Barr & Barr recognizes that our construction workforce is our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing an environment that encourages workers to perform their jobs in a safe and productive manner.

Training is a major component of the safety program. Our Safety Director, Jim Manoli is an authorized trainer for both the 10 & 30-hour OSHA Construction Safety courses. All Barr & Barr personnel are required to have completed the 10-hour course, with superintendents and foreman 30-hour trained. We also conduct an OSHA 10-hour course specifically for each project, free of charge, to encourage subcontractor and client personnel to attend. Prior to starting on a job, all workers receive orientation that includes safety procedures and requirements that are specific to that project. Weekly tool box talks are then used to discuss various safety-related topics that are relevant to the job. In addition, specific training sessions covering topics such as fall protection, trenching, scaffolds, and hazard communication are conducted as needed.

Safety inspections are another major aspect of our program. The project superintendent conducts daily inspections of the job site to identify and correct unsafe conditions and encourage safe behavior. Safety Director, Jim Manoli, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and former OSHA inspector, conducts periodic inspections to evaluate the implementation of the program. We also utilize the services of our insurance agent, Tanenbaum-Harber, our insurance carrier, St. Paul Travelers, and Pro Safety to conduct safety inspections throughout the life of the project.

Barr & Barr’s safety program has produced excellent results. We have repeatedly been recognized by the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts for our exemplary safety record. There have been no major injuries or incidents during this time period, and little OSHA activity as well. In fact, Barr & Barr has established groundbreaking OSHA partnerships with Williams College, Syracuse University, Hamilton College and Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems that are setting the standard for project safety.

Experience Modification Rates (EMR):
0.87 (2008/09), 0.84 (2007/08), 0.73 (2006/07), 0.80 (2005/06) & 0.88 (2004/05)
All below the industry average of 1.0

Days Away, Restricted, Transfer claims (DART):
2.6 (2007), 1.3 (2006), 0.0 (2005) & 1.2 (2004)
All below the industry average of 3.4

Lost Time Frequency Rates (LTFR):
3.9, (2007), 2.5 (2006), 1.9 (2005), 2.8 (2004) & 2.5 (2003)
All below the industry average of 3.4

Recordable Incident Frequency Rates (RIFR):
2.6 (2007), 1.3 (2006), 0.0 (2005), 0.9 (2004) & 0.8 (2003)
All below the industry average of 6.4

“From the inception of our project they have acted as an extension of the owner, providing and maintaining budget, schedule, phasing and design support. They have been constantly vigilant as far as worker and patient safety is concerned in working in such an active medical facility.”

....Holyoke Hospital