THE GILCHRIST GLANCES e c o n d Q u a r t e r 2 0 1 7 V o l u m e 1 2 , I s s u e 2
S p e c i a l p o i n t s
o f i n t e r e s t :
• Work Zone Safety
Awareness
• Na�onal Safety
Stand-Down
• Safety Con�nuing
Educa�on
• Living the GCC
Core Purpose
GCC Supports “Work Zone Safety Awareness” Each year in the spring, National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is held to bring na-tional attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility issues in work zones. Since 1999, FHWA has worked with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the American Traffic Safety Ser-vices Association (ATSSA) to coordinate and sponsor the event. Over the years, other trans-portation partners have joined the effort to sup-port NWZAW.
As drivers, we have the ability to improve work zone safety. Nearly four in five victims in work zone crashes are drivers and passengers. The statistics below represent just one year of work zone crash incidents. Our driving habits can di-rectly help – or harm – the well-being of other motorists, cyclists, workers, and pedestri-ans. When we choose to put aside distractions, we gain the ability to save a life, perhaps our own. Choose to put safety in our own hands and help drive these numbers down to zero.
As an organization, Gilchrist employees partici-pated in raising National Work Zone Awareness, during the week of April 3 - 7.
“Leading the way in safety, quality,
innovation, efficiency”
Even the office staff supports WZSA: Marc Din-
nat, Valerie Aymond, Vernita Montgomery, Jeff
Mizell, Debbie Humphries, Christina Hathorn,
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GCC Participates in National Safety Stand-Down
Over 93% of our
workforce
par0cipated in
Stand-Down
toolbox talks
during our
campaign.
Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction workers, ac-counting for 350 of the 937 construction fatalities rec-orded in 2015 (BLS data1). Those deaths were pre-ventable. The National Fall Prevention Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country to stop fall fatalities and injuries. It is a voluntary event, spon-sored by the US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
During the period, May 5 – 12, 2017, Gilchrist Con-struction Company observed and participated in Na-tional Safety Stand-Down. This marks GCC’s fourth consecutive year of participation in this employee cam-paign to raise awareness and continue to educate our workforce.
In past years, Stand-Down participation included com-mercial construction companies of all sizes, residential construction contractors, sub- and independent con-tractors, highway construction companies, and numer-ous other organizations across the United States.
The goals for our campaign focused on four specific areas: • Daily safety meetings using recommended toolbox talks • Daily risk observations, cross-project risk observations, and project risk validations • Educating our future workforce on the importance of safety in construction • Celebrating the positives with our employees
GCC capitalized on this opportunity not only to focus on fall protection awareness, but all categories of risk including:
• Access and Egress • Caught In/Between • Equipment & Vehicles • Excavation & Embankment • Fall Protection • Material Handling and Storage • PPE • Planning • Traffic Control
GCC employees actively participated in toolbox talks about fall hazards and the importance of fall prevention throughout the week of the campaign. Teams discussed the elimination of fall hazards using toolbox talks:
• Fall Protection Systems • Anchorage Points • Guardrail Safety • Full Body Harness with Checklist
We raised additional awareness through:
• Scheduled job site visits and risk validations with our partners from Travelers • Rotation of team members to various job sites to conduct risk observations and risk
validations • The communication of fast facts about safety; information that our teams used in their
safety discussions over the course of each day
According to the U.S. Center for
Disease Control & Prevention (CDC),
hand injuries account for 1,080,000
emergency department visit by
workers per year in the U.S.
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During the
Na0onal Safety
Stand-Down
campaign, GCC
teams con0nued
our prac0ce of
documen0ng daily
risk observa0ons
in all categories,
by project and
team. Over the
period May 5 - 12,
GCC teams
documented 851
risk observa0ons.
National Safety Stand-Down “Risk Observations” An additional element of Stand-Down participation involved the transfer of knowledge across various GCC projects. GCC team members visited GCC job sites, other than their own, to conduct risk obser-vations, identify hazards, and employ solutions. Members of our leadership team and our external partners at Travelers actively participated through project/facility site visits to support our teams. This exercise contributed to improved conditions in terms of safety, risk management, quality, and efficiency at the face of the work.
National Safety Stand-Down Cross-Project Risk Observation Schedule
Observer From GCC Project To GCC Project Curnest Guillot
Asphalt Division Manager Asphalt Division Project 1216 Design Build
Alsey Lachney Project Manager Project 1233 I-10 Project 1216 Design Build
Shane Carter Division Manager Main Office/Engineering Project 1232 Arkansas Road
Greg Branch Production Manager Project 1229 Fenton Project 1225 I-12
Kent Burnaman Bridge Structure Division Manager Bridge Structures Alexandria-based facilities
Greg Reynaud Plant Division Manager Plant Facilities Project 1229 Fenton
Tommy Lachney Production Manager Project 1225 I-12 Walker Plant
John Paul Production Manager Project 1216 Design Build Project 1229 Fenton
Daymond Brister Production Manager Project 1186 Harrisonburg Project 1232 Arkansas Road
Dirk Fontenot Production Manager Project 1216 Design Build Alexandria Plant &
Transportation Yard Ken Schexnayder, Senior Specialist
Construction Risk Control Travelers Project 1225 I-12
Rodney Jones Concrete Division Manager Concrete Project 1229 Fenton
Don Mercer Production Manager Project 1232 Arkansas Road Project 1186 Harrisonburg
Tip Whiddon Production Manager Project 1216 Design Build Project 1225 I-12
GCC project sites and facilities, congrat-ulations! Once our report was submitted to OSHA’s Stand-Down Committee, we received this certificate which recognizes our participa-tion. Valerie Aymond Chief Resource Officer
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National Safety Stand-Down “Celebrating the Positives”
Throughout our
one-week Stand-
Down campaign,
we took some
0me to cele-
brate the posi-
0ves and thank
our crews and
teams for the
work they do.
Equipment/Alexandria Shop Team Friday, May 5, 2017
Project 1216 Design Build Monday, May 8, 2017
According to the U.S. Center for
Disease Control & Prevention (CDC),
hand injuries account for 1,080,000
emergency department visit by
workers per year in the U.S.
P a g e 5
Project 1232 Arkansas Road & Project 1186 Harrisonburg
Hosted by Project 1232 Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Project 1225 I-10 & Walker Plant Facility Wednesday, May 10, 2017
National Safety Stand-Down “Celebrating the Positives”
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Project 1229 Fenton Thursday, May 11, 2017
Alexandria Main Office Friday, May 12, 2017
Thanks to all of our GCC teams for your participation, and to our partners at Travelers and Marsh for their support. Valerie Aymond, Chief Resource Officer
Upcoming Project News
National Safety Stand-Down “Celebrating the Positives”
Job 1133 (I-10, St. Martin Parish) Groundbreaking Ceremony - August 3, 2017
Job 1186 (Ouachita River Bridge, Harrisonburg) Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - August 18, 2017
Job 1232 (Arkansas Road, Ouachita Parish) Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - September 6, 2017
“Leading the way in safety, quality, innovation, efficiency”
According to the U.S. Center for
Disease Control & Prevention (CDC),
hand injuries account for 1,080,000
emergency department visit by
workers per year in the U.S.
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2nd Quarter Safety Con0nuing Educa0on
Congratulations to the 98 team members on Projects 1232 and 1216 who successfully completed the 2nd Quarter Safety Con-
tinuing Education series. Thanks to all of our employees for choosing to work with us and lead the way in safety, quality, inno-
vation, and efficiency. We appreciate everything you do each day to keep us safe and successful.
Much appreciation to Ken Schexnayder from Travelers and Tod Hollis from Marsh who traveled in to facilitate the training,
conduct project risk validations, and share knowledge on Distracted Driving and Heat Safety: both very timely programs.
2nd Quarter Safety Continuing Education - June 28th & 29th Shane Carter Shane Guillot Delvin Davis Jeremy Johnson Chris Hattaway Roger Guillot Hunter Welch Torian Thomas Gilbert Haynes Dustin Smith Kyle Francois Daniel Smith Rawlton Arvie Datron Rush Glen Russell Keenan Ebey Troy Desselles Ryan Hazelton
Candace Mintun Austin Johnson Gary Johnson Austin Joiner Tyler Holt Charles Johnson III Vince Jordan Austin Bordelon Brandon Hathorn Kelly Knight Ricky Prudhomme Carols Escalona Cody Gongre Patricia Whitstine Johnathon Dauzat Don Mercer Tommy Dauzat Richard Ferguson
Logan LaPrairie Zachary Burnaman Dustin Bonnette Brian Hattaway Jaime Rubio Nicholas Rupert Carl Clark Anthony Johnson Joel Meredith Louis Bertrand Jesus Rubio Stephen Hariford
Avery Barrow Casey Leleux Dirk Fontenot Cory McDonald Randal Tyler Gary Hypolite Chris Prier, Jr. Tip Whiddon Gerard Green James Scott Lance Bettevy Louis Charles
Brandon Lawson Trayvonne Mathews Eugene Sonnier Charles Sonnier Thomas Revett Michael Hudson Anucha McFadden Andrew Vogt Clyde LaCour, Jr. Gage Laborde Salvador Rodriguez Charity Lancon
Jacob Michiels Alphonso Rubio Julio Gomez Robert Davis Javier Arteaga Matthew Joseph Gustavo Rubio Ramiro Rubio Christian Rubio Sherri Willis Alvaro Martinez Matthew Castille
Kevin Baker Jeremy Dufour Frank Maury Kent Burnaman Christopher Heath Lucas Lively John Paul J.J. Hickey Tim Wallace
Safety Continuing Education
Project 1216 Design Build in Jeanerette
June 29, 2017
Project 1216 Design Build in Jeanerette
June 29, 2017
Safety Continuing Education
Project 1232 Arkansas Road in Monroe
June 28, 2017
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Community Involvement
Jump Start is the state's program for school districts, colleges, and businesses to collaborate in providing career courses and workplace experiences to high school students, certifying them for the career fields most likely to lead to high-demand jobs such as those in the heavy highway industry. Sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Education and The Rapides Foundation, regional Jump Start Teams are working to identify important career opportunities, specific to each region of the state, for which students may earn industry-based certifi-cations and credentials. By offering credentials that give graduates a leg up in Louisiana’s economy of today and tomorrow, Jump Start will prepare our high school graduates for a productive adulthood.
GCC was proud to have been a part of the Workplace Experience Exchange Camp (WEEC) program today, as regional educators toured local businesses to learn about career opportunities. GCC was one of several employers asked to host the third annual Jump Start Work Experience Exchange Camp. 20 regional educators participated in a presentation and work demonstration at our main office in Alexandria. We talked with teachers about exciting career opportunities in the construction industry, the demand for construction jobs, and the cool technology that exists in our industry.
Thanks to Captain Chad Bordelon for showcasing our high tech re-sources, including our drone. Our audience was impressed by this state-of-the art technology and expressed excitement about bringing the information they learned back into their classrooms. We are working to educate our future workforce! This is a great example of living the GCC Core Purpose of "working together to improve our-selves, our industries, and our communities".
Thanks again to everyone who participated in today's activities and also to The Rapides Foundation, The Orchard Foundation, and Stephanie Moreau for coordinating this great event!
GCC Par0cipates in Jump Start Work Experience Exchange Camp
GCC Par0cipates in Virtual Externship for Educators
Virtual Externship for Educators (V.E.E.), facilitated through the Orchard Foundation, is yet another exciting program associated with the State’s Jump Start initiative. This program was launched for the first time this summer, and virtually connects regional high school teachers with industry partners. Gilchrist Construction Company was asked to participate as a partner from the construction industry. In this environment, using the Nepris virtual session, educa-tors are able to discuss workforce needs and real-world, relevant information that they can bring back into their classrooms.
On Thursday, June 22nd, GCC representatives J.J. Hickey, Frank Maury, and Christina Hathorn shared first-hand construction industry knowledge and experience with 33 regional educators. Our team presented an overview of GCC, technology that we use in our industry,
the scope of the work we perform, exciting careers in construction, and educational and training opportunities available at GCC.
The teachers were excited to have the opportunity to meet with GCC and learn more about our industry and technology. Thanks to everyone who participat-ed!
Valerie Aymond, Chief Resource Officer
According to the U.S. Center for
Disease Control & Prevention (CDC),
hand injuries account for 1,080,000
emergency department visit by
workers per year in the U.S.
P a g e 9
GCC 2017 Family Day
Saturday, April 29th was a was great day full of family fun, including games for the young and old, good food and music, and a time for everyone to enjoy each others company. As a company, GCC had the opportunity to celebrate the positives with our employees and their families.
We took this opportunity to recognize our employees for their service to our organization, and also for doing their part to en-sure that we maintain a safe work environment. A special recognition to those employees who received tenure (service)
awards, as well as safety awards.
Congratulations and thank you for the great work that each of you do!
According to the U.S. Center for
Disease Control & Prevention (CDC),
hand injuries account for 1,080,000
emergency department visit by
workers per year in the U.S.
P a g e 1 0
Legacy Health & Wellness Clinic
On Saturday, May 6th, the 7th Annual Louisiana Dragon Boat Races were held as part
of Alexandria River Fete. This year’s Dragon Boat Race was another success as we
paddled our hearts out for fun and fitness! Way to go Wave Pavers! The charity event
raised money and awareness for the Alexandria Museum of Art; a non-profit organiza-
tion that promotes visual art in central Louisiana.
This was a great team building
experience for all who partici-
pated. Togetherness, leader-
ship, and fitnessJ..and what
great fun we had doing it.
Get healthy, get involved.
Amy Sonnier GCC Wellness Coach
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Challenge Amy Sonnier, GCC Wellness Coach challenged all GCC employees to eat 5 - 9 servings of fruit and veg-
etables a day for 2 weeks. The goal was to consume the recommended daily servings of fruits and vege-
tables. According to the American Heart Association, the average adult should aim for 2 cups of fruit and
2.5 cups of vegetables.
The challenge ran from June 5 - 18, and documentation was recorded daily on MyGCC MyWellness. The
employee who consumed the recommended servings throughout the 2 weeks period won the challenge.
Do you know the NUMBER ONE way to:
• Lose weight
• Increase your energy
• Sleep better and wake up rested
• Improve and regulate your mood
• Relieve your aches and pains
• Reduce your allergy symptoms
• Reduce your risk of some cancers
• Reduce your risk of heart disease
• Lower your blood sugar and reduce your risk
of diabetes
• Strengthen your bones and reduce your risk
of osteoporosis
EAT MORE FRESH FRUITS & VEGETABLES!
1st place received 60 wellness points and a Keurig K50 coffee maker ~ Denise Winn
2nd place received 40 wellness points ~ Debbie Humphries
Congratulations to all participants! Making lifestyle changes are so important.
EAT A RAINBOW OF COLORS:
Red: Raspberries, strawberries, red peppers,
pomegranate, red apples, tomatoes
Orange: Oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes,
grapefruit, peaches
Yellow/White: Squash, bananas, pears, pineapple,
corn, mushrooms, onions, cauliflower
Green: Romaine lettuce, spinach, broccoli, kiwi,
green peppers, asparagus, avocados, cucumbers
Blue/Purple: Purple grapes, beets, blueberries, blackberries, raisins
Louisiana Dragon Boat Races
HealthTracks
35 Years 20 Years Randy Baines
Thomas Manuel
15 Years Daymond Brister
Kent Burnaman
10 Years Kenneth Clark
Michael Gauthier J.J. Hickey
Jan Williams — Grandson — Adler Theaux Schwamb — May 6, 2017
Employee News
www.GilchristConstruction.com
Vernita Montgomery, Amy Sonnier, and Christina Hathorn represented GCC at the annual Central Louisiana Go Red For Women Luncheon on May 12.
Go Red for Women encourages women and their families to take action and live a healthier life. Their mission: “Build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stoke.”
Service Anniversary Milestones
June 2017, marked the year 6 anniversary of our corporate wellness program,
Health Tracks. The program has grown over the years, offering additional oppor-
tunities to improve our health. During the 2016/2017 year, 245 GCC employees
participated in the program, representing 87% of our workforce who earned an
impressive 27,832 wellness points!
The top 10 participants are: Christina Hathorn, Denise Winn, Jan Williams, Deb-bie Humphries, Mark Dubea, Keith Thompson, Alena Gabler, Jason Ducote, Jeff Mizell, and Jason Mulea.
Congratulations to all participating employees for your hard work and dedication to the Health Tracks program.
Amy Sonnier, Wellness Coach
“Healthy Eating” was one area of focus for the year.
GCC Supports Wellness in our Communities