Seasoned Laborer Keeps His Crew (and Others) Working With a Safety Mindset

Seasoned Laborer Victor Rivera (middle) receives Maryland’s Q2 Safety Excellence Achievement Award from Safety Director Dominic Pope (left) and Foreman Pat Dixon (right) for not only being safety aware, but also spreading that mindset throughout his crew – and others!

Victor Rivera

Title: Laborer, Utilities Division

Years with Gaines and Company: 20 years

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

Nominated for: Making others more safety aware

Foreman Pat Dixon said: “Victor checks equipment – like tools, straps, and lifting gear – every day. He is never afraid to speak up and is always on top of things. He’s a true asset to our team!”

Safety Director Dominic Pope said: As soon as I get on the job, Victor tells me what’s going on. He is always watching out for his crew and other crews. He is always smiling and happy, and that attitude is contagious because he makes other people more safety aware, too. He is the epitome of a safe worker!”

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.