Construction sites are inherently risky environments, presenting numerous hazards that require proactive control. Given the factors present—including large moving machinery, ground workers, blind spots, pinch points, noise, WHMIS-controlled substances, and the physical demands of placing hot materials in unpredictable weather—safety cannot be an afterthought.
A moment of distraction or a single skipped safety check can quickly lead to costly or even tragic outcomes. Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, safety must be a demonstrated, invested, and monitored culture to mitigate these risks.
Here’s how we maintain safety standards on our job sites, and why it matters to everyone involved in our projects.
We follow Alberta OHS regulations
Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety regulations exist for a reason. They’re not suggestions or guidelines that you can pick and choose from based on convenience. They’re legal requirements designed to protect workers, clients, and the public.
We don’t cut corners and we don’t compromise.
Every member of our team is trained on current OHS standards before they set foot on a job site. We conduct regular refresher courses because regulations change, and staying updated isn’t optional. Our supervisors perform daily safety briefings to address site-specific hazards and review procedures.
But compliance goes beyond just knowing the rules. It’s about creating a culture where safety is second nature. When our crew members see a hazard, they report it immediately. When equipment needs maintenance, we take it offline until it’s fixed properly. When weather conditions become unsafe, we stop work without hesitation.
To us, it’s standard and the baseline for our safety culture.
Our equipment is inspected and operated safely
To complete a project safely and efficiently, our equipment is inspected, maintained and operated according to manufacturer specifications. We also invest heavily in modern machinery that comes equipped with the latest safety features.
Every piece of equipment undergoes a thorough inspection before each use. Our operators complete manufacturer specific pre-use checklists that cover everything from brake functionality to hydraulic fluid levels. If something doesn’t pass inspection, that machine doesn’t get used. No exceptions.
We also maintain detailed service records for all our equipment. Regular maintenance involves following manufacturer maintenance schedules to keep machines running smoothly.
Finally, our equipment is operated safely by a trained, competent operator or an operator in training with direct supervision.
We implement hazard controls to reduce risk of injury.
There’s no such thing as a truly risk-free construction site. But that doesn’t mean we stop trying to get as close as possible.
Our approach starts with thorough hazard assessments. Before work begins, we identify potential hazards and develop control strategies. Underground utilities, overhead powerlines, noise, dust, pinch points, extreme weather and traffic, we assess and have controls in place to address them.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory. This includes steel-toed boots, high-visibility vests and may include hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection and masks. Everyone on our sites is required to wear the PPE determined necessary; this includes workers, subcontractors, visitors and members of the general public.
We also enforce protocols around heavy machinery operation. Designated work zones, spotter systems, and clear communication channels prevent risks posed to ground workers, other moving mobile equipment and surrounding buildings or objects.
Training never stops
You don’t become a safety-focused company by training your crew once and calling it done. Skills fade. New hazards emerge. Equipment evolves.
Our training programs are ongoing and comprehensive. New hires go through an intensive safety orientation that covers company policies, equipment operation, emergency procedures, and hazard recognition. They don’t work independently until they’ve demonstrated competency.
Experienced crew members participate in regular skill refreshers and advanced training sessions. First aid certification, confined space entry, ground disturbance, traffic control, we invest in our people’s ability to work safely in every situation they might encounter.
We also encourage open communication about safety concerns. When someone spots a better way to do something or identifies a gap in our procedures, we listen. Some of our best safety improvements have come from frontline workers who see the realities of the job every day.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility
At Holloway Paving, we’ve built a culture where every team member takes ownership of safety. It’s not just the supervisor’s job or the safety officer’s responsibility. It’s everyone’s job to watch out for each other and maintain the standards that keep us all protected.
This culture didn’t happen by accident. It required leadership commitment, ongoing investment, and a genuine belief that no project is worth someone getting hurt.
Holloway Paving maintains a Workplace Safety Certificate of Recognition (COR) through the Partnerships in Injury Reduction, a voluntary Government of Alberta program. We maintain our high safety standards because it’s the right thing to do. Our people deserve to work in an environment that values their wellbeing, and our clients deserve partners who take that responsibilities seriously.
Want to work with a construction company that prioritizes safety as much as quality? Get in touch with Holloway Paving today and experience the difference that professional standards make.
