Tori – Safety & Environmental Specialist, Ohio CAT
How do you contribute to the overarching safety of your company’s workforce?
I contribute to the overarching safety of the company’s workforce by conducting quarterly safety audits for our locations. The audits are an evaluation of all components for the Ohio CAT safety Policies, processes and best safe practices. Along with audits, I conduct accountability observations which identify at risk behaviors that drive the most common types of injuries.
I am responsible for updating SAFEWorks which is our internal leading indicator safety system. Additionally I facilitate all of the Driver qualification files to help ensure driver safety and compliance. Additionally, I provide all customers with safety data and information.
What does your company do to ensure safety on the job?
Ohio CAT ensures safety on the job by having policies in place to ensure all employees are safe regardless of the task. All employees are given the proper PPE and tools to be able to perform their job duties in a safe and effective manner. Training is conducted weekly and monthly to ensure safety is at the forefront of all employee minds. JSA’s are filled out and reviewed every day before the work begins.
How can the public help keep construction workers and work zones safe?
The public can help keep construction workers and work zones safe by slowing down, moving over when workers have to perform tasks near oncoming traffic, and not being distracted while they are driving. When I drive through a construction zone I think this is someone’s son, father, brother, sister, mother, daughter, etc. and they want to go home to their families just as much as I do.
In your opinion, how has safety in construction changed over the last 10-15 years? What might a younger generation not realize about the current safety standards of the industry?
The traffic laws alone have become stricter when driving through construction zones. Health and safety standards continue to improve bringing more protection to the workforce. Along with health and safety, technology benefits the workers all over the country by creating a safe, effective, and efficient work experience.
Younger generations may not understand that near misses and accidents in the past are now reflected in the current laws and regulations.
