Employee Responsibility and Participation, General Safety Rules itle

Objective 

It is policy of Koester Construction Inc. to take all practical steps to safeguard employees from accidents and to maintain an effective safety program. The safety and health of all employees are of primary importance. Our employees are our most important asset.  

 

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION  

Employee responsibility and level of participation is a direct result of the judgment and management style of executive and operating management. The guidelines provided in this program are representative of current “best practices”.  

  

Employees:  

Employees have a responsibility for the safety program much like that of supervisors. As a condition of employment, employees are required to conform to all policies and rules. An employer’s responsibility to their employees is to require them to take due care in their work to prevent injuries to themselves and fellow workers. In addition, each employee will:  

 

1. Report all unsafe conditions and acts to their supervisor or other designated person(s), such as the Safety Director or Committee.  

2. Report all injuries to their immediate supervisor or Project Manager.  

3. Keep work areas clean and orderly at all times.  

4. Follow established procedures during an emergency. Follow emergency plan.  

5. Make sure all instructions are understood before starting work and ask questions for clarification whenever they are not fully understood.  

6. Learn to lift and handle materials properly.  

7. Avoid engaging in horseplay and distracting other employees, especially while they are using machinery and equipment.  

8. Review the informational and educational material posted on bulletin boards or otherwise distributed in the work area by supervision or the Safety Committee.  

9. Know where and how medical help may be obtained.  

10. Operate only the machinery for which they have been trained and are authorized.  

11. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.  

12. Prevent damage or destruction of any warning or safety device.  

13. Participate in safety activities / processes to which they are appointed.  

 

Project Superintendent  

Project Superintendent should be fully responsible for the safe actions of employees and the safe performance of machines and equipment within their operating area. They should also be responsible for enforcing the general safety policies.  Specific responsibilities of the Project Superintendent are:  

  

1. Assume responsibility for employee safety throughout their appointed jobsites.  

2. Assure job tasks are evaluated for hazard exposures.  

3. Take the initiative in correction of hazards noted in personnel practices and work procedures, equipment and machinery utilization, materials handling storage and disposal, and the environment of work.  

4. Ensure all employees know their responsibilities to the safety process and related supporting programs.  

5. Assure that all safety policies and rules are fully complied with.  

6. Enforce work policies and procedures by taking immediate and appropriate action for both performing and failing to perform according to established performance guidelines. This includes feedback, reinforcement and/or discipline in accordance with company policy.  

7. Make sure that all employees are fully trained (have the required knowledge and skills) for the jobs they are assigned to do, and that they are familiar with work rules.  

8. Guarantee that all tools and equipment are inspected at frequent intervals by a competent person, and that they are kept in a safe and useable condition.  

9. Conduct or participate in periodic safety training classes and jobsite safety audits.  

10. Instruct all employees on the reporting of all accidents and the necessity of receiving first aid treatment even in the ease of a minor injury.  

11. Properly maintain all protective devices and safety equipment.  

12. Assure that all employees are physically qualified for their work assignments.  

13. Make sure that all areas designated as hazardous are properly marked, and make sure that only qualified persons enter that area utilizing any required protective equipment.  

 

GENERAL SAFETY RULES AND PROCEDURES  

 RESPONSIBILITIES OF KOESTER EMPLOYEES  

• Follow instructions. Take no chances. If you don't know, ask for instructions from your supervisor.  

• Report immediately to your supervisor any condition or practice you think might cause injury to employees or damage equipment.  

• Whenever you or the equipment you operate are involved in any incident that results in personnel injury or damage to property, regardless of how minor, you must report it immediately to your supervisor.   

• Put everything you use or handle in its proper place. Disorder can result in injury, is inefficient, and takes extra energy. Keep your work area clean and orderly.  

• Use the right tools and equipment for the job: Use them as instructed in a safe manner.  

• Do not do any work that you are not assigned or qualified to do.  

• Use, adjust, alter and repair equipment only when authorized.  

• An employee must not attempt to operate any machine or equipment to which he/she is not assigned or trained to Operate.  

• Be alert; often accidents are due to carelessness and lack of focus.  

• Work according to the safety rules set forth under this safety program.  

• Refrain from any unsafe act that might endanger yourself or your fellow workers.  

• Use all safety devices provided for your protection.  

• Be alert to possible safety hazards and report these to your supervisor immediately.  

• Wear suitable clothing and proper shoes or boots.  

• Report injuries, accidents or near misses immediately to your supervisor.  

• Wear your required PPE.  

• Do not work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  

• Horseplay, fighting, gambling, possession of firearms, possession of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted.  

• Don't run.  

• Know your job and how to do it safely, always keeping in mind the safety of others.  

• When lifting, bend your knees, grasp the load firmly, and then raise the load keeping your back as straight as possible. Get help for heavy loads.  

• Safety rules are for your protection. Obey all specific rules, signs, and instructions as posted throughout the jobsite. Complete cooperation with these and other rules is required by everyone.  

• Hard hats and boots are required by all employees while on site in working areas. Tennis shoes or street shoes will not be allowed. Additional eye and face protection equipment must be worn when machines, tools or operations present potential eye or face injury or as indicated by the MSDS. Eye protection is required when using any power tool.  

• Safety harness shall be furnished to Koester employees and worn when necessary.  

• Where it is not feasible to reduce noise levels, ear protective devices shall be provided and worn.  

• Respirators shall be worn in the presence of dust, spray paint, enclosed welding operations and other conditions harmful to the respiratory system. Note: Only employees authorized, trained and approved may use a respirator.  

• Construction equipment is not designed to carry people. Do not ride on the equipment unless an approved seat is provided.  

• Keep clear of swinging buckets, material loads and operating equipment.  

• Do not jump off truck beds, trailers, etc. Always climb down to get off to avoid falling or injuring your legs, knees, back, etc.  

• Always fasten seat belts while operating equipment, driving any vehicle or as a passenger in a vehicle.  

• Report unsafe conditions and all injuries to your immediate supervisor.  

  

EMPLOYEES WHO FAIL TO ADHERE TO SAFETY RULES AND POLICIES, EITHER INTENTIONALLY OR UNINTENTIONALLY WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND/OR TERMINATION.