Gaines and Company Stands Down for Trench Safety
In 2022, 39 workers died in the United States from an excavation-related incident.
“That’s 39 families who will never have their loved ones home again,” said Gaines and Company Safety Director Dominic Pope during an onsite safety standdown for Trench Safety Week, a National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) initiative during June’s Trench Safety Month.
Dominic is visiting each of Gaines and Company’s excavation crews in the Chesapeake Bay region during the month of June to focus on trench safety. His message is to think about these 39 workers and their families and friends left behind due to an incident that was 100% preventable.
“I then hand each worker an orange shirt. I challenge them that every time they put the shirt on – from the very first time until it turns into rags – I want them to think about those 39 workers. If there is ever a time when the thought even crosses their minds to take a shortcut or do something unsafe, I hope they see someone in this orange shirt and they make the decision to work safely for themselves, their families, and their friends,” said Dominic.
Gaines and Company recognizes Trench Safety Week every year, but crews focus on the subject year-round.
“This is a message we reiterate all year long. Most trench-related incidents are caused by human error, bad judgement, and lack of training,” said Dominic. “These standdowns remind everyone that incidents happen fast, and we cannot get complacent. Instead, we break complacency by discussing excavation safety, such as when to use a trench box and how to know if it is functioning correctly.”
Trench safety is just one topic within Gaines and Company’s comprehensive safety program. Their industry-leading safety program ensures that the health and safety of each employee is of primary importance in all phases of its site development operations from both is Maryland and North Carolina locations.
Gaines and Company crews standdown to discuss trench safety during NUCA’s Trench Safety Month.
Gaines and Company is a full-service grading and excavation company with offices in Maryland and North Carolina. The organization has nearly 70 years of experience in underground utilities, grading and excavating, sediment and erosion controls, and road work. Gaines and Company delivers safe, reliable, turnkey site development services in Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C., and Delaware on time and within budget.
