EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYEE COMPLIANCE

HEJ Construction Company, Inc. will endeavor to comply with safety regulations implemented by federal, state and local agencies. It is company policy that every employee and all property be protected from controllable hazards. We believe that accidents can be avoided by using good training methods, common sense and personal initiative. Therefore, each employee is responsible for complying with all safety regulations and the following basic principles:

1. Always Follow Safety Rules: Applicable safety rules and regulations are to be followed at all times.
2. Do Not Perform Unsafe Acts: Employees should never perform any tasks that they believe may be unsafe. Any such conditions or practices should be reported to a supervisor immediately.
3. Listen to Supervisors: Supervisors in charge of each operation have been instructed to familiarize employees with safe operations and practices. Many accidents occur when employees take shortcuts and ignore established safety rules and regulations. All employees must follow established safety rules in performing their assigned tasks.
4. Avoid Discipline or Discharges: Each employee is responsible for his or her performance and for following safety rules. Failure to do so will lead to disciplinary action or discharge.

REPORTING JOB-RELATED INJURIES AND ILLNESSES

All job-related injuries must be reported in accordance with the following rules:

1. Follow Orientation Rules: Information on reporting job-related accidents is covered in full in the employee welcome and orientation class, which is scheduled shortly after each employee is hired.
2. Report Immediately: All on-the-job accidents and illnesses must be reported to a supervisor immediately-no matter how minor they may appear.
3. Cooperate in the Investigation: Employees who are involved in accidents should give full details concerning the nature of their injuries, the cause, the date/time and any other relevant information.
4. Secure Medical Treatment: Employees should immediately secure any necessary medical treatment. Only designated supervisors and managers can authorize treatment.
5. Record Information: Fill out all accident reporting forms. If first aid is applied on the premises, the nature of the first aid, condition of the individual and recommendation for further treatment must all be recorded.
6. Detect Symptoms: Learn to detect early signs and symptoms of any illnesses or ailments to get proper treatment.
7. Avoid Discipline or Discharge: An employee who does not promptly or properly report accidents or illnesses in accordance with this policy may be disciplined or discharged.

GENERAL FIRST AID PRACTICES

Eye Irritations and Injuries. For eye irritation caused by abrasives, flash burns or chemical fumes, flush with fresh water and wash eyes with natural salt solution, OCUSOL eye lotion, butyl sulfate or an equally effective solution. If eye irritation persists, contact a physician or transport the injured worker to a medical center for treatment. For particles on eye surface or under eyelid, remove particle if possible and wash with eye lotion. If particle cannot be removed in the field or if the irritation persists, contact a physician or transport the injured worker to a medical center for treatment. For paint materials or cleaning solvents in the eye, wash continually with clean, fresh water. If problem persist, contact a physician or transport the injured worker to a medical center for treatment.

Nausea and Loss of Consciousness. Loss of breathing: Apply artificial respiration immediately. Call for emergency medical service. Loss of blood circulation: Check for possible bleeding and immediately apply first aid treatment plus cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Call for emergency medical service.

First Aid Kit. Items in the first aid kid but no limited: Eyewash solution, bandage gauze, adhesive tape, band aids, ace bandages, aspirin, antibacterial salve, burn ointment, Vaseline, cold cream and iodine. First aid kits are located in every vehicle or tool trailer.

KEY SAFETY RULES

The following list highlights some of the most important and common safety rules for employees. However, this brief list is not intended as a substitute for the individual sections that follow or for the separate individual safety plans. These key safety rules are merely meant to emphasize some rules that should always be on the minds of employees.

1. Report any injury to supervisor immediately, no matter how slight.
2. Report all unsafe conditions to supervisor immediately.
3. Maintain good housekeeping. Keep work area clean and clear. Put things where they belong.
4. A first aid kit is available. Be certain where it is located, so you may reach it in an emergency.
5. Emergency phone numbers are posted by each first aid kit and bulletin board.
6. Never make changes of equipment to bypass safety devices.
7. Make sure that electrical tools are properly grounded and that no electrical hazards exists from standing water.
8. Do not keep tools in your pockets.
9. Lift with leg muscles, not the back. Be certain to have a firm grasp and firm footing before lifting anything.
10. Do not attempt to lift or move anything too heavy. Maximum weight is 85 lbs. Use available equipment for assistance or get help.
11. Horseplay is prohibited.
12. Good quality work shoes help protect feet if something is dropped on them.
13. Do not run. No job is so urgent that running is required.
14. Refrain from use of narcotics and alcohol in compliance with company policies.
15. Ear protection must be used when requested by a supervisor.
16. Comply with all posted personal protective equipment notices.

PERSONAL HYGIENE AND SANITATION

1. Employees must cooperate in helping maintain a clean and orderly workplace.
2. Employees must maintain healthy personal hygiene.
3. Employees are to report to work well-groomed, in accordance with company policy.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES OF SUPERVISORS

1. Emphasize safety and participate in all safety meetings.
2. Conduct daily work plan sessions before starting work each morning, at noon and in the evening before cleanup.
3. Check for and eliminate hazards.
4. Conduct monthly safety meetings for each crew change. All personnel must participate in the meetings and help evaluate working conditions.
5. Record attendance and discussions in safety meeting log.
6. Follow through with recommendations from safety meetings, including updating practices, improving working conditions and maintaining equipment for safe operations.
7. Enter actions taken in log book and minutes for safety meeting.
8. Keep records as required by applicable state and federal law.
9. Eliminate recognized hazards and help reduce or control any hazards that cannot by eliminated.
10. Make sure that all employees are properly trained in hazard communications, blood borne pathogens, personal protective equipment and other training programs required by federal or state laws.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

To reduce the chance of injury, the company’s policy is to provide each employee with training in the tools, equipment and skills necessary to perform his/her job. Training will comply with the specifics of any OSHA safety plans and standards. Employees are to cooperate and take training seriously as its purpose is to protect their lives, health and safety.

BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS

With any potential exposure to blood borne pathogens (e.g., attempting to give first aid to a bleeding coworker), employees must follow basic rules.

1. Wear rubber gloves.
2. Do not re-use gloves.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water after removing gloves.
4. Wear safety goggles if there is a potential for contaminants to splash into the eyes.
5. Wear a mask if there is a potential for contaminants to splash into the eyes.
6. Wear additional protective clothing if skin is not covered.
7. If you become exposed to blood borne pathogens, wash the area immediately and report the incident to management. Professional medical attention may then be provided, including any required hepatitis B vaccine.
8. Regulated waste must be properly bagged, labeled and disposed of according to the procedures in the Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.

LOCK-OUT/TAG-OUT PROCEDURES

Lock-out/tag-out is a procedure to control the activation of machinery by controlling the machine’s power source. Controlling a machine’s power source prevents accidents caused by sudden activation of machinery. Failure to properly control power sources can have very serious consequences. Following are some key points concerning lock-out/tag-out procedures:

1. Know where all energy source feeders and shut-off locations are for the machine being operated.
2. If machine is unsafe or being worked on, shut off the power and lock the switch.
3. Tag the lock-list why the machine is out and the date.
4. Only the person who installs the lock and tag should remove it.
5. After all energy sources are shut off, proceed with caution, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and test for movement by trying controls.
6. Remember, many machines have multiple power sources. Make sure that all power sources are locked when working on your machine.
7. When the machine is safe to operate, remove the lock and tag.

BACK INJURY PREVENTION

The back is a common location of employee injuries. Employees must reduce injuries by minimizing any materials handling, using mechanical devices and equipment for assistance whenever possible and following proper lifting techniques. Employees should follow these practices while lifting:

• Do lift with legs.
• Do keep weight close to body and stand straight.
• Do create a balanced base of support by using one foot ahead and one foot behind to get the weight in close.
• Do pivot with the load.

Employees should avoid these practices while lifting:

• Don’t twist back while moving material. (Keep shoulders in line with your hips.)
• Don’t reach with a heavy load.
• Don’t lift with your back flexed.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Use personal protective equipment to provide additional protection. These basic safety tips are not intended to be used as a substitute for that plan and are meant only to highlight some major areas of concern.

Foot Protection: Safety toe footwear must be worn whenever foot injury could result from accidental contact with heavy objects.

Head Protection: Employees must wear hard hats whenever there is a danger of injury from falling objects.

Eye and Face Protection: Eye and face protection must be worn during grinding, chipping, buffing, chemical handling, cutting and other operations where steel, wood or dust particles are likely to be present.

Hand Protection: Gloves should be used as needed. Leather gloves should be used when handling wire rope.

Safety Vest: Employees must wear safety vests at all times.

Hearing Protection: Hearing protection must be used by all employees as necessary.

Other Professional Protective Equipment: Employees must wear additional protective equipment whenever other potential hazards exist.

DISCIPLINARY POLICY

Employees need to work in a positive and productive atmosphere. Depending on the severity and frequency of a safety violation an employee may be immediately discharged, suspended or give a written warning. Following are examples of violations:

1. Not following security or safety rules
2. Intoxication or under the influence of any controlled substance while at work
3. Possession of alcohol or illegal drugs on Company premises
4. Deliberate or reckless misconduct that endangers the life or safety of others
5. Deliberate falsification of any documents related to safety matters
6. Fighting or deliberately harmful contact with co-workers
7. Negligence that damages Company property
8. Negligence that endangers the safety of others
9. Unintentional safety violations that endangers the safety or health of others
10. Failure to report conditions that one believes to be unsafe
11. Smoking or eating in unauthorized areas
12. Speeding or unsafe operation of Company equipment
13. Failure to properly record safety information for which one is responsible
14. Improper refusal to obey a supervisor’s safety instructions
15. Any belligerent or antagonistic conduct toward co-workers, supervisors or customers
16. Violation of personal protective equipment policy
17. Poor grooming or lack of cleanliness
18. Poor housekeeping
19. Failure to participate in group safety meetings
20. Failure to properly and immediately reporting any accident or injury involving yourself, an employee, company equipment or company vehicle
21. Failure to perform inspections of tools or machinery
22. Failure to report machine or tool deficiencies
23. Failure to learn Company safety rules and regulations

EXCAVATING : TRENCHING AND SHORING

• Before excavation work begins, supervisors shall determine if underground utilities are located in the area.
• Any excavation greater than 4 feet deep not in stable rock shall be:
  • Adequate exit every 25 feet if employees are expected to enter
  • Tested for hazardous gases or oxygen if such conditions are likely to exist
  • Have an adequate means of protection
  • Be inspected prior to and during the work shift by a competent person
• Sloping shall be as follows:
  • Type A soil ¾ to 1 (53-degree angle)
  • Type B soil 1 to 1 (45-degree angle)
  • Type C soil 1 ½ to 1 (34-degree angle)
• The competent person shall be on site at all times when employees are in the excavation and shall the authority to stop work if hazardous conditions arise.
• If a trench box, shoring, or other protective system will be used, information on the installation, use, placement, and removal shall be kept onsite.
• If sloping at an angle of 34 degrees is chosen as the protective system, the soil does not have to be classified, but other requirements shall still apply.
• Most soils in Kentucky are classified as “C.”
• Trenches or excavations left open overnight shall be barricaded, fenced, or protected somehow.

FALL PROTECTION

All employees exposed to a potential fall of 4 feet or more shall be protected by OSHA-standard guardrails, safety nets, or fall-arrest systems. All employees who might be exposed to these hazards shall receive training by a qualified trainer. Harnesses, lanyards, and similar devices shall meet ANSI criteria and testing. Lanyards shall be equipped with shock absorbers.

• Standard guardrails shall have a 42-inch toprail (+/- 3 inches), midrail and 4 inch toeboard if there is a danger of falling objects on people. Guardrail strength shall support 200 pounds of force.
• Fall-arrest systems shall be utilized for protection when guardrails are not feasible. The FAS shall consist of an anchor point, lanyard, and ANSI harness. All components shall be connected for tie-off.

All employees required to use a lanyard shall be equipped with shock-absorbing lanyard. All employees using FAS equipment shall:

• Limit the free-fall distance to a maximum of 6 feet
• Be tied off
• Inspect harnesses, lanyard and anchor daily before use
• Use compatible components
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions for each system component for use
• Have their personal fall arrest inspected annually by a competent person
• Protect safety line, ropes, and lanyards against cuts and abrasions

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

A confined space is large enough for an employee can bodily enter and perform work but has restricted means for entry/exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy. A confined space that has a risk of exposure to serious hazards becomes a “permit required confined space” (PRCS). If a PRCS exists, a detailed written procedure shall be established outlining safe entry/exit and rescue procedures. A written permit shall be completed, approved, and filed. Duties for entrants, supervisors, standby attendants, and rescuers shall be developed and practiced. Never enter what a competent person feels is a PRCS without proper training and equipment.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

HEJ Construction Company, Inc. will provide respirators, including disposable types, to employees exposed to breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, mists, fumes, gases, smokes, sprays or vapors. The selection of the appropriate respirator shall be made based upon the hazard encountered and in accordance with applicable OSHA standards.

If using disposable respirators but not required, respirator users shall be provided information from Appendix D of the Respirator Standard, found in 29 CFR 1910.134.

Where respirator use is mandatory, all applicable provisions of this program shall be met. These provisions shall include selection, medical evaluation, fit testing, use, cleaning, and storage. Employee shall receive necessary information and training before being permitted to wear a respirator.

SUPERVISOR’S SAFETY PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY

Regular safety meetings are essential to the success of a safety program. They should cover aspects such as safety precautions for new equipment and reviewing recommendations for current operations. Recent accidents and injuries should be discussed during regular meetings so that preventative action can be taken. The supervisor shall conduct weekly safety meetings with employees. The meetings need to include the names of attendees, the date, subject matter discussed and who conducted the meeting and submitted to the office the following day. Safety meeting records will be maintained for a minimum of 2 years. Any supervisors found to be in violation of this policy will receive a written reprimand for the 1st offense, a one day suspension without pay for the 2nd offense and termination upon the 3rd finding of non compliance to this policy.

Medical Treatment

HEJ Construction Company is committed to providing a safe worksite for all employees. Employees must understand and comply with the General Safety Plan. Any injuries must be immediately reported to a supervisor. If necessary, employees should immediately secure any necessary medical treatment. Only designated supervisors and managers can authorize treatment. An employee who does not promptly or properly report accidents or illnesses in accordance with the General Safety Plan’s policy may be disciplined or discharged.

HEJ CONSTRUCTION COMPANY’S SAFETY ORIENTATION

• Provide employee with current General Safety Plan
• Cover all policies within plan
• Provide any necessary accident/injury forms to employee
• Provide employee with other Contractors’ Safety requirements for jobsites that he/she will have to comply
• Request prior training information
• Cover equipment operation safety

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

HEJ Construction Company, Inc. intends to help provide a safe and drug-free work environment for our clients and our employees. With this goal in mind and because of the serious drug abuse problem in today’s workplace, we are establishing the following policy for existing and future employees of HEJ Construction Company, Inc.

The Company explicitly prohibits:

• The use, possession, solicitation for, or sale of narcotics or other illegal drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication without a prescription on Company or customer premises or while performing an assignment.
• Being impaired or under the influence of legal or illegal drugs or alcohol away from the Company or customer premises, if such impairment or influence adversely affects the employee’s work performance, the safety of the employee or of others, or puts at risk the Company’s reputation.
• Possession, use, solicitation for, or sale of legal or illegal drugs or alcohol away from the Company or customer premises, if such activity or involvement adversely affects the employee’s work performance, the safety of the employee or of others, or puts at risk the Company’s reputation.
• The presence of any detectable amount of prohibited substances in the employee’s system while at work, while on the premises of the company or its customers, or while on company business. “Prohibited substances” include illegal drugs, alcohol, or prescription drugs not taken in accordance with a prescription given to the employee.

The Company will conduct drug and/or alcohol testing under any of the following circumstances:

• RANDOM TESTING: Employees may be selected at random for drug and/or alcohol testing at any interval determined by the Company.
• FOR-CAUSE TESTING: The Company may ask an employee to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test at any time it feels that the employee may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including, but not limited to, the following circumstances: evidence of drugs or alcohol on or about the employee’s person or in the employee’s vicinity, unusual conduct on the employee’s part that suggests impairment or influence of drugs or alcohol, negative performance patterns, or excessive and unexplained absenteeism or tardiness.
• POST-ACCIDENT TESTING: Any employee involved in an on-the-job accident or injury under circumstances that suggest possible use or influence of drugs or alcohol in the accident or injury event may be asked to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test. “Involved in an on-the-job accident or injury” means not only the one who was or could have been injured, but also any employee who potentially contributed to the accident or injury event in any way.

If an employee is tested for drugs or alcohol outside of the employment context and the results indicate a violation of this policy, or if an employee refuses a request to submit to testing under this policy, the employee may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and possibly including discharge from employment. In such a case, the employee will be given an opportunity to explain the circumstances prior to any final employment action becoming effective.

FIREARMS IN THE WORKPLACE POLICY

PURPOSE
HEJ Construction Company, Inc. intent is to minimize the risk that use of a firearm may result in accidental or intentional harm and minimize the potential for intimidation caused by the presence of firearms.

POLICY
Except as provided in this policy, employees are prohibited from carrying any firearms while working on a project. This includes employees who have obtained a concealed weapons permit.

EXCEPTIONS
If the employee’s job responsibilities warrant an exception. This authorization is not a substitute for compliance with all federal, state or local laws and the employee shall be responsible for such compliance.

VIOLATIONS
Violation of this policy shall be a basis for discipline up to and including termination.