Building a Culture of Safety to Reach Zero Harm

 

Q: Tell us about the EHS Management System and what it will help AWP Safety achieve.

We always strive for the highest levels of safety and sustainability for everyone, and everything, around us so we created a goal of “Target Zero,” which means zero harm to people, to property, to assets and to the environment. The EHS Management System is built on our foundation of ownership, trust, and teamwork and is focused around the “Target Zero” goal. Through EHS we aim to provide reliable, innovative and proactive services to our day-to-day operations while also integrating safety and environmental compliance into the culture of the company.

The EHS Management System is comprised of programs, policies, and other resources that promote and enable safety throughout the company. We have established robust reporting mechanisms and transparent data collection, implemented vehicle telematics and defined clear key performance indicators that have made worksites safer for everyone.

Q: As AWP Safety has grown, how has its safety framework evolved?

Safety is in our name and at the core of everything we do. We’ve always focused on accident and incident prevention so our customers can build the infrastructure that helps everyone move forward. Our success depends on ensuring our team members’ safety and well-being, so we operate responsibly, making sure that what we do is sustainable for the environment and safe for all people.

“Target Zero” is a big goal so we rely on the EHS Management System to ensure that all team members – whether they work at an AWP Safety facility or a customer worksite – have knowledge of the standards and expectations for safety and sustainability. In short, it’s the place we go when we need reminders on how to do our jobs as safely as possible.

Q: How did AWP Safety develop the EHS Management System as a critical part of the company’s commitment to safety?

As is the case with most business initiatives, it’s key to have buy-in and support throughout the company – from upper management to field personnel. As I mentioned earlier, safety is at the core of all that we do so the EHS Management System was a natural evolution for us. We’ve built a strong, unified leadership safety culture that engages and empowers team members at all levels to take ownership and play a role in reducing accidents and injuries.

We also developed a strategic action plan that guides our planning and communications. This way, we have a well-structured plan that allows us to implement the system with greater efficiency and efficacy. And, of course, the system would not work without our EHS team members, who are subject matter experts in their duties and business unit objectives, and serve as advisors, educators, technical experts, inspectors, mentors and coaches.

Q: What can customers expect from working with a company with a robust EHS framework?

By deploying EHS best practices and technology, we are setting the foundation for best-in-class safety and sustainability, which directly translates into safer and more efficient worksites for our customers. Our customers benefit from our code of safety practices, pre-job safety briefings, work zone inspections and so much more. We inspect 20% of all work zones, and to put that in context, we cover about one million work zones annually. That adds up to 200,000 inspections a year. Then, we use what we learn in these briefings and inspections to set up even safer worksites next time.

Additionally, our model of engagement for the EHS Management System requires collaboration, respect, flexibility and transparency that we bring to our customer relationships as well. Together we are partners in progress and keeping our team members, communities and the environment safer.