Health & Safety | The Importance of Site Assessments

Safety is a cornerstone of any successful geotechnical investigation project. At GeoGroup, we understand that a safe working environment is not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation. To ensure the well-being of our staff and clients, we follow a comprehensive safety audit program.

Audits serve as a valuable tool for assessing the safety performance of a site and the knowledge of the site staff and supervisor. By regularly evaluating our practices, we can identify areas for improvement and implement corrective measures to prevent accidents and injuries. These audits also help us stay updated with the latest industry standards and regulations, ensuring that our safety procedures are always aligned with best practices.

Noise pollution is a significant concern in the geotechnical drilling industry. To mitigate this risk, we have conducted noise assessments on our drilling rigs to determine their operating levels. This information allows us to provide our staff with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as earplugs or over-ear protection, to safeguard their hearing. Additionally, we ensure that all our sites are clearly marked with warning signs to alert others of the potential noise and other hazards.

As ergonomic surveys are now a statutory requirement of the OSH Acts, we are also leading the industry by doing ergonomic surveys on our drilling tasks to ensure that our work processes do not cause strain injuries over the long term.

To further strengthen our commitment to safety, we have appointed Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) representatives for each of our crews. These representatives are responsible for conducting regular safety audits on the site and crew, ensuring that all safety protocols are being followed. SHE reps receive specialized training to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform their duties.

We have established a minimum passing score of 80% for all safety audits. Any audits that fall below this threshold trigger an action plan to address the identified issues and improve safety performance. This rigorous approach ensures that our safety standards are consistently high.

As our Safety Manager emphasizes, "The safety of our crews is paramount to us. We won't work if it's not safe." This commitment to safety is deeply ingrained in our company culture and drives our efforts to create a safe and healthy working environment for all.