The Foundry Partners
Be uncommon. A two-column grid with left column reading 'YOU' over 'SAID' and right column 'WE' over 'DID'.

Excellence: Safety Observation Reports

At Foundry Partners we often say, “Everyone can lead from their seat.” This uncommon mindset is the cornerstone of our Safety Observation Report (SOR) program. When someone on site sees something really good, or in need of improvement, they submit an SOR. Leadership reviews every SOR and implements many suggestions. We encourage everyone on site to regularly
submit SOR’s.

While we are not the first site to have an SOR program, our implementation is unique. We treat our SOR’s as an opportunity for all workers to take responsibility for creating a safe site. Our process shows that leadership is listening and truly working in partnership with the craft.

Here are a few of the improvements we’ve made because of SOR’s:

  • Iron Workers requested self-rescue equipment beyond mobile elevated work platforms, in case of falls while working in harnesses & lanyards. The contractor purchased a stokes basket and a couple of ladders for emergency use only.
  • Trades working on decked, upper levels suggested adding portable restrooms. We placed portable restrooms on the upper levels with a crane.
  • A trade partner suggested adding reflectors to some of the concrete bin blocks to help with visibility during low light conditions. We implemented the suggestion.

To date, Foundry Partners has seen an SOR closure rate of 97% within 24hrs by the person that turned it in or by the node contractor where the SOR was identified.

While our full list of SOR improvements is long and impactful, the mindset instilled through the SOR program is truly impressive. “Safety is relational. Because we act on our SOR’s, we empower everyone on site to be their brothers’/sisters’ keepers.  As site conditions change, every day presents a new opportunity to build a safer site together. Our teammates continually find new ways to work safer. This is how we do business,” said Operations Safety Director Brian Sitz.

It’s working. In April, Foundry Partners marked a milestone of 400,000 safe work hours. We look forward to continuously reviewing and improving our site based on the Safety Observations of our teammates.