Ber Wilson Construction Safety Policy
Compliant with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) EM 385-1-1 and NAVFAC Standards
Ber Wilson Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and health for all personnel, subcontractors, and visitors on our construction sites. This policy is designed to fully comply with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers EM 385-1-1 Safety and Occupational Health Requirements Manual and the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) safety standards, as required for federal and military construction projects.
1. Safety Commitment
- Zero-incident objective: We strive for zero accidents and injuries by adhering to EM 385-1-1 and NAVFAC requirements.
- Safety is a shared responsibility: Management, supervisors, and workers must actively participate in all safety programs.
- Compliance is mandatory: All work will comply with federal, state, and local safety regulations, including OSHA, EM 385-1-1, and NAVFAC directives
- Resources: We provide all necessary training, equipment, and support to ensure safe operations.
2. Roles and Responsibilities
Role Responsibilities Executive Management Ensure company-wide enforcement of EM 385-1-1/NAVFAC safety policies and allocate resources. Project Managers Oversee site-specific safety plans, conduct risk assessments, and ensure regulatory compliance. Site Supervisors Enforce safety rules, conduct daily briefings, and monitor adherence to EM 385-1-1/NAVFAC. Site Safety & Health Officer (SSHO)Maintain and update the Accident Prevention Plan (APP), conduct inspections, and lead incident investigations. Employees Follow all safety protocols, participate in training, and report hazards or unsafe acts.
3. Safety Program Elements
Accident Prevention Plan (APP)
- A comprehensive, project-specific APP will be developed and approved before work begins.
- The APP will address all EM 385-1-1 and NAVFAC requirements, including emergency response, hazard identification, and control measures.
Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA)
- An AHA will be prepared for each definable feature of work, identifying hazards and specifying controls.
- AHAs are reviewed and updated as work progresses or conditions change.
Training and Communication
- All personnel must complete EM 385-1-1/NAVFAC safety orientation before site entry.
- Ongoing training includes daily toolbox talks, task-specific safety briefings, and emergency drills.
- Documentation of all training is required and maintained on-site.
4. General Safety Rules
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Mandatory use of hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility vests, and steel-toed boots. Additional PPE as required by task-specific AHAs.
- Fall Protection: Use of guardrails, harnesses, and fall arrest systems at heights per EM 385-1-1/NAVFAC (generally above 6 feet).
- Hazard Reporting: All employees must report hazards or near misses immediately.
- Equipment Safety: Only trained and authorized personnel may operate machinery. All equipment is inspected and maintained per EM 385-1-1.
- Housekeeping: Maintain clean, organized work areas to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
- Prohibited Items: No alcohol, drugs, or firearms on site.
- Worksite Access: Control measures such as barriers, signage, and restricted zones are enforced.
5. Hazard Identification and Control
- Site Inspections: Regular inspections are conducted by the SSHO and supervisors to identify and correct hazards.
- Engineering & Administrative Controls: Implement controls such as ventilation, machine guards, and work-rest schedules.
- PPE: Last line of defense; provided and enforced per hazard assessments.
- Incident Investigation: All incidents and near misses are investigated to determine root causes and prevent recurrence.
6. Emergency Preparedness
- Emergency Action Plan: Site-specific procedures for evacuation, fire, medical emergencies, and hazardous material incidents are included in the APP.
- Training: All personnel are trained in emergency procedures and participate in regular drills.
- First Aid: Kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency contacts are accessible at all times.
7. Substance Abuse Policy
- Strict no-tolerance policy for alcohol and illegal drugs.
- Pre-employment, random, and post-incident drug testing as permitted by law.
8. Continuous Improvement
- Safety performance is reviewed regularly.
- Safety plans and AHAs are updated as project conditions change.
- Employee feedback is encouraged to improve safety culture.
9. Environmental Health and Safety
- Compliance with all environmental regulations.
- Proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials per EM 385-1-1/NAVFAC requirements.
10. Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Maintain all required safety documentation on-site, including APP, AHAs, training records, inspection logs, and incident reports.
- Records are available for review by USACE/NAVFAC representatives at any time.
Contact Information
For questions or concerns regarding this Safety Policy, please contact: