Construction During Spring & Summer Months
As winter melts into spring, weather conditions become ideal for construction of all kinds. Ground is broken, homes rise from their studs, and maintenance on the road increases. This means more frequent encounters with work zones, the necessary evil we must deal with while our roads are being fixed. While these projects benefit us in the end, they can also pose a safety risk for construction workers and drivers. There were 4,394 accidents in work zones in 2022 alone (Source). To navigate these zones safely, drivers must stay alert and aware of their surroundings.
As underground and aerial contractors, UCI cannot stress enough the importance of work zone safety. Although our underground and aerial services are offered year-round, UCI sees an influx of work in the warmer months. Our team follows strict safety protocols no matter what type of job our crew is on. The safety of our team and pedestrians is of utmost importance!
In this blog, we are joined by our Safety Manager, CJ Brown, to discuss practical safety tips for both drivers and the construction workers they’ll encounter.
Noticing Construction Signs and Warnings
Drivers often have a million things on their minds. We are constantly sharing the road with distracted drivers between driving, directions, passengers, and other influences. Work zones only add to this growing list of distractions, but it’s nothing that we can’t be prepared for.
Work zones utilize a variety of signs, warnings, and barriers to communicate crucial information to drivers.
- Diamond-shaped orange signs with black symbols will alert you to upcoming hazards or lane changes.
- Flashing lights and bright orange cones may physically channel traffic into designated lanes.
- Pennant signs symbolize a warning or no passing zone and triangular signs are communicating a traffic warning.
- Tall orange traffic cones offer a warning of upcoming traffic and redirection of vehicles. These cones may also surround an unfinished site on the road or on the sidewalk.
Look for digital message boards displaying speed limit changes, closures, and lane mergings. Remember, these signs and barriers are there for your safety and the safety of the workers.
DID YOU KNOW: Directions given by construction workers trump all existing traffic directions like traffic lights and stop signs.
SAFETY MANAGER NOTE: UCI takes many cautionary steps to ensure safety on job sites and it is part of my job to enforce them. For example, the Area Managers provide our crews with the necessary number of cones and signs for traffic control while on the job. Our vehicles are all equipped with warning signs for oncoming traffic, and we ensure the site is safe before any work begins. UCI crew members are provided with high-quality PPE (personal protection equipment) to keep them safe on the job site from hazards both on the road and in the sky.
UCI’s Safety Training and Standards
Safety is a huge part of our success at Underground Contractors, Inc. By preventing avoidable accidents, our crew stays safe, our costs stay low, and the project gets done on time. Our team has a spotless safety record – impressive for a business that’s been around for three decades! This accomplishment is earned through extensive safety training of the whole company. UCI’s safety training and standards include:
- Weekly safety meetings
- Safety reviews
- Safety training
- OSHA 10 certifications for workmen and OSHA 30 certifications for management
- Specialty equipment certifications
- Loss of monthly incentive, written warning, and intervention with HR when standards are not upheld
SAFETY MANAGER NOTE: UCI is pleased to share that we will soon have all first-aid, CPR, and OSHA training done in-house by myself, CJ Brown. This is a huge advantage for our employees to ensure continued education and certification where necessary, especially when certifications need to be renewed. Just another way that UCI values the safety of our crew and clients!
A Day in the Life: UCI’s Safety Manager
UCI asked our Safety Manager, CJ Brown, what a day in the life looks like on the job.
Q: What is your role as Safety Manager?
A: My job is to enforce and manage UCI’s safety policies. I actively train employees, keep track of employee certifications and expiration dates, and hold regular safety meetings to keep everyone informed on the latest safety updates.Through hazard assessments, daily audits, and incident investigations, it is my job to ensure all employees have the proper PPE on the job site.
Q: Why is this position critical to the success of the business?
A: The safety of our crew directly impacts the success of a job. Field oversight, including regular job hazard assessments and clear communication, is fundamental to our company’s success. This work not only safeguards our employees but also translates to significant cost savings on insurance for UCI.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: My job keeps me on my toes! I handle emergencies (calls, driving, firefighting), analyze job sites for safety, and conduct regular safety talks with crews. I prioritize safety by making tough decisions and investigating incidents. Collaboration is key, so I meet with USIC, customer safety teams, and UCI management. Additionally, I conduct weekly fleet and employee audits to keep my safety team informed of field situations.
Quality and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Our commitment to meticulous safety practices directly correlates with our exceptional quality of work. We are proud to have kept our crew, clients, and communities safe for over four decades. With our commitment to continued education and innovation, we plan on maintaining this impressive track record. Still, it is the responsibility of drivers to follow the laws, respect disruptions from construction, and avoid distracted driving.
Underground Contractors, Inc. is Michigan’s premier underground and aerial utility contracting company. Our services include underground construction, aerial construction, engineering, and splicing. Learn more about our team and business online. We’d love to give you a bid on your next project!
