Safety is the foundation of everything we do at Advanced Rehabilitation Technology (ART). As a leader in no-dig technology solutions, ART is dedicated to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring a safe work environment for its employees. From confined spaces to road work zones, ART’s proactive safety protocols and training programs demonstrate our commitment to worker well-being.
Prioritizing Safety Training and Continuous Education
To manage the risks inherent in underground infrastructure work, ART’s Director of Corporate Training, Trey Hesselschwardt, emphasizes the importance of rigorous and ongoing safety training. ART’s comprehensive safety program includes OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training, confined space training, and annual first aid courses. All field leaders complete OSHA 30-hour training, which prepares them to handle workplace hazards and promote a culture of safety.
Beyond annual training, ART hosts weekly “toolbox talks,” addressing season-specific topics such as heat protection in summer or slip hazards in winter. Weekly Zoom meetings ensure that teams are briefed on safety reminders and any near-misses are discussed to prevent future incidents.
On-Site Precautions and Job Hazard Assessments
To maintain high safety standards on-site, ART requires daily Job Hazard Assessments (JHAs) for every project. Each morning, crew leaders review these assessments, identifying potential hazards and adjusting protocols to eliminate them. For confined space work, such as manhole maintenance, ART’s crews use safety gates, a tripod with fall restraints, and continuous air testing to ensure safe working conditions.
The team also takes preventive measures for street work. They establish clear work zones using cones and signs to manage traffic and protect their crews. They even strategically park the nose of the main truck into traffic to protect the crew in case a vehicle were to veer off the road. In high-traffic areas, ART hires third-party traffic control experts to enhance work zone safety.
A Commitment to Customer and Employee Safety
Many of ART’s customers seek assurance that the company adheres to strict safety standards. ART maintains an ever-evolving safety policy, sharing its handbook and tailoring protocols to meet customer requirements. This adaptability is vital to working with larger clients with unique safety standards.
ART’s dedication to safety and innovation ensures a work environment that values each employee’s well-being. By implementing stringent safety practices and maintaining industry-leading protocols, ART is committed to advancing the no-dig industry while prioritizing the health and safety of its team members.
“There’s always going to be hazards working in underground infrastructure and confined spaces, but we try to reduce those as much as possible,” Trey says. “ART does a good job at being proactive when it comes to safety risks, because at the end of the day we want everyone going home safe to their families.”
ART is an OBIC-certified installer and can offer high-quality, long-lasting solutions for a wide range of applications. For more information, or to schedule a free, customized product demonstration, call 419-636-2684.
