Top Safety Record – Houston Construction Company

As an experienced Houston general contractor, safety is and will always be our top priority at the construction site. We follow all state and federal safety guidelines to ensure that our workforce is in compliance with all necessary precautions and procedures. At GRA-Gulf Coast Construction, we are transparent about our safety practices and expect every member of our team to uphold our protocols while working on your project. Partner with us on your next industrial or commercial build in Houston and know that you are getting a safe and compliant project delivered with excellence.

Our Construction Company Has a Low EMR

As a Houston construction services company, we have a responsibility to maintain a low EMR (Experience Modification Rate). EMR is used by insurance companies to gauge both the past cost of injuries and future chances of risk. Here’s what our low EMR tells you about our company:

1. We have a strong commitment to safety. A low EMR directly reflects a history of fewer and less costly work-related injuries. This translates to a safer job site for everyone involved.
2. We effectively manage risk. Our low rate shows that we proactively identify and mitigate potential hazards on your projects. This gives you confidence that your project will be handled responsibly.
3. We are organized and efficient. Safety and efficiency often go hand-in-hand. Companies with strong safety records tend to have well-organized processes, which means better project management and a smoother build overall
4. We have a positive company culture. Employees who feel safe and valued are likely to be more productive and committed to your project’s success.

Safety in Industrial Construction Projects

Industrial construction projects typically involve structural steel frames, use metal cladding or concrete tilt-wall construction, and may have high bays for storage and machinery. This type of construction applies to facilities such as:

• Warehouses and distribution centers
• Manufacturing and assembly plants
• Food processing facilities
• Auto or mechanic shops

Several hazards are commonly encountered on industrial construction sites and need to be addressed through hazard identification and control or prevention measures. As an experienced industrial general contractor, we have years of experience working on these types of sites and have established safety protocols in place.

• Working at Heights: Construction of roofs, installation of high bay racking, and work on elevated platforms like scissor lifts all pose fall risks. We counter this with proper fall protection systems (guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems) and training.
• Moving Objects: Operating forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment in confined spaces creates “struck-by” and “caught-between” hazards. We have traffic management plans and assign spotters.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: These can occur due to uneven surfaces, spills, debris, and inadequate housekeeping. Our priority is to maintain a well-organized job site that includes clearing walkways and marking hazard areas.
• Electrical Hazards: Temporary wiring, use of power tools, and potential contact with existing electrical systems can lead to shocks and burns. Our electrical experts are responsible for proper grounding and regular inspections.
• Fire Hazards: Welding, cutting, and the presence of flammable materials can increase the risk of fire on the jobsite. We address this with fire safety training and fire prevention measures.
• Noise and Vibration: Prolonged exposure to noisy machinery and vibrating tools can cause hearing damage and hand-arm vibration syndrome. We require relevant PPE such as hearing protection and anti-vibration gloves.
• Confined Spaces: Some industrial projects might involve work in confined spaces like tanks or pits, which can present risks of asphyxiation. Permit-required confined space entry procedures are necessary.

Safety Considerations for Commercial Construction

Commercial construction projects may use structural steel, wood framing, or concrete, and feature a wider variety of exterior finishes such as brick, glass, and stucco. These projects typically create spaces for:

• Office buildings
• Retail stores and shopping centers
• Daycares and schools
• Healthcare clinics and medical offices
• Hotels and restaurants

Commercial construction sites often have a range of trades working simultaneously in a single space. Potential hazards on a commercial site are similar to an industrial worksite but with some more complexities due to the overlap of specialty teams working at once.

• High-Rise Construction: Many commercial projects involve multi-story buildings, which means there are risks linked to working at heights, material handling at elevation, and potential falling objects. We implement fall protection systems and strict material securing protocols on these sites.
• Complex Building Systems: Commercial buildings have intricate mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Installation of these systems need full attention to prevent electrical shocks, falls from ladders while installing overhead components, and other related hazards.
• Tight Schedules and Coordination: The pressure to meet deadlines can sometimes lead to shortcuts that compromise safety if not managed carefully. Our project team leads communication and coordination between different trades to prevent conflicts and accidents.
• Public Safety: Construction sites in urban areas often affect nearby businesses, roadways, or pedestrian areas. As needed, we put perimeter security, traffic management, and dust/noise control measures in place.

Maintaining Safety in Sub-Contractor Management

Subcontractors we select to work on your project must undergo thorough prequalification, including EMR checks and safety record reviews. We establish clear safety expectations from the outset and incorporate them into their contracts. On site, we provide safety orientations, enforce PPE compliance, and conduct regular inspections. All subcontractors are required to adhere to our site-specific safety plans. Non-compliance is addressed swiftly and decisively.

Experienced and Safe – Houston General Contractor

Work with a Houston general contractor with a proven track record in safe construction practices. Contact our team at GRA-Gulf Coast Construction now to discuss your next commercial or industrial building project.