Safety Management Systems

Boating safety tips

1. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Life Jacket
- Ensure every person on the boat has access to a properly sized, approved life jacket.
- Life jackets significantly increase the chances of survival in the event of an accident or unexpected fall into the water.

2. Check for Proper Fit
- Adjust all straps and buckles so the life jacket fits snugly without restricting movement.
- A loose life jacket can slip off or fail to keep a person afloat properly.

3. Inspect Life Jackets Before Each Trip
- Look for tears, broken buckles, damaged straps, or waterlogged material.
- Damaged life jackets may not provide adequate flotation when needed most.

4. Make Children Wear Life Jackets at All Times
- Ensure children wear appropriately sized life jackets whenever they are near or on the water.
- Children can quickly find themselves in dangerous situations, even in calm conditions.

5. Wear Your Life Jacket, Don’t Just Store It
- Put on your life jacket before leaving the dock and keep it on while boating.
- Emergencies happen suddenly, and there may not be time to locate and put on a life jacket.

6. Be Prepared for Changing Water Conditions
- Monitor weather forecasts and be aware of currents, waves, and water levels.
- Conditions can change rapidly, increasing the risk of falls, capsizing, or becoming stranded.

7. Avoid Alcohol While Boating
- Designate a sober operator and save alcohol for after the trip.
- Alcohol impairs judgement, balance, and reaction time, contributing to many boating accidents and drownings.

As astronaut Chris Hadfield says, safety is the common denominator in everything we do. Whether you're on the job site or driving home to your family, keep that denominator strong today!

Safety Specialist Blake Burleson was nominated as the latest SMS Standout by Operations Manager Joseph Moseley.

Blake is being recognized for his exceptional work quality and dedication.

He recently began a fast-paced and demanding project for one of our industrial construction clients. He has managed his responsibilities with impressive attention to detail and has significantly strengthened the safety culture on-site. The client has specifically commended Blake's work ethic and expressed their appreciation for his presence on the project.

Great work, Blake! We appreciate that you own it everyday and are a true team player.

Heat Exhaustion Safety Tips

1. Know the Signs of Heat Cramps
- Watch for painful muscle cramps or spasms, usually in the legs, arms, or abdomen, during or after physical activity.
- Heat cramps are often the first warning sign that the body is struggling with heat and dehydration.

2. Recognize Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
- Be alert for heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and cool, clammy skin.
- Heat exhaustion can quickly worsen if not treated with rest, hydration, and cooling measures.

3. Identify Heatstroke as a Medical Emergency
- Look for confusion, altered mental status, loss of consciousness, seizures, or a body temperature above 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C).
- Heatstroke is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

4. Take Action at the First Sign of Heat Illness
- Move to a cool or shaded area, loosen clothing, and drink water or electrolyte beverages.
- Early intervention can prevent heat cramps and heat exhaustion from progressing to heatstroke.

5. Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
- Drink water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Limiting exposure during peak hours reduces the risk of overheating.

6. Schedule Strenuous Activities Wisely
- Perform outdoor work or exercise during cooler parts of the day when possible.
- Limiting exposure during peak heat hours reduces the risk of overheating.

7. Look Out for Coworkers, Family, and Friends
- Monitor others for signs of heat-related illness, especially during hot weather or strenuous activities.
- Individuals experiencing heat illness may not recognize their own symptoms, making early intervention by others critical.

Remote Paramedic Matthew Kirby was nominated as the latest SMS Standout by Medical Quality Supervisor Patrick Sauls.

Since one of our clients relaunched a screening program, Matthew has been an invaluable partner in refining our processes and serving as a subject matter expert for his colleagues. Most recently, he volunteered to train two medics who were new to the program, offering his own time and contact information, which showed immense ownership.

Matthew, thank you for being a team player!

In safety, "doing it over" looks like incident investigations, operational shutdowns, costly repairs, and—worst of all—recovering from preventable injuries. Taking the extra five minutes to do it right the first time isn't a delay; it’s the ultimate time-saver.

Grilling Safety Tips

1. Keep Grill at Least 10 Feet from Structures
- Position grills away from homes, garages, decks, fences, and overhanging branches.
- Heat, sparks, and flare-ups can quickly ignite nearby materials and spread fire to structures.

2. Never Grill Indoors or in Enclosed Areas
- Use grills only outdoors in well-ventilated spaces.
- Grills produce carbon monoxide, which can build up quickly and become deadly in enclosed areas.

3. Keep a Clear Safety Zone Around the Grill
- Maintain a child-and-pet free zone of at least 3 feet around the cooking area.
- Prevents accidental burns, spills, and contact with hot surfaces.

4. Check Gas Connections Before Use
- Inspect propane hoses and connections for leaks or damage prior to grilling.
-Gas leaks can cause fires or explosions if not identified early.

5. Never Leave a Grill Unattended
- Stay near the grill while cooking.
- Unattended grills increase the risk of flare-ups and uncontrolled fires.

6. Clean Grease and Fat Buildup Regularly
- Remove grease from trays and grates after use.
- Excess grease can ignite and cause dangerous flare-ups.

7. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
- Have a fire extinguisher or water source easily accessible while grilling.
- Quick responses can help contain small fires before they spread.

Cutting corners might save two minutes, but it risks a lifetime. True safety integrity means choosing the right way over the easy way, every single time—even when nobody is looking over your shoulder.

Let’s look out for ourselves and each other today. What does safety integrity mean to you?

As we commemorate Memorial Day, we remember, honor, and give thanks to those in our armed forces who gave their lives in defense of our freedom. 🇺🇸

Remote Paramedic Missy Meyers was nominated as the latest SMS Standout by Physician Assistant Frederick Sonnier.

Recently, Missy was put to the test when she encountered a patient with a severe work-related injury which presented a highly complex situation that our offshore remote medics do not experience on a regular basis. While initially hesitant due to the severity of the situation, Missy leaned into her training and compassion.

Through her careful skills and expert clinical care, Missy successfully treated the patient, resulting in an outstanding prognosis. Even more impressively, her high level of care allowed the patient to remain safely on board the asset, completely preventing the need for a costly and complex medevac.

Her incredible work definitely did not go unnoticed! We recently received a glowing email from our client specifically commending Missy's actions, her calm under pressure, and her ability to manage such a critical incident on-site.

Thank you, Missy, for your dedication, your expertise, and for being such a vital part of our team. You truly embody what it means to be a healthcare hero!