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NUCA 2008 William H. FeatherSafety AwardsRecognizing a Commitment to Safety within theUtility Contracting IndustryBy Jason MorganContracting is not an easy job. Each day is full of potential pitfalls — both in productivity and worker safety.When it comes to getting the job done quickly or getting the job done safely, there’s no choice — safety isparamount. Every utility contractor knows the importance of safety, and he or she implements rules and regulationson the jobsite to keep his or her crews safe day to day.To recognize the companies that strive for safety and the general well-being of their employees, the National UtilityContractors Association (NUCA) awards six companies with the William H. Feather Safety Award. Who is William H.Feather you ask? He was the first chairman of the Safety Committee and widely regarded as the backbone of NUCA’searly safety initiatives. He was honored for his many contributions to the association in 1976, when he was namedDitchdigger of the Year. His premature passing led NUCA to search for some additional way to commemorate hispassion for safety. So, at NUCA’s 1978 convention in New Orleans, a new award was created to recognize those contractorsthat exemplify Mr. Feather’s commitment to a safe workplace.The awards are given to companies based on incidence rate (OSHA 300 log), company safety statement andcompany safety program information. Participation in NUCA safety programs and activities is also taken into consideration.The 2008 William H. Feather Safety awards were given out at the NUCA Washington Summit and BoardMeeting. And the winners are…0 to 100,000Man-hoursRaymow Construction Co. Inc.Oldsmar, Fla.Raymow is a medium-sized site and utility constructioncompany serving the Tampa Bay, Fla., area. From the beginning,the company has prided itself on providing the bestquality finished product within the agreed schedule completiontime.Shortly after opening for business, the company joined theSuncoast Utility Contractors Association (SUCA), as well asthe Underground Utility Contractors of Florida (UUCF) and18 Utility Contractor | July 2009NUCA. From there, Raymow began to focus on its safety programwith the help of materials like NUCA’s “Pocket SafetyGuide,” Competent Person Training and Toolbox Talks, saysBud Bradley, Founder and President of Raymow Construction.While safe equipment operations, pipe and product installationcame naturally from the start, Raymow and its employeesneeded to set its sights on employees’ individual safety.“We had to work on the importance of basic jobsite safetyapparel and personal protection equipment such as hard soleshoes, long pants, sleeves on shirts, hard hats, gloves, earplugs, safety vests and safety glasses,” says Bradley. “You haveto talk about [safety]. Being safe doesn’t just happen, it takeswork. Talk with your employees and meet regularly to discusscurrent safety issues. Listen to their concerns and give themthe tools they need to be successful.”To continue to maintain a safe work environment,Raymow still utilizes publications, reports, tapes and DVDsfrom NUCA, as well as SUCA and UUCF. Bradley notes thatthe literature the company receives from NUCA is invaluableand easy to understand since it is user-friendly and tailoredto the industry.Raymow takes pride in its safety record and being honoredby NUCA reaffirms that the company is moving in the rightdirection toward continued jobsite safety.