Editor's Note: The 2024 class of America's Safety Companies will be recognized Tuesday, August 27 during the Safety Leadership Conference. More information about the conference, including registration, can be found at www.safetyleadershipconference.com.
D. C. Taylor Co.
Industrial Roofing
Cedar Rapids, IA
180 employees | 4 sites | 2 EHS professionals
Employees of industrial roofing company D. C. Taylor Co. have an easy way to remember what they should be focusing on every day: It’s an acronym created from the company’s initials, DCTCO:
Deliberate: movements, lifting, carrying, steps, clear path, do not rush.
Critical: decisions, actions, stop work, avoid frustration.
Teamwork: lifting, carrying, watch out for each other, buddy system.
Communicate: daily, safety is absolute priority, use correct PPE, hazards identified, avoid injury.
Organized: work site, housekeeping, tools, and materials ready.
“This acronym addresses unintentional injuries, and that we are all human and can make mistakes,” explains Kirk Dighton, the company’s safety manager. “We remind each other daily that we need to keep our eye on the ball and be aware of common errors such as slips, trips and falls on walking-working surfaces,” which are particularly important considerations for employees working at heights.
D. C. Taylor prides itself on working with a customer base that places safety as the primary value/priority when evaluating and hiring contractors. “Our culture mirrors that value where we place people above profit every day of our lives,” Dighton says. “We have been asked to shortcut and ‘cheapen’ our product, but as a company, we refuse to do so. The safety of our employees is an absolute priority.”
The company has what Dighton describes as “an aggressive fall protection program” where supervisors and managers are all trained at the Competent Person Personal Fall Arrest Systems level with bi-annual recertifications. “All crew members are trained upon hire at the Authorized Person Personal Fall Arrest Systems level with bi-annual recertifications. All members regardless of title are trained in fall rescue and it is rehearsed at least quarterly on rooftops or in simulations to ensure quick and efficient rescue if needed.”
Dighton acknowledges that there will sometimes be unforeseen circumstances that require a STOP WORK to address those conditions and ensure the safety of everyone on the crew. “Every person, regardless of position or status, has the authority to call for STOP WORK if they feel uncomfortable in any situation. Work will only resume when everyone is satisfied that working conditions are safe.”
Workers are also encouraged to report “good catches,” formerly known as “near misses.” The name change, he explains, takes a more positive view of any close call that is observed and reported. Good catches are rewarded and the information is used to provide safety alert information to help other crews who may find themselves in similar situations.
In terms of safety technology, D. C. Taylor has implemented an employee portal system where all main inspection/safety checklists are accessible by all employees. The project manager and safety personnel are notified when a checklist is used and submitted for verification of efficiency.
