America's Safest Companies: Odebrecht

At Odebrecht USA, a construction and engineering firm based in Coral Gables, Fla., the emphasis is on controlling high-risk activities and striving to fully integrate health and safety into all aspects of operations through a process of continuous improvement. 

The company issues its own work permits in an effort to identity and control high-risk activities. They include hot work and confined space. This year as part of its continual improvement process, new permits will be added to the process, including material handling/crane operations and work from elevated heights. 

Deborah Hampton, HSE officer for U.S. operations, says the company "is committed to performing every task in the safest manner possible with minimal risk."

The goal of continuous improvement extends beyond the safety process at work to employee health. 

"As part of our continual improvement commitment, we are piloting a wellness program which includes a full baseline metrics for all workers, monthly wellness meetings, fresh fruit served daily and an enhanced stretch-and-flex exercise program each morning," says Hampton. All workers are provided healthy eating tips and taught exercises by a physical therapist that they can perform daily in their homes. 

Management is firmly committed to a workplace of healthy employees and controlled risks.

"We aspire to change the face of construction not only through our innovative methods but our mentoring program to other companies in the interest of improving health and safety for American workers," says Hampton. 

CEO and President Gilberto Neves says everyone at the company is "deeply humbled" by the recognition as one of America's Safest Companies, adding, "We always strive to perform to achieve the highest level of client satisfaction, and it is gratifying that all of our team members and partners would be recognized for their dedication and on-the-job accomplishments. We are extremely proud of our team. The numerous trainings that have been made available to our members and subcontractors have allowed us to raise safety awareness and practices."