Lessons from a small company recognized as one of America's safest companies

EHS Today, a magazine dedicated to the management of risk in the workplace and environment, has recognized America's Safest Companies since 2002. Most of the companies are large or mid-sized, but this year's list included Hunter Site Services of Texas that has 40 employees. Providing construction project management for the design and installation of pre-fabricated blast-resistant buildings, Hunter has a 5+ years injury-free record.

Recognizing that new employees are often the ones who experience injuries, the company instituted the Short Service Employee (SSE) Program, which applies to employees who have less than 90 days with the company and/or within his or her craft. The new employees receive an initial orientation of safety requirements prior to performing work under direct supervision of a designated employee who serves as a mentor and trainer. The new employees also wear a visual designation, so that they easily can be identified on a job site.

According to EHS Today, the company also offers:

• A behavior-based observation program, in which employees are selected at random to be the safety observer for a week, noting both good and bad safety habits.
• An Employee Times newsletter that is distributed monthly to all employees. It includes company news, a safety corner, reasons to work safely and a section for employee input and suggestions.
• Job Safety Analysis that includes input from all employees about hazard recognition, evaluation and control; correct tools for the job, proper PPE, housekeeping, hazard communication, specialized operations and crew suggestions.
• A Stop Work program that allows employees to stop work, report issues to supervisors and wait until the issue is resolved to start work.
• To overcome complacency, Hazard Hunts, in which employees visit other work areas and "hunt for any hazard" that may cause injuries.