When it comes to construction, building a structure is just as important as ensuring the safety of the workers who put it all together. Safety should always be a top priority in any industry, especially in construction, where the stakes and risks are even higher. Construction is a high-risk industry that can expose workers to various hazards.
Therefore, safety training and education, using high-quality equipment, implementing new technologies for increased safety, safety culture, and partnerships with industry organizations are critical to minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries in the construction industry. In this article, we will take a closer look at how Franjo Construction prioritizes employee safety.
SAFETY TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Franjo Construction has an exceptional safety program at the forefront of every project and decision. Every employee is required to take responsibility for safety at their level, which has proven successful.
Franjo’s Safety Director, Jay Celaschi, provides training programs, including new employee safety orientation, fall protection, aerial lift, telehandler, forklift, and hazard communication training. Jay and the safety team at Franjo have a tailored approach to safety: educate, coach, teach, and train. Their commitment to safety is infectious, as it builds employee respect and self-discipline.
Educate: Franjo Construction places a high value on the training and education of its team members. They have a mandatory training program tailored to each individual’s skillset or trade. For instance, a concrete finisher would require less extensive fall protection training than a worker at greater risk of falls.
However, every team member receives the same fundamental training, which benefits everyone regardless of their trade. The training covers various topics, including hazard recognition, electrical, caught in between, struck by, and of course, fall prevention.
Coach: Franjo’s safety culture emphasizes coaching employees in real-time in the field. This coaching is essential to ensure that every employee understands the safety standards and procedures and helps create a safety-conscious work environment. It also builds trust between the field workers and the safety team on the job site.
Teach: Franjo emphasizes teaching employees through hands-on demonstrations, ensuring that they understand how to perform tasks safely and effectively. These efforts towards coaching and teaching employees reflect Franjo’s commitment to creating a safety-first work environment.
Train: Franjo Construction prioritizes the safety of its employees by ensuring that they receive the necessary training and education required to perform their tasks safely. Safety Jay and the onboarding process ensure that new employees receive required OSHA training, including fall protection training, and spend 2 to 4 hours based on their skill set. During the onboarding process, fall protection is emphasized, and employees must attend fall protection classes before they can work at height.
Franjo Construction offers mandated OSHA training, and employees receive additional training depending on their job roles. For example, a laborer might be tasked with cutting concrete blocks with the bricklayers, requiring him to receive respiratory safety training.
Overall, Franjo Construction offers its employees a variety of general, mandated, and focused training to ensure their safety while working.
“I do safety not only to protect and improve our team’s skills but also for the little rewards that come with it,” says Jay. “I have a background in coaching and sports, and it runs in my family with my dad as a coach and my wife as a teacher. Those moments where I can make a positive impact on someone’s life are what make the job worth it. When I teach anyone how to do something, and they finally grasp it, seeing that big smile on their face is priceless.” – Jay Celaschi, otherwise known as “Safety Jay.”
SAFETY CULTURE
Safety is not just a set of rules or protocols that needs to be followed but a culture that is built through nurturing and development. Safety culture requires buy-in from everyone in the organization, from the top-level executives to the field team. For people to buy in, they need to feel comfortable in the environment and believe in what is being preached. This belief stems from trust, and trust is earned over time.
Safety members need to earn the trust of the field team by demonstrating their commitment to safety, being approachable, and actively listening to their concerns. When a safety culture is established, it becomes a part of the company’s DNA, and everyone embraces it. It is no longer just a set of rules but a way of life.
Franjo Construction’s safety culture is palpable – they encourage open communication and reporting of safety concerns and reward safe behavior and accomplishments. Franjo’s employees feel secure on-site as the company invests in their education, coaching, teaching, and training.
Franjo Construction uses a number of measures and methods to ensure their safety program is well rounded. The firm uses high-quality, well-maintained equipment, which minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries. As technology advances, Franjo implements these new technologies to increase safety and performance. The firm also continues to perform regular inspections and maintenance checks. These measures on and off the field ensure safety is always top of mind, fostering a safety culture that spreads across the entire organization and to clients.
PARTNERSHIPS AND INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
Franjo Construction collaborates with industry organizations to promote safety and participates in safety-related events and initiatives throughout the year. They also organize a safety stand-down to falls event each year in conjunction with OSHA.
Advocacy for improved safety standards and regulations is crucial for any construction organization. Such advocacy helps to create awareness among employees and stakeholders about the importance of safety in the workplace. By advocating for better safety standards and regulations, construction organizations can establish a safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of employees and mitigates the risks associated with construction work.
Improved safety standards and regulations also help to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities, which can lead to financial losses and reputational damage for construction organizations. Advocacy for better safety standards and regulations is, therefore, a critical component of any construction organization’s strategy for creating a safe and healthy workplace.
Franjo Construction’s commitment to employee safety is exceptional, positively impacting the company and its employees. Their safety program ensures that all personnel on job sites always act safely. As a family-owned and operated business, Franjo values the well-being of its employees and provides safety education to protect them and their team members during any project. Safety is a top priority for Franjo, and it shows in everything they do.