At Comer Construction, safety is our top priority. Every year, we dedicate time to reinforcing critical safety skills and ensuring our team stays informed on best practices to protect themselves, their coworkers, and the public. Comer’s 7th annual Safety Days took place on March 4 and 5, with half of our company attending each day to ensure full participation.
We were privileged to host expert speakers who provided valuable training on work zone awareness, heat stress prevention, Department of Transportation (DOT) safety, and emergency bleeding control. Here’s a recap of our informative and engaging sessions:
Work Zone Awareness & Defensive Driving
Presented by
John Sewell, Master Trainer
Specialized Patterns In Training
Work zones present unique hazards, and understanding how to navigate them safely is critical for both workers and drivers. John Sewell led a comprehensive session on work zone awareness and defensive driving, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signage, adapting to traffic patterns, and avoiding distractions in high-risk areas. Employees learned defensive driving techniques such as maintaining safe distances, anticipating hazards, and responding to sudden traffic changes. Real-world examples and statistics reinforced the need for vigilance, patience, and adherence to safety protocols to ensure a safer work environment for all.
Heat Stress Prevention
Presented by
Cristina Campbell, Industrial Hygiene Supervisor
Maryland Occupational Safety & Health (MOSH)
With rising temperatures posing serious risks to outdoor workers, heat stress training is essential.
Cristina Campbell provided employees with the knowledge to recognize and prevent heat-related illnesses. The session covered symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, early intervention strategies, and preventive measures such as proper hydration, rest breaks, and acclimatization. Employees also gained insight into MOSH’s new heat stress regulations, ensuring compliance with updated workplace safety standards. Through case studies and interactive discussions, our team left equipped with practical tools to safeguard against heat-related risks.
DOT Safety Training
Presented by
Jessica Miranda, Master Trooper
Bernard Biley, Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspector II
MD Dept. of State Police CVED – Conowingo Scale House
Understanding and complying with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations is crucial for our team’s daily operations. This training session provided a broad overview of key DOT regulations relevant to Comer Construction. Employees had the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session, ensuring clarity on compliance requirements and best practices for operating commercial vehicles safely.
Stop the Bleed – Life-Saving Emergency Response Training
Presented by
Rachel Cockerham and Team, Stop the Bleed Coordinator
Center for Injury Prevention & Policy, UM R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical System
Emergencies can happen anywhere, and knowing how to stop severe bleeding can mean the difference
between life and death. Rachel Cockerham and her team provided an interactive, hands-on training session focused on essential bleeding control techniques. Employees practiced applying direct pressure, using dressings, and correctly applying tourniquets on training mannequins and mock injuries. The session emphasized the importance of quick action in emergencies and how to properly assess wounds before escalating care to medical professionals. By the end of the training, participants felt empowered to respond effectively in life-threatening situations.
A Commitment to Safety
At Comer Construction, we believe that safety training is an ongoing commitment. Events like Safety Days not only enhance our team’s knowledge but also reinforce our culture of safety-first practices. Thank you to all of our expert presenters and employees who participated in making this year’s event a success. By staying proactive and continuously improving our safety standards, we ensure a safer workplace for everyone.