Enhancing

Jobsite Safety:

Expert Insights from KBD Group

October 24, 2024

Enhancing Jobsite Safety: Expert Insights from KBD Group

“One team, one voice
is the key motto to having a successful job.”

At KBD Group, our Safety core value serves as a pillar in how we guide our employees and subcontractors on the jobsite. After sixty years in business, our company knows the risks involved in building around the country. About 1 in 10 construction workers are injured every year in the United States stated by WORLDMETRICS.ORG. Our leaders have made it their mission to establish a safety-first mindset to prevent accidents and injuries. In this article, we want to share three key principles that help takes our safety initiatives to the next level.

Three key principles help us take project safety to the next level:

1.) The Importance of PPE
2.) One Team, One Voice
3.) Embrace Safety in Your Daily Routine

1. Importance of PPE

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential on a construction jobsite to keep everyone safe. Construction sites are full of hazards, from falling debris and sharp objects to harmful substances and loud noises. PPE, like hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots, acts as a shield, protecting workers from these dangers and significantly reducing the risk of injuries. Wearing PPE also promotes a culture of safety and responsibility among the team. We recently met with Scott Massamore, Senior Safety Manager, at the Superintendents meeting to discuss the importance of PPE and gather insights on how to make our jobsite even safer. Scott emphasized that consistent use of PPE not only prevents accidents but also sets a standard for safety that everyone on the site can follow.

2. One Team, One Voice

Being a united front provides direction and gives everyone a purpose to stay safe while getting the job done. Emphasizing one team, one voice on the project not only protects workers, but also enhances overall project success. This principle facilitates better communication channels, allowing team members to share safety concerns, updates, and instructions efficiently. During our recent jobsite visits, we had the opportunity to speak with Steve Morris, a Senior Project Manager, who coined the phrase “one team, one voice.” This phrase has now become a cultural norm across all jobsites, emphasizing the critical importance of communication and safety. It ensures that everyone on the jobsite is working together and staying on the same page.

At our Superintendent meeting, Omar Guillory shares his experience applying the “one team, one voice” strategy when he first started his role as Superintendent. “One team, one voice is the key motto to having a successful job. As long as we’re all speaking as one, there is no disruption or confusion because we are a solid force who fully understands the gameplan.” There’s power in working together to achieve clear safety goals!

3. Embrace Safety in Your Daily Routine

Safety is a fundamental part of our daily routine, starting with Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and morning meeting huddles. Our team conducts thorough risk assessments of every construction site and develops comprehensive safety plans to mitigate potential hazards. This includes a robust safety training program with orientations for all personnel before work begins and monthly safety meetings. By integrating safety into your daily routine, you contribute to a safer

future for the entire team. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and when everyone is committed to the team’s safety goals, effective communication and collaboration improve. Sherman Davison, VP, Field Operations Leader, emphasizes the importance of this commitment by actively ensuring safety measures are followed on-site, recognizing great work, and providing constructive feedback. This accountability fosters a sense of community and maintains high safety standards. Additionally, we require all employees to complete a minimum of 10 hours of OSHA training, with supervisors needing 30 hours, to build a culture of safety awareness and encourage hazard reporting.

Quick Safety Story

The KBD Group team handled a safety emergency when we saw the signs of a Tornado on May 2021 on a warehouse project. Our priority was to have everyone shelter in place. As soon as the environment was deemed safe, we gathered everyone who had reported in onsite that morning, did a head count, and verified safety protocols were met. We are pleased to report that there were no injuries onsite, and the project only sustained minor damage. KBD Group remains steadfast in their commitment to being calm and prepared for any situation that could create a safety hazard.

KBD Group's Commitment to Safety

We recently had a safety awareness campaign centered on the message, “Stay Safe, Your Team is Depending on You.” At Kajima Building & Design Group, we truly believe that safety is fundamental to our company’s culture and ensure our team is thoroughly trained to uphold best safety practices. When you work with us, you’ll see the impact our three principles have on taking project safety and success to the highest level. Work with the Safety Experts, contact us now