Our company’s most valuable resources are the people who work for us, and safety is an integral part of everything we do at The DDS Companies. Our approach to safety is based on moral obligations and underpinned by our core corporate ethics. We strive to prevent incidents by providing our employees safe equipment, adequate tools, comprehensive training, and the necessary protective equipment to keep them and the public safe. Formal training, led by trainers and subject matter experts, includes lessons in a classroom on construction tasks and hands-on training in the shop. Our field employees all participate in progression training programs to ensure they are receiving the knowledge they need to safely and properly perform their jobs. An example of the progression training program for our Gas Laborers consists of the components below.
The DDS Companies believe the only true measure of success is a company's ability to manage safety, accountability, and quality at every level.
All new field employees receive an orientation consisting of a company overview and pertinent safety topics.
Through on-site and classroom training, foremen and new employees are responsible for completing the 'On the Job' (OTJ) Check List, used to document that new employees have received OJT training and had the opportunity to perform and become proficient in those tasks with supervision on the job.
Employees required to perform OQ-covered tasks are provided training for online and practical testing for NGA OQ certifications.
This program documents the training and proficiency of employees on various work tools used on our construction sites. Records are updated twice per year.
Training Requirements:
- OSHA 10-hour
- First Aid/CPR
- Personal Protective Equipment
- New Employee Training
- Flagging
- Weekly Toolbox Talks
- Powered Industrial Trucks
- Trenching / Excavation
- Confined Space
- Lock Out / Tag Out
- Hazard Communication / Globally Harmonized System
- Asbestos Awareness
- Emergency Action Plan
- Fire Extinguishers
- Respiratory Protection
Safety & Training Leadership
Kenneth P. Jackson CIH, CSP, CHMM, Six Sigma Green Belt
Director of Health & Safety
Ken leads the DDS Companies Safety Team and coaches the DDS Management Team on Health, Safety, and Environmental issues. Ken has broad experience working with companies ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and government agencies to evaluate the workplace, identify solutions to exposures, and protect the environment. Ken has an M.S. in Industrial Hygiene from the University of Rochester and holds certification in the following areas:
- CIH – Certified Industrial Hygienist
- CSP – Certified Safety Professional
- CHMM – Certified Hazardous Materials Manager
- Six Sigma Green Belt
Eric Stappenbeck
Director of Training & Development
Eric has over 35 years of experience in the utility industry. This vast experience includes but is not limited to having worked as a Draftsman, Equipment Operator, Supervisor, Outside Plant Engineer, Construction Manager, and Safety Director. As the Director of Training & Development for DDS, Eric utilizes this diverse work experience to guide the company’s overall development goals. The focus of this is to improve job performance and employee advancement while continuing to place an emphasis on promoting our strong Safety culture.
Safety Affiliates
