Maryland Quarterly Safety Award – 4th Quarter 2020

Successful worksite safety is about more than safe work processes and procedures. It is about establishing an organization-wide safety culture that is driven by employees of all levels throughout the organization. Every quarter, Gaines and Company recognizes employees in each of its locations for their dedication, commitment, and unwavering display of safety. Edgar Castillo and Edy Lemus Diaz were awarded Maryland’s quarterly Safety Excellence Achievement Award for their outstanding display of safety dedication.

Gaines and Company performs a variety of site development work, including pre-construction services, full-service site development, underground utilities, grading and excavating, storm water management, road work, and federal installations. With locations in Maryland and North Carolina, the organization has a unified safety culture that recognizes a variety of safety initiatives, including comprehensive training, routine toolbox talks, job hazard analyzes, and the quarterly Safety Excellence Achievement Award.

“The dedication that Edgar and Edy show to the Gaines and Company safety culture is infectious to others throughout the jobsite,” said Dominic Pope, safety director. “It is because of commitments like theirs that not only enhance our company’s culture, but also strengthen it by spreading a safety-focused attitude to all workers on the jobsite.”

Edgar Castillo (middle) was recognized for his dedication to individual and team safety by Safety Director Dominic Pope (left) and Foreman Pat Dixon (right)

Edgar Castillo

Pipelayer Edgar Castillo has worked for Gaines and Company for three years. He was hired as a laborer, and has worked his way into his current role. Edgar’s enthusiasm and dedication to his work have spread throughout his team, resulting in the team’s safe, quality project delivery.

“Edgar changed his work crew 110% with his can-do attitude,” said Pat Dixon, Edgar’s foreman who nominated him for the award. “He is always diligent in safe work practices and leads by example. His actions have really helped the crew mesh.”

Edgar is certified in OSHA 10, Confined Space Training, and Excavation Safety Training.

Edy Lemus Diaz (middle) receives the Safety Excellence Achievement Award from Safety Director Dominic Pope (right) and Foreman Keith Collins (left) because of his positive, safety-focused team attitude

Edy Lemus Diaz

Edy Lemus Diaz works with a distinct safety awareness. As a pipelayer, it is crucial to not only ensure the safety of oneself, but the well-being of the entire team. Edy proactively mitigates potential hazards by routinely performing hazard assessments prior to starting a task.

Keith Collins, Edy’s foreman, nominated him for the award. He said, “Edy consistently inspects equipment – such as electric cords, straps, and chains – to make sure they are in good working condition. He also makes sure slopes and boxes are satisfactory before he goes into the hole.”

Edy is certified in OSHA 10, Confined Space Training, Excavation Safety Training, and CPR/First Aid.

Edgar and Edy were both presented Safety Excellence Award certificates, hats exclusive to awardees, hooded sweatshirts, and $150 in safety bucks to use on gear in the company’s online safety store.

Both recipients will compete against all other quarterly awardees for the year-end 2020 Safety Excellence Award.