As we say goodbye to 2014 and enter the toughest period of the construction season, we’re thinking about you and your employees.

Our goal is work with you in a spirit of trust and mutual respect. Aiming for safety on the job is a big part of that effort.

Helping all team members – yours and ours – avoid workplace accidents is a top priority, one that will receive even more attention in 2015 as we strive for zero lost-time incidents.

Equipment, training and good ideas

The best ideas for addressing work hazards come from those doing the work, says Dave Mashek , Prairie’s Director of Safety and head of a 5-member team devoted to reducing on-the-job risks.

“We’ve created a program where Prairie employees can act as company president for a day, outlining what they would change in order to improve safety,” Mashek says.

“One idea we will implement next year is to have experienced drivers ride along with newer drivers to ensure best practices are followed, especially in high-risk situations. We already use mentors in our driver training program, but doing it as part of everyday operations will help us focus on safe driving and delivery techniques.”

Proper equipment is critical, too. “The 36 trucks added to our fleet this year have lightweight chutes, slump racks and extra steps so that drivers can dismount safely,” Mashek explains. “We’ve budgeted additional funds for continued safety upgrades next year.”

Safety during the winter months

Year-round construction poses unique hazards for construction workers, and all Prairie drivers are committed to taking extra steps to assure safe delivery of concrete and aggregates.

“We publish specific safety alerts for our employees during harsh weather to increase their awareness of risks,” Mashek says. “We also do frequent Safety Toolbox Talks in our yards, focusing on prevention of slips, trips, falls and the need to maintain 3 points of contact when entering and exiting delivery vehicles.”

Thanks for your partnership all year long

Throughout the year, our goal is for everyone to return home each day safe and sound, the same way they arrived. We know you share this goal – and we thank you for the partnership you have shown in making safe operations a reality. We wish you and your entire team a happy, successful 2015.

For more about our service commitment to you, go to prairie.com.