Ambitious Laborer Advances Crew, Recognized with Safety Award
Maryland Quarterly Safety Award – 4th Quarter 2022
Laborer Henrry Leon (right) was awarded the Safety Excellence Achievement Award by Safety Director Dominic Pope (left) for not being afraid to offer assistance and ideas to his crew – resulting in safer work practices – despite being with the organization for less than two years.
Gaines and Company has a 65+ year reputation of delivering safe, quality site development services to customers in diverse industries throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Delaware, and North Carolina. Much of this reputation comes from the expertise of its employees who have been with the organization for decades. However, it’s not just the veteran workers that contribute to this industry-leading performance. Promising and ambitious employees, like Henrry Leon, make a significant contribution to the organization’s success. Because of his attention to safe work practices, Henrry was recently awarded the organization’s quarterly Safety Excellence Achievement Award.
“One of the most exciting aspects about my job is watching a new hire with an eager and determined desire to grow in his career—just like Henrry,” said Foreman Alvero Leon. “That kind of drive is infectious throughout the crew and enhances both our quality and safety performances.”
Henrry has only been with Gaines and Company for a year and half. However, that has not stopped him from making a significant impact on his team.
“Henrry always makes sure tools are in good shape and takes time to make sure rigging straps are changed,” said Alvero. “He checks that ladders are in good condition and are properly in the hole.”
“He’s an all-around great guy – the epitome of a great safety-natured employee,” added Safety Director Dominic Pope. “He is excellent at looking out for everyone. Despite being new to the crew, he is not afraid of making suggestions on how to be a safer worker.”
Henrry has earned certifications in OSHA 10, Excavation Safety, and First Aid/CRP training.
“No job is beneath Henrry,” added Dominic. “He is eager and willing to enhance his crew’s work performance every day, no matter what is asked of him.”
The Safety Excellence Achievement Award is presented by leadership at Gaines and Company’s Maryland and North Carolina locations. Employees are nominated by their foreman or supervisor for their significant contributions to the organization’s safety culture. A selection committee then chooses recipients at each location, who are recognized on a quarterly basis.
Henrry received a hat and $150 in safety bucks to redeem through Gaines and Company’s online safety store. He is also eligible for the 2022 Year-End Safety Excellence Achievement Award.
Gaines and Company is a full-service grading and excavation company with nearly 70 years of experience, including underground utilities, grading and excavating, sediment and erosion controls, and road work. The organization is proud of their groundbreaking safety excellence program. In both the Maryland and North Carolina divisions, a Safety Excellence Achievement Award is given on a quarterly basis to employees who go above and beyond in their dedication to safety.
