Maryland Utilities Laborer Awarded Safety Recognition

Juan Valles (left) was awarded Maryland’s Q1 Safety Excellence Achievement Award from Safety Director Dominic Pope (right) for ensuring tools are in safe, working condition prior to the start of work.

Juan Valles

Title: Laborer, Utilities Division

Years with Gaines and Company: 15 years

Certifications: Flagger Certified, CPR Certified, OSHA 10, Confined Space Certified

Nominated for: Ensuring tools are in safe, working condition prior to the start of work

Forman Alvaro Leon said: “Juan is a fantastic employee and role model. He makes sure the crew wears PPE and uses tools properly. He is very helpful, especially by ensuring new employees are working safely and doing the job right.”

Safety Director Dominic Pope said: “Juan is the ideal employee regarding safety. He’s not afraid to speak up, and people follow his lead. He has a great personality and uses the respect he’s earned to ensure everyone is always working safely. Additionally, he always lets me and his foreman know if tools or equipment need fixed to ensure safe work.”

Gaines and Company is proud of its 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. All quarterly awardees are eligible for the Year-End Safety Excellence Award recognition.