Builder Rolls Out a Comprehensive Safety Program
Troutman, N.C. – January 17, 2007 – To kick off its 2007 comprehensive safety program, EFC Builders sponsored a safety educational seminar for its employees and subcontractors at its offices on Friday, January 12. A safety expert from the American Red Cross, Irene Henline, addressed the group on first aid, bloodborne pathogens and emergency preparedness.
In addition to educational presentations, EFC Builders has added a written “Emergency Action Plan” to the company’s policies and procedures this year. Their systematic safety initiative is built upon standard safety rules set by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with the expectation that it will be learned and practiced company-wide on all EFC Builders’ job sites.
Another feature of this initiative is an employee safety incentive that will recognize individuals each December who have demonstrated outstanding safety practices. The EFC Builders’ safety program is designed to be more than a regulatory compliance and is based upon professional ethics of going beyond what is mandated and doing what is right to protect employees, subcontractors and customers.
“As a small company, we are going to unprecedented measures to maintain safety through teamwork, communications, cooperation and training,” said Geoff Bowen, founder and co-owner of EFC Builders.
A safety committee, comprised of the company owners, Geoff and Deborah Bowen, as well as Safety Director William D. Meuhlen and Safety Coordinator Jessica L. Keyes, manages, monitors and supervises the entire program. With education being a critical component of ongoing safety, monthly company meetings are held on a wide variety of topics ranging from the hazards of working improperly with equipment, tools and building materials, to correct lifting and framing practices in the industry, as well as first aid, chemical awareness and emergency preparedness.
In addition, a company library houses safety resources such as OSHA publications, “Safety Toolbox Talks,” insurance carrier printed materials and presentations on workplace safety. Another attention to detail is the safety gear that is issued, maintained and supplied to each field employee by the company.
Key individuals at EFC Builders will supplement their ongoing monthly safety meetings with a ten-hour course entitled “Construction Industry Safety.” The purpose of this course is to develop employee training skills and is sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Builders Association. EFC Builders is an active member of this organization and supports this safety focus industry-wide.
Established in November 1996, EFC Builders employs a staff of ten who build custom homes in the Lake Norman area ranging in price from the $300,000 to over $750,000. In addition to new construction, they provide major residential renovation services that include design and construction. To learn more about EFC Builders, contact them at (704) 528-5221, or visit their web site at www.efcbuilders.com.