At A1, we specialize in various building services, including window washing and facade repair. This work requires our teams to traverse over 13,000 building facades yearly, and it’s not a responsibility we take lightly. While we are experts in working at heights, we also respect the inherent dangers. To reduce risks, we develop unique job site safety plans and hazard analysis before starting a project. We also provide thorough safety training and continuing safety education to our operational teams.
By incorporating safety into every step of the job, we assure building owners and property managers of a safe and successful project. This article aims to convey the value of choosing a building service provider who is not only skilled at their craft but also committed to safety compliance.
Going it Alone into the Building Compliance Unknown
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of legal liabilities, financial penalties, and injuries is to prioritize safety compliance. But compliance is complex, regulations change, and it’s easy to miss something if you don’t stay current.
The latest edition of The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 29 Standard 1926 is a whopping 628 pages long. This publication covers labor and is only one of many standards building owners must be familiar with. The sheer volume of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations—thousands of pages detailing everything from stairwell widths to emergency exit signage—can overwhelm even the most diligent property managers.
With OSHA fines increasing yearly, hoping you are covered is not a risk worth taking. It’s no wonder the number of jobs in the occupational health and safety field will grow by more than two times the national average in the next decade. You can’t plan for everything, but you can bolster confidence in your compliance by working with service providers specializing in safety.
Why Expertise Matters in Safety Compliance
Safety experts know all the ins and outs of OSHA regulations, so they translate legal jargon into clear steps. Plus, these experts create safety plans that fit each specific project. For example, the risks in regular maintenance work, like window cleaning at heights, are different from those in larger capital projects, like waterproofing, so a one-size-fits-all approach to safety will not be effective. Compliance with local and federal regulations is critical, and when paired with industry expertise, injuries and incidents are less likely to occur.
When you choose to work with A1, you gain access to our extensive knowledge of fall protection systems. Our turn-key solutions for installing state-of-the-art safety systems provide a comprehensive understanding of their use and the requirements for compliance. This expertise is a valuable asset in ensuring the safety of your building and its occupants.
Navigating Building Safety Compliance
Understanding OSHA regulations is the first step towards compliance; implementing OSHA standards solidifies the journey to full compliance. Our team leverages decades of hands-on experience and theoretical learning to design government-approved training courses and develop better safety guidelines through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Creating a Safe Working Environment
A safe job site starts with preventative measures such as conducting a Job Safety Analysis (JSA). During this phase, the goal is to remove hazards altogether, and when that isn’t possible, we devise a written work plan for the safest way to navigate the hazard. When hazards exist, expertise lends itself to properly using fall protection equipment, mitigating the risk of incidents. One example is our initiative to switch from hard hats to safety helmets on the job site, adding an extra layer of precaution while reinforcing our commitment to safety.
Onboarding with Safety in Mind
With a passion for improving the safety of all workers through compliance and education, we deliver seminars and create safety training programs for organizations like the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA). Our onboarding process includes a thorough screening and a robust training program. Employees must complete field training and pass written tests for work eligibility. Our training programs, thoughtfully crafted by our experts who are recognized by the industry for their lifelong commitment to safety, exceed OSHA and industry standards.
Continuous Safety Training and Awareness
We further supplement our safety culture through weekly on-site safety inspections of all work sites and personnel. In addition, we are proud to participate in events such as OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down. Our newsletters share practical safety tips and serve as a great avenue for keeping safety top-of-mind.
Maintaining Compliance and Document Management
Lastly, documentation and certification round out critical building safety compliance requirements. Our SafeSite Program is designed to help building owners manage documentation and meet inspection and certification requirements.
Case Study: From Safety Repair to Maintenance
Our skill set came into play during a recent renovation in Washington, D.C. While the existing building envelope was to remain the same, the building’s fall protection systems needed rooftop anchors, new davit pedestals, and arms to meet compliance regulations. Our sister company, Valcourt Safety Systems team worked closely with the owner, architect, and our third-party engineer to design a plan and carry out the work.
Once complete, Valcourt’s window washing team won the window maintenance contract and began regular window cleaning with the peace of mind of working with certified fall protection and rooftop anchorage systems. In turn, the building owners knew they took the necessary measures to meet compliance regulations and moral obligations.
Our comprehensive solutions and industry expertise help you achieve and maintain compliance with complex regulations.
Keeping Your Building Safe and Compliant
For property managers, the checklist for maintaining building compliance may seem never-ending. All the requirements can leave you wondering if you have checked every compliance box. The risk of fines, litigations, and potential injuries is motivation enough to remove all uncertainty. Our commitment to safety across building services removes that uncertainty, saving you time and worry.
Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our people and community. Contact us today for a quote and enjoy the assurance of working with professionals who prioritize safety and quality workmanship.
