Safety is a pillar for every successful project; it’s just as important as project management, estimating, and field operations since safety has a direct impact on delivery and performance. When you have proper safety practices in place, then you have the peace of mind to know that it will keep production moving and reduce the risk of delays, while also protecting crews, clients, and assets.
At Moss Utilities, we follow a people-first approach, which is why safety is one of the most important things that we prioritize. Work with us, and you will see that safety is a foundational part of our operations, not a separate box to check.
Our Philosophy: Safety is an Integral Part of All Operations
There’s no question that these safety practices benefit both the company and clients, which is why they are an integral part of everything that we do. Garrett Moss’s perspective anchors our company approach:
“How do we make being safe a way to increase production?”
Safety is more than a core value; we integrate safety into every decision from scheduling to trench planning, equipment use, and beyond. No matter the job type, we can accommodate the needs to ensure that our crews never have to choose between production and safety.
Safety Programs and Protocols
A Project-Specific Safety Plan (PSSP) is developed for every job, utilizing both Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Pre-Task Planning (PTP). We always address the highest-risk aspects of the project:
- Excavation and Trenching Safety
- Confined Space Entry
- Utility Locating and Damage Prevention
- Equipment and Lifting
Every team member completes a mandatory comprehensive safety orientation. Additionally, we offer ongoing training (OSHA 1030, Competent Person) and daily Toolbox Talks to discuss current conditions. We enforce a strict Drug and Alcohol Program and maintain the highest standards for all of our crew members. Additionally, all subcontractors must meet our high safety standards.
Our team creates a clear Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for every project. In the unlikely event that an accident occurs, we conduct thorough, non-punitive investigations.
What Makes Moss Unique When It Comes to Safety?
Safety is the top priority and non-negotiable for every member of our team, with a zero-incident goal. Our commitment to safety applies to all types of projects (data centers, schools, multi-family, etc.), and safety protocols are tailored to unique site hazards.
Each project is unique, which is why we customize the safety plan for every project.
- We believe that safety protocols extend beyond the jobsite, which is why we follow these practices around the site as well, including safe driving and material handling.
- Moss Utilities has an in-house safety team with eight full-time safety advisors as well as a safety manager. Executive and Senior Management are also actively involved in safety planning.
- Job safety inspections are completed by our in-house safety team.
- Field teams collaborate with safety advisors during project planning phases to prepare for shifting site conditions.
- We comply with OSHA, state, and local regulations and maintain industry certifications (e.g., ISNetworld).
- Foremen are required to fill out daily JHAs and job hazard reports.
- We have robust new hire safety training practices, including orientation and safety protocols.
- Downtime due to weather delays is utilized for additional safety training and development.
- We have a safety training center and provide hands-on safety instruction for all crew members, including scenario-based learning.
Safety Recognition and Awards: TRIR & EMR
We like to let our recognitions speak for themselves. We monitor and showcase our strong performance metrics, including Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) 1.64 and Experience Modification Rate (EMR) .82. Both are great ratings!
- Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR): Our low TRIR confirms that our safety protocols are working in the field, and that we have a proactive safety culture that protects not only workers but also the site and the general public. This metric measures the frequency of work-related injuries or illnesses in a given year (per 100 full-time employees). To qualify, these incidents must require more than first aid, such as medical treatment, work restrictions, lost time, or fatality.
- Experience Modification Rate (EMR): A low EMR indicates that our company is well-managed, stable, and risk-controlled, which directly translates to fewer delays and liability concerns. This low rating also yields hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual savings on insurance premiums, giving us a major competitive advantage when bidding.
Moss Utilities: Where Safety Drives Every Project
Moss Utilities uses data-driven reporting for tracking performance and making continuous improvements for our processes. We also have recognition programs in place to acknowledge crews and individuals who are consistent with their safety practices.