Rubber Tire Operator Drives Safe Work

Safety Director Dominic Pope (right) presents Mario Lopez (left) Maryland’s 2026 Q3 Safety Excellence Achievement Award for being a safety leader.

Recipient: Mario Lopez

Title: Rubber Tire Operator, Utility Crew

Years with Gaines and Company: 6 years

Certifications: OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid, Excavation Safety, Confined Space Training

Nominated for: Being a safety leader

Foreman Cody Darling said: “Mario is my go-to guy to make sure everything is laid out as it should be. He’s never afraid to jump in to help, and he always speaks up to keep everyone safe.”

Safety Director Dominic Pope said: “Mario always wears a seatbelt while operating equipment, conducts pre- and post-work safety inspections, and brings safety-related concerns to my attention. He is a well-respected, leader of safety.”

Gaines and Company is proud of its groundbreaking safety excellence program. Throughout its Maryland, North Carolina, and Delaware/Eastern Shore divisions, Safety Excellence Achievement Awards are given on a quarterly basis to employees who go above and beyond in their dedication to safety. All quarterly awardees are eligible for the Year-End Safety Excellence Award recognition.

Gaines and Company is a full-service site development, grading, and utilities company with offices in Maryland, North Carolina, and the Eastern Shore. The organization has 70+ years of experience in underground utilities, grading, and road work. Gaines and Company delivers safe, reliable, turnkey site development services in Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and Delaware on time and within budget.