Site Specific Health & Safety PlansOn 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 MeetingsIt 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 & LicensesAEC’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.
ReportingSite 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.