Safety

Safety is an all-embracing core value at Venture Engineering & Construction, Inc. that influences every aspect of our business including engineering, design, purchasing, subcontractor selection, construction, and operations. To facilitate this approach, we have established minimum Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements that apply to all projects regardless of geographic location. Contractors selected to perform work on our project are expected to comply fully with all applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and Venture’s ES&H requirements, including the key requirements listed below:

• All employees working on site will attend the ES&H new-hire orientation and daily pre-task meetings;
• All employees should demonstrate a commitment to Venture’s “Zero Incidents” philosophy;
• Managers and supervisors will participate in ES&H self-assessments, audits, and incident investigations; additionally, supervisors are responsible for conducting weekly “tool box” meetings to emphasize important ES&H issues associated with their work activities, including any deficiencies and corrective actions;
• Pre-job planning, injury/illness cases, and hours worked will be documented;
• All employees are expected to participate in a Behavior-Based Safety program, Zero Incidents team, and ES&H assessments;
• All employees will be supplied with appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., hard hat, safety glasses) and tools to allow them to perform their work safely, maintain equipment in good working condition, and operate equipment in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations;
• Good “housekeeping” will be maintained to promote fire prevention and sanitary conditions; and
• An emergency response plan will be established and supported with all necessary equipment and training.

There are other ES&H requirements that may apply, depending on the contractor’s scope of work, site-specific conditions, or when specialized equipment is used. For example, contractors may be required to submit specific plans to us for approval prior to starting certain work activities, such as:

• Fall protection plan when working at a height greater than 6 feet, where a fall hazard may exist;
• Standard operating procedures (e.g., performing service or maintenance on equipment or machinery where an unexpected release of hazardous energy may occur; conducting work in a confined space, excavation, or trench); and
• Health protection procedures where workers health may be jeopardized (e.g., exposure to sound greater than 85 decibels, working in a contaminated environment, handling blood or other bodily fluids).

If selected to bid for work, contractors will be provided with more detailed information on that project’s ES&H requirements. Contractors are expected to demonstrate in their bid proposal that they have applied appropriate ES&H requirements to the hazards associated with their scope of work. Each project will evaluate contractor responses and the results will be a factor in determining whether the contractor is awarded the work.

Contractors are responsible for selecting and holding their own suppliers and lower-tier subcontractors to the same standards and requirements that apply to their scope of work as set forth in their contract with each project.

In the event that a project’s ES&H requirements exceed a governmental law, regulation, or requirement, the more stringent requirement will apply.

Contractors will be responsible for conducting and documenting regular inspections and periodic evaluations of their work activities to ensure compliance with the project’s ES&H requirements. Contractor’s inspection and audit results will be made available to us for review.

The sections below provide additional information on important elements of Venture’s ES&H program.