Health & Safety

The health and safety of our employees and the environment is the most critical aspect of our work and gets full attention from every member of our staff from executive management to office administration staff and of course, project crews.

The two primary goals of our safety culture are:

  • Zero safety incidents through behavior based analysis and full implementation of the AEC’s Accident Prevention Program on every project.
  • Providing our employees with the proper training and resources to perform their work safely every day.

Our commitment to achieving these goals is evidenced in our exceptional safety record.

“AEC’s crews worked safely and efficiently to complete the bridges. The crews were able to adapt to unforeseen site conditions and complete the projects in a timely manner.”
Frank Jongenburger The Weyerhaeuser Company
avetta

Avetta helps companies create a safe and sustainable pre-qualification program for contractors, vendors and suppliers using a simple, online interface. Avetta is committed to help reduce bureaucracy and duplication within prequalification. They also avidly engage businesses, government agencies, elected officials, and the public to help prevent the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.—preventable injuries.

isnet

Established in 2001, ISN® is the global leader in contractor and supplier management. ISNet leads efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of contractor management systems and in serves as a forum for sharing industry best practices amongst its members. ISNet world brings together Hiring Clients and contractors, creating safer work environments and lasting partnerships.

“AEC is committed to providing a work environment free from recognized hazards which are likely to cause harm. Through training, continuous improvement, and employee collaboration, AEC’s safety program helps to ensure every employee goes home safe at the end of the shift. We expect our employees to be accountable for their own safety, and the safety of those around them, and we are proud that our crews complete high quality work in a safe, productive manner.”
AEC Health & Safety Director
  • Site Specific Health & Safety Plans
  • On the project specific level, AEC develops site specific Health & Safety Plans (HASP) that governs the way we perform our work. The HASP identifies our employees’ potential to be exposed to hazardous working conditions and provides mitigation procedures to reduce risk. Compliance with this plan is required of all on‐site personnel, subcontractors, and associated third parties at every site. All field personnel, subcontractors, and visitors are required to review the HASP prior to being allowed onsite.

    A copy of the HASP is made available onsite during work activities and is available for inspection and review by any site or agency personnel. Personnel who do not comply with safety requirements will be immediately dismissed from the site.

  • Daily & Monthly Safety Meetings
  • It is AEC policy to conduct Daily Tailgate Meetings at each and every jobsite. These tailgate meetings identify and address safety concerns for the day. In addition to this, jobsites are subject to on the spot safety inspections conducted by our Health & Safety Director or any member of AEC management. AEC may be asked by clients to comply with their health and safety requirements. In such circumstances, AEC employees are required to comply with the client’s or facilities’ safety standards. In the case of conflicting policies, the most protective provisions will be employed.

    AEC also conducts a monthly safety meeting at our office in Kelso, WA office and attendance of all AEC field employees is mandatory. These meetings offer the opportunity to discuss near misses and institute new policy to protect the Health and Safety of all our crews. Employee training and certifications are also conducted during these meetings.

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense in the hierarchy of hazard control. Every effort will be made to reduce or eliminate exposure before relying on PPE. Depending on the nature of contaminants and hazards involved with the work conducted, PPE will vary. At a minimum, all field crew and visitors will wear:

    – Work boots
    – Gloves
    – High visibility vest, shirt or sweatshirt
    – Hard hat
    – Safety glasses with side shields
    – Ear protection (as needed)

    It is in the employees’ best interest to wear the appropriate PPE at all times while on a project site. At the commencement of each project, AEC’s Health and Safety Director will determine the PPE required, and AEC will issue specialized personal protective equipment, such as:

    – Respiratory protection
    – Tyvek/rubber booties
    – Specialty eye protection

    All employees will be provided the proper training and certifications to ensure that the PPE is effective.

  • Training Courses & Licenses
  • AEC’s field staff is required to hold and maintain various licenses and certifications. For example:

    – 40-Hour HAZWOPER (including an 8-hour annual refresher)
    – 40-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor
    – OSHA 10-hour Construction
    – OSHA 30-hour Construction
    – Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
    – Storage Tank Installation and Decommissioning License
    – Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead
    – First AID & CPR

    To facilitate employees meeting these requirements, AEC provides, assists, and pays for these training courses. Other certifications and licensing requirements apply to many projects and supervisory positions at AEC.

  • Reporting
  • Site personnel, including subcontractors, are required to immediately report unsafe work conditions or unsafe work practices observed to AEC’s Site Superintendent without fear of reprisal.

    Upon receiving a report of an unsafe work condition, the Site Superintendent will assess the situation and determine steps to mitigate such hazards. If there are uncertainties, the Site Superintendent is required to contact AEC’s Project Manger and Health & Safety Director.

    Site Superintendents will complete periodic safety inspections at the site to identify and correct hazards and will document such inspections. In addition, the Health & Safety Director may at any time conduct an unannounced site inspection.

    Site personnel, including subcontractor personnel, are required to report all incidents, accidents, near‐misses, property damage, and vehicle damage immediately reported to AEC’s Site Superintendent, AEC’s Project Manager, and AEC’s Health & Safety Director.

    An Incident Report Form must be completed and submitted to the Health & Safety Director as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours from the time of the incident. All incidents, accidents, and near‐misses will be investigated.