Mohawk Casino Construction Project Emphasizes Safety

February 29, 2012

Accident Prevention is Good Business

The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino expansion project, along with the construction of a new hotel has a strong safety component. Encompass LLC, the design and construction firm building the project, has issued a comprehensive set of policies and procedures to ensure on the job safety at the construction site. “Management is responsible for providing the safest possible workplace for employees,” remarked Colleen Thomas, Tribal Construction Manager. “And we take that responsibility very seriously.”The policies and procedures provide specific guidelines for every conceivable situation. It requires employees to make timely reports of any injuries, incidents or possible unsafe working conditions. “It’s important to provide everybody with specific actions to take in any given situation,” added Thomas. “This safety manual does exactly that.” The manual provides procedures for general emergencies, fire safety, medical emergencies, severe weather and evacuations. It also requires periodic inspections to ensure the implementation of safety policies and procedures as they relate to employees, contractors and vendors. Encompass’ Safety Officer Rob Parker stated: “Encompass is firmly committed to the safety of our employees. We will do everything possible to prevent workplace accidents and we are committed to providing a safe working environment for all employees.”

Other sections of the safety manual address issues such as proper use of equipment, power and hand tools, ladders, crane safety, operation of heavy equipment, scaffold safety, forklift safety, welding and safe spray painting procedures. Each one of the sections lists comprehensive steps to operate and use equipment in the safest possible manner.

In addition to proper use of equipment, the manual also emphasizes employee health and safety. These include prevention measures such as heat-related and cold weather-related conditions, respiratory protection, use of personal protective equipment and blood borne pathogens. Employees are required to review applicable and appropriate safety rules before beginning special work or new assignments. “No employee is ever required to perform work that he or she believes is unsafe, or that he or she thinks is likely to cause injury or a health risk to themselves or others,” said Parker.

“We believe that the safety manual is an important management tool to prevent accidents and injuries,” said Thomas. “Of course, our goal is for an incident free project. For that to happen it’s important for managers, supervisors and employees to read and understand the safety policies and procedures.” All contractors on this project are given an orientation package which includes the Encompass Safety Manual. Before they are allowed to begin work each contractor is required to sign an acknowledgement form confirming that they have read and understand the safety policies and procedures in the manual and agree to comply with them.

For more information contact David T. Staddon, Director of Public Information at 518-358-2272, ext. 286.