There are many moving parts of the Chimney Hollow Reservoir Project and with so much changing daily, it’s important to constantly keep safety at the forefront. Daily safety meetings are held with each crew before work begins, weekly with supervisors and monthly with all personnel. Bilingual meetings are provided as needed for crews that have Spanish-speaking personnel.
Dec. 8, 2023
Safety Remains Top Priority on Site
Entering the Chimney Hollow construction site, a bright orange sign reads, “Your family is expecting you home tonight.” It’s a clear reminder to every employee who comes to work to keep safety top of mind throughout the workday.
General contractor Barnard Construction employs a full-time, on-site safety team dedicated to providing proper training for all individuals, as well as adhering to safety protocols. This team has office space in the middle of the site and is frequently out checking work areas and readily available when or if issues arise.
Although there is a full-time safety team on site, all personnel have the right to shut down work if they feel unsafe or see something unsafe. Essentially, there are over 500 “safety officers” on site daily because everyone is trained and responsible for safety.
An example of safety obligations and expectations:
- All personnel must receive a three-hour Chimney Hollow Reservoir site safety orientation prior to going on site.
- Personal protective gear is worn at all times: hard hat, safety glasses, safety vest, safety boots and long pants.
- Construction equipment and vehicles always have the right of way.
