At A.R.E., we take safety seriously. So much so that we have a dedicated Safety Manager on staff. Following is a question and answer interview with our Safety Manager, Bob Peyton.

An Interview with Bob Peyton, Chairman of Florida Power & Light's Contractors Safety Group
Bob Peyton is A.R.E.'s Safety Manager and serves as the Chairman of Florida Power and Light's Contractors Safety Group, a committee comprised of safety and management representatives from contractor and utility companies in the Southeastern United States. The organization was formed as a pipeline for safety information where safety experts can share knowledge and experiences that will help others stay abreast of hazards, regulations, and methods for working more efficiently.

Q: What is your background in underground construction and how did you become involved with the safety aspect of the industry?

A: I spent my high school summers working on the New York City Water Tunnel Projects as a Tunnel Miner, and continued the work as I made my way through college. When OSHA came into existence my supervisor approached me and asked that I study the regulations and report back to him. Within weeks I was spending my shifts talking to workers about safer ways to work and making positive changes in their working conditions. Shortly thereafter I enrolled in New York University and received my master's degree in Occupational Safety and Health.

Q: What safety roles have you had in the underground construction industry?

A:Well, as I mentioned before, I began my career working as the Safety Officer for the New York City Tunnel Projects. I worked on Phases 1 to 3 as well as the 2nd Avenue and Red Hook Interceptor tunnel projects. I was the Safety Manager for Perini Power Construction Project at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant, I was the Safety Administrator for the Miami Metrorail Construction Project, and I was the Director of Safety & Health Office of the Associated General Contractors in Washington D.C. I have also served as the Safety Training Director for Training Consultants Resources and am currently the Safety Manager with A.R.E Underground Construction.

Q: What are your responsibilities now?

A: My current role as Safety Manager has many aspects including administering the company's safety program, conducting safety training to employees, chairing the employee safety committee, investigating accident and injury claims, and conducting safety audit inspections. I also handle all workers' compensation matters, insurance matters and serve as the editor of A.R.E.'s safety newsletter.

Q: What changes have you seen in underground utility construction safety over the years?

A: Underground Utility Construction covers a large spectrum of work including gas, water, sewer, power and telecommunication systems distribution. This work is inherently dangerous, exposing workers to electrical, trenching, fall, traffic and equipment hazards. Since OSHA's emphasis on employer responsibility to workplace safety and health, I have seen companies create their own work safety programs, I have seen a rise in safety performance reviews, and I have seen a dramatic change in companies' hiring and training processes. I have also noticed a rise in litigationÖworker's compensation claims in particular.

Over the years I have also seen amazing technological advances that have allowed for more accurate and larger boring work. The use of this sophisticated new powerful equipment has increased construction capabilities, but has also increased injury risk to employees. Employees have had to achieve new levels of respect for the abilities, power and limitations of equipment, and have had to clearly understand safety rules to guide them away from danger.

Q: What safety procedures do you implement in your role?

A: A.R.E. is a construction company that has set its safety standards at the highest possible level. I work with their top management to ensure this commitment through the implementation of daily job safety briefings and weekly safety meetings with employees. Worker promotions and raises are not only based on performance, but are also based on their safety record; progressive disciplinary action programs have been established to handle violations; and a "Safety Action Form" system has been implemented to promote employee comments, concerns and suggestions.

Q: What are your biggest accomplishments in safety?

A: I am very fortunate because I have the opportunity to do a job that I enjoy and a job where I can make a positive difference. My biggest accomplishment happens with every day that passes without a worker being injured. I have been the Safety Manager at A.R.E. for two years nowÖand in that time we have completed 13 consecutive months to date without a Lost Time or Light Duty accident.

Q: What is your view of OSHA?

A:OSHA strives to incorporate safety into every aspect of every work taskÖit is a resource, not a threat. However, OSHA establishes the "minimum" safety standards, I see it as a starting point for company safety and not an end goal.

Q: Why should companies consider safety their number one priority?

A: Companies that place safety as their number one priority and are able to boast a positive safety reputation do not lose money on accident costs; they take pride in the quality of their work and their employees; and most importantly, they have the opportunity to prevent loss of function, loss of life and pain. Safety is the most important aspect of maintaining the most important aspect of maintaining the quality and the life of a business.