Photo courtesy Turner Construction Turner Construction relies heavily on its field employees as part of its safety culture.

Turner Construction Co. continually seeks new and innovative methods of improving its safety systems and practices.

The company relies heavily on the field employee buy-in of its safety culture. It also works closely with its subcontractors, even before the bidding begins. Each subcontractor must complete a questionnaire to establish its safety track record. Additionally, a subcontractor’s experience modification rating must be below 1.0 to be considered for a project.

Turner conducts a preconstruction safety meeting with its subcontractors to instill the philosophy that through proper planning and preparation, all injuries are preventable. Also, the Safety Improvement Team was established as a forum for management and employees to interact.

Turner recently began using TrendTracker, a computer-based auditing program to collect safety data from jobsites. The data can be trended so the company can identify areas of concern before they become a problem. Also new is the 100% Drug Free Workplace program, requiring drug testing for all employees and subcontractors.

On select projects, the company has implemented a new cord management program that requires all electrical cords be run overhead. On some projects a 100 percent glove policy has been implemented to reduce cuts and lacerations.