Gaines and Company’s T.J. Jochem Recognized for Thorough Safety Practices

T.J. Jochem (middle) awarded the Safety Excellence Award by Foreman Jose Ramirez (left) and Utilities Superintendent Mark Butcher (right).

North Carolina Quarterly Safety Award – 1st Quarter 2021

There are many aspects of safety — from procedures to preventative maintenance and jobsite awareness to fit for duty. As an industry-leading site development company, Gaines and Company knows that being selective in what aspects of safety to follow will not keep the workforce safe. Instead, employees must understand how to work with a comprehensive safety mindset. North Carolina employee T.J. Jochem was recognized with the company’s quarterly Safety Excellence Award for displaying an exceptional approach to comprehensive workplace safety.

From in the office to on the jobsite, Gaines and Company employees are an active part of the company’s comprehensive safety program. This program takes a proactive approach to safety and encourages safety discussions every day within each of Gaines and Company’s teams.

“Safety is a regular topic discussed within our teams and should always be on the forefront of each employee’s mind,” said Safety Director Dominic Pope. “The Safety Excellence Award recognizes employees who display an exceptional commitment to continually ensuring and advancing our organization’s commitment to safety.”

T.J. Jochem has been an operator with Gaines and Company for seven years. He is trained in OSHA 10, OSHA 30, Excavation Safety, and Confined Space and is responsible for operating equipment and installing underground utilities.

“I nominated T.J. for this award because he is my second set of eyes when I’m busy doing other things,” said T.J.’s foreman, Jose Ramirez. “T.J. always makes sure we are slopped back or has a trench box in the ground before anyone gets in. He also makes sure all equipment he runs is clean and in good working order before operating it.”

Pope added, “T.J. takes a thorough approach to safety. He is focused on all aspects of safety to keep not just himself, but his entire team safe.”

T.J. was awarded a Safety Excellence Award certificate and $150 in safety bucks to use on gear in the company’s online safety store. Additionally, he will be considered for the year-end 2021 Safety Excellence Award.