The success of BIRDWELL’s Health and Safety Program can be attributed to every employee’s commitment to personal and project safety. Safety Policy BIRDWELL recognizes its responsibility and need to provide healthful and safe working conditions for all of its employees. It is the desire of the company to emphasize safe working conditions and to request the help and consideration of all its employees and subcontractors in our accident /incident prevention endeavors. Such effort will require each person to accept their share of responsibility in complying with Federal, State and local regulations and client and company procedures. All employees of BIRDWELL share responsibility for the individual and collective health and safety of all personnel on the site. All employees recognize that individual initiative; accountability; and ownership forms the heart of dedication to health and safety. Non-compliance with any health and safety requirements will result in disciplinary action up to, and including, termination of employment. Employees know that production and schedule cannot take precedence over health and safety; and that any individual, without reprisal, can stop any work activity, when a health and safety threat or potential threat exists. Site Specific Health and Safety Plans Unique to each project, BIRDWELL’s site health and safety plans play the most significant role in preventing accidents on industrial and commercial projects. Each plan is reviewed by a corporate safety officer and describes the following minimum elements: emergency response training and control of hazards. Each major work activity is described as well as appropriate training, equipment, and standard operating procedures required to control and associated hazards. Prior to starting work, the health and safety plan is reviewed by each employee on the project. Safety Officers BIRDWELL key personnel are educated and trained in occupational health and safety with respect to site remediation, the handling of hazardous materials for industrial and commercial projects. Site health and safety plans are reviewed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist, who has an average of ten years experience. Compliance with Codes/Regulations Our employees follow rigorous health and safety protocols on all construction projects. Birdwell operations are kept in strict accordance with OSHA and other applicable health and safety regulations. Training All of BIRDWELL's field personnel working with hazardous materials have completed at least 40 hours of OSHA required hazardous waste operations training (Hazwoper) and annual refreshers. Initial training for employees includes a combination of formal classroom training, practical exercises and team building workshops. Safety officers, managers, and supervisors receive OSHA's mandatory supervisory training. Safety Meetings BIRDWELL uses initial, weekly, and daily health and safety meetings to distribute information to employees. An effective health and safety program will only result from adequate planning, education, and communication to all personnel concerned with the project. Safety Inspections Safety inspections are held periodically at each project site to evaluate BIRDWELL’s health and safety performance and to find ways to improve it. Performance is also improved through accident and injury investigations so that preventative measures can immediately be taken. Copies of all written reports are submitted to the Project Manager for review. Discipline and Incentive Program BIRDWELL has developed a health and safety incentive program for its employees; however all employees are expected to work safely without expectation of award. Disciplinary actions and performance review standards have also been developed to clarify what is expected of each BIRDWELL employee. Substance Abuse Policy BIRDWELL is committed to an alcohol and drug free workplace for all employees. BIRDWELL recognizes that alcohol, drug, or other substance abuse by employees will impair their ability to perform properly and will have serious adverse effects on the safety, efficiency, and productivity of all employees. The misuse of legitimate drugs or the use, possession, distribution, or sales of illicit or unprescribed controlled drugs on company business is strictly prohibited and is grounds for immediate termination. Possession, use, distribution, or sales of alcohol beverages on company premises is not allowed. Being unfit to work because of alcohol or drugs or prescription medications is strictly prohibited and is grounds for disciplinary action, including termination of employment. When working under a client’s Substance Abuse Policy, the most stringent requirements will be followed. Home | Up | Safety Record | Million Man Hours | Safety Awards Send mail to webmaster@grbirdwell.com with questions or comments about this website Last modified: October 5, 2003