Safety

"Safety first" is standard operating procedure and a condition of employment at Merit. Company leaders committed to an aggressive and proactive safety program at Merit's founding and we've been an industry model in Iowa ever since. Merit's program works because safety goals, expectations and requirements are communicated clearly on a company-wide basis. Continuous safety improvement is an essential part of our strategic planning and our Total Quality Management culture.

Company safety goals

• Zero injuries
• Drug-free workplace
• Employee accountability
• Employee empowerment to identify and correct unsafe conditions immediately

Safety communication channels

• Frequent safety training at all levels
• Staff and superintendent safety meetings
• Weekly Toolbox Safety Talks
• On-site safety training through videos, demonstrations and hands-on practice
• Safety memos and company newsletter articles
• Incident/injury reviews
• On-site reference materials, including OSHA 1926 Construction Safety Standards, 350-page Company Safety Manual and MSDS book

Comprehensive safety requirements

• Written safety rules and responsibilities
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
• Hazard prevention and control through job safety analysis (JSA)
• Emergency planning/preparation and medical assistance program
• Safety training and education for every employee
• Specific safety programs for hazard communication, respiratory protection, confined-space entry and lockout/tagout and blood-borne illness protection
• Daily site safety inspections

Merit's project superintendents carry out site safety inspections daily and send weekly reports to the company's safety director. The director conducts site safety audits frequently and works with superintendents and project managers to correct any potential problems.

Merit complies with all OSHA requirements and trains employees to inspect their tools and equipment before use. We keep detailed records of the inspections we perform on tools, equipment, and worksites.

On average, Merit employees receive 32 hours of safety training a year. We are constantly updating our training programs and developing new ones to meet future needs.

Merit's weekly Toolbox Safety Talks cover basic safety rules as well as specific topics- such as electrical safety and power tool usage. Employees conduct the talks and welcome additional input from their coworkers. The result is a strong sense of employee ownership in Merit's safety program.

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