Setting
the Bar
Kelly
Alger, a superintendent in PCL’s Seattle office was recently awarded the
Associated General Contractors (AGC) Build Washington Award for Superintendent
of the Year. He has spearheaded various safety programs in his district and recently
became the first PCL superintendent in
the United States to achieve the Construction Health and Safety Technician
(CHST) designation. PCL employees like Kelly help shape PCL’s safety-inspired
culture and keep us moving forward on the path toward zero incidents.
The CHST designation was of significant importance to Kelly
saying, “It adds another, and different, point of view in my evaluation of
jobsite work conditions and the overall PCL Construction HSE program. I’ve
always thought I had a pretty good understanding of the safety management
processes, procedures, and policies that come from them. But it is useful to
receive confirmation from the most recognized safety certification body.”
Safety
is a group effort
At PCL, Kelly says, “We do an excellent job of involving
everybody in our safety program. And the established safety management
processes that we have are a great foundation to work from. The level of
management guidance and involvement solidifies the safety culture in the
organization.” Additionally, collaboration with the field during the planning
stages increases buy-in and decreases missed potential hazards.
Kelly goes on
to say, as superintendent, “I try and think whether or not
we have thought of everything and got the bases covered.” PCL does a great job
planning to perform work safely and although a difficult task, with proper
planning and continuous training of staff, PCL can “rely on them to make the
correct decision if a new hazard is identified.”
2017 marks the third year
that PCL has sponsored Safety Week in the US with the intent to promote PCL’s
safety culture and help eliminate workplace injury. All offices across the US
are participating in Safety Week 2017 activities that encourage employees to
remain mindful of PCL’s goal of working safe to enjoy life.