Double Grand Prize Wins at Construction Site Developer
Celebrating Maryland and North Carolina Awardees for Excellence in Safety
Every year, on a quarterly and annual basis, Gaines and Company recognizes their employees in one of the most important aspects of the work they do: safety. Max Ramirez, already a 3Q winner, and Daniel Martinez a 1Q winner, have both won the annual grand prize for Excellence in Safety in North Carolina and Maryland respectively. Both are amazing mentors, always happy to assist and coach fellow crewmembers on safety and protection. Additionally, both men have embraced safety protocols as part of who they are—not because it’s part of their job.
2019 Overall North Carolina Safety Excellence Winner, Max Ramirez — stands between Mark Butcher, (Utility Superintendent) on the left and Jose Ramirez (Foreman) on the right.
Pat Dixon (left) with Daniel Martinez — 2019 Overall Maryland Safety Excellence Winner—stands with Dominic Pope, (Safety Director, right) in front of one of the Gaines and Company CAT earth movers.
Nominated by foreman, Jose Ramirez, Max was presented the excellence award for his outstanding attention to safety details—a great example of how to work and live safely, on and off the jobsite. He is first to inspect the construction equipment, underground and above ground utility locations, set up traffic control signs, potential pinch points and always willing to offer instruction and assistance, emerging as a shining example of Gaines and Company’s safety culture. Mr. Ramirez stands out because he takes safety very seriously, not only for himself but for everyone around him. Jose adds that, “Max is an excellent additional set of eyes and ears for overall safety.”
Max holds many certifications in safety including his OSHA 10 Hr, Confined Space, First Aid, CPR, Excavation Safety Training, and Competent Person designation. Dominic Pope, Safety Director, says, “Max is the first to inspect all equipment and PPE every morning before work begins, also making sure the entire crew is working safely at all times.”
Foreman Pat Dixon nominated Daniel Martinez, (nominee for 1Q safety excellence award) who has been with Gaines and Company for eight years. He began as a laborer and worked his way up to a heavy equipment operator specializing as a rubber tire loader operator. Dixon noticed that Martinez always accomplishes projects in a safe manner while making sure his crewmembers—especially new hires—are also working safely. He makes sure the underground utility crews have all needed materials ahead of time so that the workflow remains efficient and on time. “Daniel is an overall safety leader, not afraid to jump in or monitor the guys, the crew, the company…everything,” says Dominic Pope. “He’s an advocate and mentor, taking the initiative to help new employees. We call him the ‘glue of the crew.’” Pope adds.
Mr. Martinez holds certifications such as OSHA 10, Confined Space, Heavy Equipment Operator, CPR/First Aid and more and is in complete alignment with the safety values and practices at Gaines and Company.
As part of the Grand Prize award, both Ramirez and Martinez received $150.00 credit in “safety bucks” to the company e-store where they can purchase various gear like jackets, boots and t-shirts. It’s all part of an ongoing incentive program to keep safety at the top of the list through continual safety recognition throughout the year. Soon, Gaines and Company will be awarding the first quarter prize winners of 2020, both in the Maryland and North Carolina locations.
Gaines and Company is a full-service site development contractor, including grading, excavation and underground utility construction with a groundbreaking safety excellence program. In both the Maryland and North Carolina divisions, a Safety Excellence Achievement Award is given on a quarterly basis to any employee who goes above and beyond in their dedication to safety.
