Safety

In every job we perform we have a commitment to our clients and to our employees, ensuring that every environment we operate in is both healthy and safe. From our employees, contractors, and the general public, Eastern Communications, Inc is driven to safeguard anyone in and around our operations.

We believe that all injuries can be prevented through attention to detail as well as through extensive internal and external safety training. Our executive team has woven health and safety into every facet of our operation.

Accidents and injuries do not only cause an interruption in the progress of a project, but also affect the lives of our team, the injured and their family.

To help protect against accidents, injuries and illnesses, Eastern Communications, Inc has established a recognized Safety and Health program, which every member of our company, from management to contractors adheres to.

This program currently includes the following training programs, providing authorizations, qualifications, and certifications delivered internally at Eastern Communications:

Orientation:
Our Orientation Program is mandatory for all new employees and includes the following safety training components; introduce applicable OSHA and DOT definitions and regulations, hazard awareness and Job Safety Analysis, RF awareness, Trenching & Excavation Safety, Arcflash Awareness & Electrical Safety, Silicosis awareness, Bloodborne Pathogens, Rooftop Fall Protection and Video Display Terminal Ergonomics.

First Aid and CPR:
Our certified National Safety Council trainers ensure that all team members at Eastern Communications are certified in First Aid, CPR and AED use.

Fall Protection and Tower Rescue:
Through our in-house CITCA fall protection program we ensure all workers given access to elevated work environments completes a two-part comprehensive tower fall protection safety course. The Authorized Climber program provides awareness of recognized hazards at elevated work zones, as well as an understanding of fall protection equipment and hands-on climbing techniques focused on 100% fall arrest protected climbing and work positioning. The Authorized Rescue program builds on the concepts introduced in Authorized Climber while presenting basic rescue system components and how to use them within the Eastern Communications tower rescue kit. These programs provide hands-on learning environments to grow and progress foundational climbing skills required in the telecom industry. Our goal is to invest in the skills of our climbing workforce so they have the opportunity to practice new skills and improve their understanding and control over potential hazards commonly associated with tower climbing by providing a learning path towards competency in tower climbing and rescue.

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms:
Prior to our employees operating MEWP, they must go through our Mobile Elevated Work Platform Operator Safety program for all Boom and Scissor Lift operations.

Rigging and Signaling Safety:
In accordance with the requirements found in the OSHA 1926 Subpart CC Crane standard, we require all employees who will work directly with crane hoisting activities, applying or removing rigging components, complete a Qualified Rigger course on selection, inspection and application of rigging components according to applicable ASME B30 standards. All employees who will provide direct signaling to a crane operator must also complete The Qualified Signal Person course covering crane dynamics, load distribution, power line avoidance procedures, encroachment requirements, and proficiency in crane signaling methods according to ASME and OSHA.

Continuing Education With OSHA:
Everyone at Eastern Communications must complete a minimum of 10 hours of OSHA 1926 Construction Safety training from our certified in-house trainer. All foreman and supervisors must complete the requirements of OSHA 30 hour Construction Safety training.

At Eastern Communications, we also engage with third party certification programs for our employees. We are enthusiastic supporters of NWSA’s Certification program employing an in-house Telecommunications Tower Technician practical examiner. We have created our NFPA-70E and Lockout Tag Out training program with support from the National Fire Protection Association. Aligning ourselves with safety industry leading training programs helps us ensure our crews are able to perform in a safe and responsible manner.

If you have any questions about our safety program or the safety of our work at Eastern Communications, Inc please call our offices at 860-242-8100.