Safety Initiatives

Ensuring worker safety and protection is the first priority for the Radiological Laboratory/Utility/Office Building construction project. Management from Austin Commercial Contractors, LP; the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Replacement Project; the National Nuclear Security Administration; and craft representatives have created a Project Zero Accident Team (ZAT). This team has developed a variety of safety initiatives in which worker safety is continuously assessed:

• safety incentives and recognition;
• weekly site-safety walk-downs with craft and management;
• safety leader workshops; and
• safety review of three-week look-ahead schedule.

RLUOB also has implemented a proven method using an observation/feedback process (OFP) in an extended effort to prevent injuries. This process includes

• peer-to-peer observation of work activities and behaviors;
• "Daily Observations Getting Safer," or DOGS, a worker-based safety program;
• immediate constructive feedback and positive reinforcement of safe behaviors; and
• increased employee involvement and ideas for process/behavior improvements.

Senior management has championed OFP and has set a project-wide goal of achieving 100% safe behavior.