In our previous blog post, we began our year-long anniversary series by exploring the "Safety First" culture that defines Kimmins Contracting. We delved into the mandatory safety classes for new hires and the re-certification classes for our crew members.

While many individuals outside the industry believe that job site safety revolves around hard hats, safety vests, eye protection, and work boots, these visible safety components merely scratch the surface of our safety practices at Kimmins. In addition to the general safety and first-aid classes, each employee must complete specialized training programs tailored to their specific craft or project assignment.

Kimmins Employee Training Programs

Referred to as merit badges, our employees receive a "merit badge" sticker for their hardhats upon successfully completing their specialized training modules. This system facilitates easy identification of certified rigging employees amidst larger groups or dispersed work areas.

The merit badge system has inadvertently instigated friendly rivalries among employees, as they strive to collect all the rigging or demolition badges ahead of their coworkers. Consequently, multiple merit badge competitions occur simultaneously, involving new hires, entire crews, or even divisions.

Kimmins Safety Training Badges

Training the Trainers

At Kimmins, our safety team consistently seeks out the latest safety training programs endorsed by industry experts. These materials undergo thorough evaluation by the entire safety team, leading to updates and amendments in our existing employee training materials and library. Our extensive 100 years of experience have taught us the significance of official credentials in fostering the development of competent supervisors and employees.

For instance, OSHA recently introduced a new demolition safety program. Coordinating 20-30 employees for a week-long training session poses logistical challenges, often unfeasible due to project schedules. Consequently, one of our safety team members attends the class to obtain certification and instructor credentials. We subsequently organize courses to ensure all Kimmins employees can acquire their certifications upon their return.

Our safety team comprises professionals with over 80 years of combined boots-on-the-ground safety experience. Among them is David Waters, who has served as a Kimmins Safety Manager for the past eight years.

Join us next month as we delve into Employee Demolition Training, an explosive topic that warrants discussion.

In the meantime, we would like to extend an invitation to reliable and hard-working tradespeople who resonate with our safety-first culture and thrive in our working environment. Please visit the Kimmins Career Page to explore the available positions and discover how you can be a part of our team.