Safety awards boost awareness at Q&D

Q&D Construction uses most of the traditional tools decals, paycheck stuffers and the like to deliver safety messages to its approximately 750 workers.

But the company also invests a lot of time and energy into the competition for safety awards as yet another way of getting the message to its employees.

"We're aggressive about going after awards.

It's one of the ways you can generate a culture in your company of success.

People need to see the plaque on the wall," said Sheila Hlubucek, communications director for Q&D Construction.

The most recent accolade for Q&D came late last month when the safety consultation and training section of the state Division of Industrial Relations honored Q&D as its "safe partner of the quarter." That award, Hlubucek said, wasn't one that Q&D officials had set their sights on winning.

But whether the award is sought-after or not, she said safety honors pay financial dividends in ways other than obvious control of insurance and workers compensation costs.

For instance: Q&D increasingly competes for negotiated work in which its reputation and track record are a key part of the package.

Safety awards help build that case to prospective clients.

Q&D employs two fulltime safety personnel and invests heavily in safety training.

Bruce Carl, Q&D safety director, said the company currently has 25 superintendents participating in a 30-hour OSHA course for the construction industry.

Equally important, Hlubucek said, is a commitment from the company's top management.

"For safety programs to work, you have to have people who are highly respected who say, 'This is a priority,'" she said.

One of the company's executives, for instance, launched a personal program of yellow-tagging and red-tagging projects in which he spotted safety problems.

Some employees' bonuses are tied to safety records.

The company continues to look for fresh ways to keep safety in the forefront of employees' minds.

"There's a lot of risk with what we do," Hlubucek said.

"You have to tell people constantly."

In the state's "safe partner of the quarter" program, companies that voluntarily request safety walk-throughs and training win a one-year exemption from OSHA inspection.