What Safety Means to Nigro Construction: A Q&A with Superintendent Jon Halter
Jon Halter, Superintendent
Q1: Please provide what you feel is Nigro Construction’s unique value.
Nigro Construction is a smaller family-owned company. We provide special care and attention to detail that is not seen by larger firms. We can maintain close client relationships while ensuring every project receives the hands-on care and precision it deserves.
Q2: How does Nigro Construction ensure safety on job sites?
I believe first and foremost that the team at Nigro leads by example when prioritizing safety on the jobsite. We choose our subcontractors carefully, ensuring we select those with the highest safety standards.
Q3: What training programs does Nigro Construction offer for its employees?
Nigro Constructions requires its employees to obtain the OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour certifications depending on their position with the company. For extra precaution, additional safety videos are available through the employee website and site visits by Safety Specialists to help evaluate each site's individual risk factors.
Q4: What are some key safety innovations Nigro Construction has implemented?
One of the notable safety innovations implemented by Nigro is the integration of drone technology for site inspections. Utilizing drones provides a comprehensive aerial perspective of the construction site, which significantly enhances the ability to identify potential safety hazards that may not be visible through traditional ground-level inspections. This broader vantage point enables proactive risk mitigation and supports more effective site management.
Additionally, Nigro has adopted a digital record-keeping system to improve safety documentation and communication. This system ensures accurate, real-time tracking of safety data and facilitates seamless access for all members of the construction team and project partners. By centralizing and digitizing safety records, the company enhances accountability, streamlines compliance efforts, and promotes a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.
Q5: How does Nigro Construction promote a culture of safety among its workers?
At Nigro, promoting a positive and proactive safety culture starts at the top. Our Senior Management leads by example, providing visible and consistent support for all safety initiatives. Safety is a top priority for us, which is why it is embedded in our company’s mission and core values. We allocate a proper budget to address safety concerns, ensuring that our jobsites are guided by a safety-first approach.
Our Superintendents play a vital role in upholding this standard. They take personal ownership and pride in their projects, which directly contributes to elevated safety performance and overall project success.
Q6: What common construction hazards do workers face, and how can they be mitigated?
Construction workers are routinely exposed to a variety of job site hazards, including slips, trips, falls, struck-by incidents, overexertion, excessive noise, hazardous respiratory exposure and heat stress (which is especially prominent in Las Vegas). Effective hazard mitigation begins with comprehensive safety training and fostering personal awareness among all team members.
At Nigro Construction, we ensure that all employees are equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) tailored to the specific risks of each task. Equally critical to maintaining a safe work environment is proactive site management. This includes thoughtful site layout planning, diligent housekeeping practices, and strategic scheduling of trade activities to ensure safe and coordinated operations within shared workspaces.
Q7: What advice would you give to other construction firms looking to improve their safety standards?
Delegate a team devoted to that goal. There are numerous online resources available to help provide safety information, training and implementation. Insurance carriers can provide a site visit to help address each site's individual risk factors. More than anything, firms need to recognize that the success of a project depends on its employees and keeping them safe is paramount to its overall success.