Safety
We are dedicated to safe working procedures and conditions for all employees
Koss Construction Company is dedicated to performing all work in a manner that results in quality craftsmanship and safe working procedures and conditions for all employees. Three full-time managers administer training and inspection programs that cover all aspects of job performance on our projects, at the construction and maintenance facility, and in transportation between projects.
Koss adheres to all applicable safety regulations as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Departments of Transportation, as well as other regulating agencies. A comprehensive Employee Manual was developed and implemented to govern the performance of the concrete paving crews, the asphalt paving crews, as well as the recycle and cold planing crews. New employees review the manual during the orientation process and participate in regularly scheduled reviews of these policies and known industry best practices.
Safety is not something that we do in addition to production. Safety is the attitude in the way that we produce our quality products. We believe that safety is a shared responsibility by everyone at every level within the company. Koss Construction Company has a Corporate Safety Director who oversees safety and training activities, as well as working with supervisory personnel to make sure that they have the safety materials for holding weekly “Toolbox Talks” and training of their employees on the projects.
All supervisory personnel are subject to ongoing training to stay apprised of changing regulations and requirements so that their crews are mindful of safety procedures. Supervisors are fully aware of employee performance through constant observation, on the job. This allows for immediate correction if someone exhibits a lack of diligence in performing their jobs safely. All field employees are required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment as dictated by policy or situations.
Supervisory personnel participate in an annual training session at the beginning of the construction season to re-energize and improve knowledge on a variety of topics. These topics range from regulations and programs such as Hazard Communication, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to First Aid and CPR, as well as personnel issues. Guest speakers, who are experts in their field, are brought in from industry, regulatory agencies, insurance, and other professionals to assist with these educational meetings.
The diligence of these efforts is evidenced on an annual basis when the workers’ compensation experience modifier or Experience Mod is received from the insurance broker. This Experience Mod is calculated from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) based on the claims experience for the previous three years. The lower the Mod Rate, the better the safety record, and proof that the employee training and awareness is working.
Koss Construction Company recognizes the problems of substance abuse and the potential dangers in the workplace. To this end, there is a zero tolerance policy for substance abuse. All employees and applicants are subject to this policy and testing requirements.
