Cycle Construction recently hosted its first annual “Safety Stand Down”. Established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) the initiative enables business owners to better explain construction safety guidelines to staff. Cycle’s Safety Stand Down included a presentation by Louisiana One Call and an onsite, “digging around underground utilities” demonstration by Cycle President and CEO Jonathan Kernion.
Louisiana One Call’s Thelma Coleman and Nakeytha Williams gave a refresher course on Louisiana’s Dig Law, Louisiana 811, and Pipeline Damage Prevention. Cycle team members were reacquainted with the Louisiana One Call’s sophisticated computerized mapping system used to submit excavation request for proper marking of underground utilities. The presentation also covered tolerance zones, and paint or flagging color indicators used to mark underground utilities.
Nathan Kernion, Cycle Construction Executive Vice-President and COO, said, “Louisiana One Call keeps Cycle’s team members safe from dangerous, underground pipelines and eliminates costly construction delays and utility repairs – significant goals for every Cycle project.” He adds, “It is imperative that every member of our team understands its importance.”
Digging Around Underground Utilities Demonstration
In the digging demonstration, President and CEO Jonathan Kernion used a buried 4” pipe to explain optimum ways to locate it. Using the marked utilities and overhead marker flags, he demonstrated the digging around utilities successfully, and according to state law.
Jonathan said, “While this information is not new, it is very important. We believe frequent refresher courses on best practices is integral to the success and safety of our staff and all parties involved.”
Honoring Cycle’s Veterans
Following that presentation, Army Specialist and Cycle team member Albert Carter recognized 13 of his fellow team mates who are veterans. He presented them with a Certificate of Appreciation and a “Proud Veteran” decal for their hard hats.
Kevin Kernion, Executive Vice-President/CAO and former Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps said, “Our veterans’ program was launched to publicly acknowledge the military service and sacrifices made by Cycle employees who have served in the military. The goal of this program is to provide an opportunity for each veteran to share their story with coworkers, while hopefully creating for them a sense of meaning and purpose at work.”
Cycle veterans recognized at the ceremony include (from left to right) Army Specialist Albert Carter (Army), Staff Sergeant Alan Carroll (Air Force), Lance Corporal Joe Bradley ( Marine Corps), Petty Officer First Class Eddie Dinet (Navy), Senior Airman Sean Lacaze (Air Force), Petty Office Third Class Ron Landry (Navy), Army Specialist Bernard “Gene” Moran (Army), Seaman Apprentice Walter Jackson (Navy), Sergeant Kevin Kernion (Marine Corps), Corporal Johnny Schmidt (Marine Corps), Sergeant Danny Portier (Army), Staff Sergeant Brian Morrison (Air Force), and not pictured is Army Sergeant Kelly Lauga (Army).
“We are so appreciative of the selfless commitment these men and women have made to our country, and we are proud to have each and every one of them on the Cycle team,” said Kevin.
2017 Fran Dennison Memorial Award Recipient: Allan Awe, Mechanic
In addition, Nathan awarded Cycle mechanic Allan Awe the coveted 2017 Fran Dennison Memorial Award for demonstrating selfless dedication to Cycle and his fellow team members, as well as unwavering integrity and a strong work ethic.
“Allan puts his whole heart into his work here at Cycle,” said Nathan. “He perfectly embodies those attributes for which the Fran Dennison award was founded. Our entire team depends on Allan to keep our equipment and vehicles running, enabling continuous operation of our jobsites while minimizing downtown. We are proud to have Allan on our team.”
The first Safety Stand Down concluded with an employee gift raffle. Lucky winners walked away with prizes including a Rtic ice chest, big screen televisions, crawfish boiling pot with jet burners, and several Yeti camo cups.
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