National Work Zone Awareness Week is dedicated to the safety of our workers, roadways, and drivers. As part of our commitment to safety, I Build America – Ohio is giving safety managers the spotlight to share why safety is so important to our crews and our communities — and how the public can do its part. Check out the profile below for a first-hand look at why safety is important today and every day!
Name: Ken Bolser
Company: John R. Jurgensen Co.
Title/Position: Traffic Foreman
Years Working in Construction: Total 34, at JRJ for 31 years
How did you begin your career in construction?
I worked in the automotive industry working on car stereos indoors and decided to take a job in landscaping. I really enjoyed working outside. At that point, I knew I didn’t want to be cooped up all day. The next job I took was doing utility work outside and that began my construction career. I worked as a Construction Project Manager for a while in the office but ended up realizing again that I liked outside work and went back!
How do you contribute to the overarching safety of your company’s workforce?
As a traffic foreman, I do everything I can to make worksites/work zones safe not only for our team but as well as the traveling public.
What does your company do to ensure safety on the job?
John R. Jurgensen is constantly training, upgrading, and giving us access to the things we need to stay safe while performing our jobs.
What is one thing you wish the general public knew about safety in construction?
I wish that the general public understood how much of a difference slowing down and paying attention makes when it comes to work zone injuries/accidents.
How can the public help keep construction workers and work zones safe?
Read signs! The answers are simple and right in front of your eyes! I would venture to say that if you interviewed people exiting work zones, they would not be able to tell you half of what they saw while in the zone. Signs are information and they are there for a reason. Drivers taking the time to slow down and read information is so critical to safety for the workers in construction zones.
