While safety and security is top of mind for many Americans at schools, offices, healthcare facilities and other workplaces, it's comforting to know that Baker Group is committed to safety and the wellbeing of its staff and clients. Proof of that commitment comes from three recent Safety Awards.   During the MCAA's Annual Awards ceremony in San Antonio, Texas, MCAA President Mac Lynch awarded Baker Group the 2013 MCAA/CNA Safety Award in Contractor Size Category 4 (400,001 to one million work hours).  "With Baker Group's attention to overall employee accountability, Baker Group was a unanimous choice among the MCAA/CNA Safety Award Selection Task Force committee members to receive this award," says Scot Stoltenberg, MCA of Iowa Director of Safety and Training.   According to Baker Group Chairman and CEO BJ Baker, "Earning this recognition is a significant accomplishment, and it demonstrates our high-level commitment to safety and daily dedication to sending our staff, and everyone who works on a Baker Group jobsite, home safely to their family.  We always expect the best from ourselves and our partners."     Additionally, for the second year in a row, Baker Group was awarded one the most prestigious safety awards in the state of Iowa, the IOSHA (Iowa Occupational Safety & Health Administration) and MBI Outstanding Safety Achievement Award, during the Iowa Construction Industry Convention in Des Moines.   Each year a panel of judges comprised of IOSHA and industry professionals recognizes one specialty contractor for outstanding achievements in the area of safety.  The overall goal is to encourage workplace safety and to promote best practices.   In addition to receiving safety awards from national and local construction organizations, Baker Group recently received a subcontractor safety award from Ryan Companies US, Inc.  This award is determined by votes from Ryan field managers and project managers, and is based on the following criteria: 1. Attitude toward safety 2. Safety program enforcement 3. Compliance with article 9 (Ryan safety) and job specific safety manual 4. Safety program up to standards 5. Creative solutions to safety 6. Total project safety participation 7. Minimal lost time injuries on a Ryan project  Baker Group is one of the few contractors to repeat this award.   We are pleased to be recognized for our commitment to safety.  The safety awards given to Baker Group are proof that our clients can always Expect the Best.  This applies to safety of our process, as well as the results of our craftsmanship.

Defense Against Common Workplace Injuries   

Throughout our 50 years, Baker Group has adapted to the changes in the work place and found ways to be efficient in our work, as well as keep our employees safe. Our employees are encouraged to think outside of the box, seek further information and follow-up with supervisors on ways to improve safety. By offering our employees the best safety training programs, well maintained tools/equipment, proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and regular site safety inspections, we are able to insure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.   Personal Protective Equipment is any piece of equipment or material used to protect employees on a daily basis. Hard hats, gloves and safety glasses are examples. PPE is the first line of defense from common workplace injuries. When choosing the proper PPE it is important to consider the task at hand, what environmental factors will impact safety and to have a full understanding of the PPE's use and capabilities.   Communicating the many types of PPE, proper use and changes in equipment can become cumbersome with nearly 400 employees. To tackle this difficult task, Baker Group uses regular tool box safety talks on jobsites to communicate our safety focus. Tool box talk subjects range from eye protection, glove guidelines, fall protection procedures and hard hat requirements. These talks are led by trained jobsite foreman who are ready to answer all questions and recommend the safest approach to every situation.   Baker Group is committed to safety and to the wellbeing of our clients and team members with  communication, education, and follow-through of the safety process. Should you have any questions or comments about the Baker Group safety program, please contact Tracy Haus, Safety Director.

 Production Crew Films Safety Videos 

Baker Group's Safety focus is well known. Baker Group has been working together with MCAA since 2008 to help with production of their safety videos. These videos focus on demonstrating the best jobsite and shop safety practices.   Earlier this year, the MCAA asked permission to film two new safety training DVDs for their members on Baker Group jobsites. To assist in production, Baker Group coordinated job site locations, equipment and provided several employees to demonstrate workplace safety best practices.  With the owner's permission, safety training videos on Ladder Safety and on Job Site Distractions were filmed in May.  These safety training videos, and much more, are available by visiting www.mcaa.org.