OEC receives Safety and Excellence Award

Contract director Gustavo Silveiro and Safety director Deborah Hampton attended the event.

On February 28, Odebrecht Engineering and Construction in the United States was honored at the Construction Safety and Excellence Awards (CSEA). The company secured third place in the awards granted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Contract director Gustavo Silveiro and Safety director Deborah Hampton attended the event, which was held in New Orleans.

The purpose of the award is to recognize construction companies that stand out in workplace safety. Divided into three stages, the CSEA evaluation process includes company management commitment, members’ active participation, safety training, work site hazard identification and control and innovative safety programs.

During the last evaluation stage, OEC members presented a company case, reinforcing the importance of this topic to the Group. “At Odebrecht we measure our safety culture by periodic follow-ups which evaluate 25 essential elements”, confirms Deborah, “the first step is evaluating the leaders’ commitment”. These frequent follow-ups, and the activities which the safety teams conduct, guarantee a reduction in accidents and absenteeism, resulting in increased productivity.

One of the highlights presented was the introduction of work zone intrusion alarms. OEC is the first company in South Florida to use this type of device, which sounds an audible warning when struck by a motorist on a construction site, guaranteeing the safety of workers and distracted drivers.

AGC is a North American commercial association which operates in the construction segment. Responsible for the CSEA awards, the institution was founded in 1918 and has organized the event, which recognizes companies that prioritize workplace safety, for the last 20 years.