KA Team Builds Safety Into Every Day
Toolbox talk about safety glove policy.
First of two parts
Suggested Focus Keyphrase: Kraus-Anderson construction safety program
Recently, Kraus-Anderson logged more than 1.3 million worker hours in 2016 without a lost-time accident. This safety performance reflected the participation of employees in the office and in the field. The Safety Team discussed the organization’s multifaceted approach to keeping safety at the forefront of every employee’s awareness.
How Does Kraus-Anderson Keep Up With Safety Training and Safe Work Behaviors as the Company Grows?
Jay Vander Leest, Director of Safety: Safety orientation begins on the first day of employment and is reinforced during the two-day onboarding orientation for new office employees and superintendents each month.
Jobsite-specific orientation is provided to Kraus-Anderson employees and subcontractor employees when they arrive at a work site. On-the-job field training includes weekly toolbox talks. Field employees are also offered five online training classes annually, along with additional training on a range of topics as needed.
What Were the Safety Highlights Over the Past Year?
Jake Leoni, ARM, CHST, CRIS, Safety Coordinator: Over the past year, Kraus-Anderson fully implemented jobsite safety orientation for new projects, a Safety Best Practices Program and iAuditor for safety inspections.
At the time of publication, the organization had zero lost-time claims for 2016, one of the lowest experience modification rates in company history, zero OSHA citations over the previous 31 months and a total recordable incident rate well below the industry average.
“It is an exciting time for the safety department and Kraus-Anderson,” Leoni said. “To stay on top, everyone must remain diligent and continue improving the safety culture.”
Learn more about OSHA 30 training and how Lean Construction engages frontline teams to advance safety excellence.
How Does Kraus-Anderson Work With Subcontractors to Support Jobsite Safety?
Leoni: Subcontractor management is one of the most challenging aspects of construction safety. The first step is leading by example.
Expectations are established through a comprehensive preconstruction safety program, followed by consistent application of safety expectations and values throughout the life cycle of each project.
When a safety concern arises, the team identifies whether it is a field issue or a management issue. If it is a management issue, Kraus-Anderson contacts subcontractor leadership to reinforce its responsibilities to train employees and provide proper safety equipment.
When the concern is in the field, a “see something, say something” mindset, individual accountability and the disciplinary program support continuous improvement.
How Did Kraus-Anderson Partner With MNOSHA Through the CHASE Program?
Leoni: Since 2013, Kraus-Anderson had partnered with the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota and achieved Construction Health and Safety Excellence, or CHASE, Minnesota Level 2 status in recognition of leadership in promoting worker health and safety.
The organization later partnered with AGC and MNOSHA Compliance to achieve CHASE Level 3 status, the highest level offered through the program.
To qualify, injury statistics needed to be at least 40% below the industry average. Participants also needed to demonstrate that they went beyond OSHA minimum requirements by implementing safety best practices.
CHASE Level 3 is a site-specific program. Kraus-Anderson participated on three projects: Valspar Applied Science and Technology Center, City Place Phase II Southeast retail and TRIA Orthopaedic Center.
Read about construction safety practices and Safety Week and Construction Safety Week’s culture of care.
Next week: Subcontractor safety and partnering efforts.
CATEGORY: Safety