The Middlesex Corporation introduced a new initiative, Craft Leadership in Safety, to its established portfolio of safety-based policies and procedures.  With its ‘Safety first in everything we do,” credo, Middlesex consistently monitors and evaluates current processes while seeking opportunities to develop new ways to maintain safety for its team members and clients.   

The basis of Craft Leadership in Safety is creating a culture where team members have a voice.  It is designed to provide field and craft team members with a direct conduit to take ownership of their safety in addition to colleagues working on site.  CLS is comprised of a Chairperson, Management Sponsor/Safety Specialist, and on-site team members. 

The four core components of engagement and visibility for CLS success are:

• CLS visibility – specific lead vest and/or hard hat sticker designates CLS representative.  
• Field walk – building relationships and gathering ideas on how the operation can be more safe and productive. 
• Meeting – an alternative to discussing ideas or issues that cannot be handed ‘in-field.’ 
• Communication strategies – various outreach programs to foster the discussion of concerns, issues, or improvements which include weekly newsletter, daily huddles, trainings, and messaging on project/operation boards. 

“By implementing CLS we realize multiple benefits,” said Neil Mulrooney, Senior Vice President-Construction, Middlesex.  “We open the line of direct communication from the field, we see the perspective of team members performing the operations, and we continue to promote the value of safety improvement for all team members.  CLS is a terrific and impactful addition to our extensive collection of safety policies and protocols.”