Gaines and Company Recognizes Equipment Operator with Safety Excellence Award

Alexis Portillo (left) was recognized by Foreman Pat Dixon (right) for not only completing his work safely, but also helping his crew out to ensure projects progress with quality, safety, and reliability.

Gaines and Company is passionate about not only delivering industry-leading site development work, but prioritizing safety throughout its performance. They focus on safety through routine toolbox talks, thorough training, regular site safety assessments, and empowering all employees with the authority and responsibility to speak up if a situation does not seem safe.

The company participates in Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Safe + Sound Week, and has been recognized with several safety awards, including the honorable Dig Smart award. But it is the continuous and consistent dedication to safe work practices throughout its workforce that continues to push the limits of Gaines and Company’s safety culture. Gaines and Company awards the Safety Excellence Achievement Award to employees who routinely enhance the organization’s safety culture, most recently Equipment Operator Alexis Portillo.

Alexis has worked for Gaines and Company for eight years. He is an equipment operator with primary responsibilities of operating the excavator and track loader for backfill on utility projects. Throughout his time with Gaines and Company, he has earned his OSHA 10, Excavation Safety, and Heavy Equipment Operator certifications.

Alexis’s foreman, Pat Dixon, said, “I nominated Alexis for this award because he is always doing whatever it takes to ensure projects are completed safely with the quality that our customers expect. When he is not operating equipment, he is helping on the site any way he can to make sure the project continues progressing.”

“In addition to helping his crews out, Alexis is notorious for safe work,” said Safety Director Dominic Pope. “He inspects equipment before use and is always looking out for his crew to make sure everyone is safe.”

Alexis was awarded a Safety Excellence Achievement Award certificate, exclusive award recipient hat, and $150 in safety bucks to use on gear on the company’s online safety store. He is also in the running for the 2022 Safety Excellence Award, which will be awarded at the end of the year.