsite topics included material handling, excavation, scaffolds and fall protection. One or two days typically focused on fall protection to connect KA Safety Week with the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls.

You can be safe and have fun too!

Safety in the Office

At the office, the team focused on managing stress, suicide prevention in construction, repetitive strain, general office-safety practices and the importance of quality sleep.

“Of course there are endless topics of importance that we can focus on, but we do try to mix it up and keep things relevant to trending workplace themes we are seeing,” said Taylor. “We’ve had a lot of great dialogues about well-being and mental health inspired by topics from KA Safety Week. It’s important to talk about these things and give employees the resources they need to be successful.”

While the safety department may have a smaller presence in office settings, it plays an active role on-site and in preconstruction services before work begins.

“We want our business partners and clients to know that keeping everyone who enters our jobsite safe is our No. 1 priority. This is why we like to get involved in the project very early to set these expectations right away,” said Jake.

Safety All Day, Every Day

Each day, the Safety Department visits jobsites for safety inspections. Team members are available by phone to answer questions, discuss concerns and provide support. Seeing jobsites in their regular operating conditions gives the department a clearer view of safety practices across projects.

“We’re definitely connected to each job. We make ourselves accessible to everyone. Our contact information is posted and easy to find for questions and concerns. We value the lives that enter our sites. We want everyone to feel comfortable reaching out if they feel something is amiss. Communication is key to project safety,” said Klitzke.

The organization’s approach also connects with lean construction and safety excellence, engaging project teams in continuous improvement and active safety ownership.

Dedicating an entire week to safety demonstrates a commitment to employees, clients, trade partners and project work. As Klitzke described it, “Safety starts before the job even starts.”

Learn more about Kraus-Anderson construction services and the systems that support safe, successful project delivery.