Gaines and Company Announces First Safety Excellence Awards of 2019
Gaines and Company, a full service site development company, is proud to announce the Safety Excellence Award recipients for the first quarter of 2019. Daniel Martinez from the Maryland division and Hugo Hernandez of the North Carolina office, are each being recognized for their outstanding safety achievements as part of the Gaines and Company Safety Excellence Program. Both were nominated by their foremen as ‘above and beyond’ employees for their dedication and commitment, and for keeping crews and the public safe at all times.
Daniel Martinez, Safety Excellence Award Recipient, Maryland
Daniel was nominated for the first quarter safety excellence award by his foreman, Pat Dixon. He has been with Gaines and Company for eight years, starting out as a laborer then working his way up to rubber tire loader operator, his current position.
“Daniel is always looking out for everything – for the guys, the crew, the company – everything,” says Dominic Pope, Gaines and Company Safety Director. Pope also says Daniel is a natural teacher and leader who takes initiative helping new employees.
Daniel Martinez, Gaines and Company Safety Excellence Award Q1 2019 MD recipient (middle), foreman Pat Dixon (left) and Dominic Pope, Safety Director (right) in front of one of the utility contractor’s hydraulic excavators.
Daniel’s job requires him to make sure underground utility crews have all needed materials at marked manholes ahead of time so that pipe hookup and placement remains efficient. “We call him the ‘glue of the crew’” says Pope, adding that Daniel is an invaluable employee who works closely with foreman Pat Dixon. Daniel accomplishes projects in a safe manner while also making sure his crewmembers, especially new hires, are also working safely.
“We had a tough job over the winter, Wade’s Grant, in Millersville, MD,” says Pope. This particular project involved a lot of pre-planning for heavy traffic and pedestrian control. “Daniel was the one that stayed on top of that to make sure everything was in order and traffic control was set up properly. That was one of the decision makers for me,” he says.
Hugo Hernandez, Safety Excellence Award Recipient, North Carolina
Hugo was nominated for the first quarter safety excellence award by his foreman, Darryl Wysk. Hugo has worked with Gaines and Company for four years where he began as a laborer before he was promoted to pipe layer.
“Hugo is dedicated to making sure that the guys are safe,” says Dominic Pope, Gaines and Company Safety Director. “He’s always keeping an eye out for the crew, company and himself,” he says.
Hugo Hernandez, Gaines and Company’s Safety Excellence Award NC recipient for Q1 2019 (right) and foreman Darryl Wysk (left) at a sewer and water installation project site.
Hugo meticulously inspects tools and equipment each day before use, and is the first one to help out fellow workers. “He’s constantly looking out for the safety of everyone,” Pope says.
Daniel and Hugo were each given $150 safety bucks to use toward Sportex apparel from the safety e-store and a framed certificate. “I can’t emphasize enough how much we appreciate Hugo and Daniel,” says Pope. “They are exemplary employees and under their close watch, I know everyone will be paying attention to safety.”
Gaines and Company is a full service site development company with over 65 years of experience, specializing in underground utilities, grading, excavating, erosion controls and road work. Our clientele includes home builders and developers, general contractors, state, federal and municipal authorities, and military installations. Gaines and Company offers services in Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C. and Delaware.
