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Success Stories: Hispanic Outreach > Torcon, Inc. |
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Success with Hispanic Outreach |
State: |
New Jersey |
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Company: |
Torcon, Inc. |
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Industry: |
General Building Contractor – Non-Residential
(SIC Code 1542/NAICS Code 236220) |
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Employees: |
240 Direct/1200 Contract |
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Success
Brief:
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Torcon, Inc.’s bi-lingual communication and safety
training program has contributed to an estimated 30%
decrease in injuries at the Company’s job sites, as
well as improved employee relations and greater
client satisfaction.
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The Problem:
To stay competitive in the construction industry, it was recognized that the
trend was towards employing more Hispanics. However, many of these potential
workers lacked proper safety training.
The Solution:
The Company, which earned its first "Star" (the highest possible rating) in
OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) in 1993, has incorporated a
pro-active, bi-lingual approach into its comprehensive safety program. For job
sites that employ Hispanics, contractor supervisors are required to be
bi-lingual, eliminating the need for interpreters. Site safety orientation is
conducted in both English and Spanish, and the written orientation materials are
in both languages. Spanish versions of health and safety posters (see examples
pictured below) and emergency evacuation procedures are also provided. Even
safety training videos are produced in both English and Spanish. Finally, in
addition to providing bi-lingual training of its own employees, the Company
mandates that all its contractors conduct weekly, bi-lingual safety meetings
(called "Tool Box Safety Talks") and provide the Company with proof that the
contractor’s employees attended.
The Impact:
Since Torcon implemented these bi-lingual programs and requirements in 2001, the
Company has experienced an estimated 30% decrease in injuries at its job sites
because its Spanish-speaking workers are better trained in safety and health.
The Company has also become the first construction industry firm to achieve the
VPP "Star" rating at multiple job sites. (Fifteen of Torcon’s project sites have
been designated as VPP "Stars" by OSHA). In addition to the reduced occurrence
of injuries, the Company’s efforts in bi-lingual communication and safety
training have resulted in improved employee relations and greater client
satisfaction.
Source:
Mr. Leon Baukh, Corporate Safety Director, Torcon, Inc. (July 2004).
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