By Melanie Fry
Dome Construction laborer Jaime Pamplona is exactly the kind of person you want on your team. Spend a few minutes with him, and he might admit that he cries every time he watches the movie Ghost. He may explain how it’s important to give to those in need, as he does sometimes when he buys a meal or needed supplies for a homeless person. And while he’ll openly share that he’s 57 years old, he quickly adds that he feels like he’s 35.
His energy and honesty come through on the construction job site, too — especially when it comes to safety.
He’s unafraid to remind his teammates and trade workers when they’re not being safe or not wearing proper PPE (personal protective equipment). One time, he told senior executives of a global biotech firm they had to leave their own job site because they weren’t wearing appropriate safety gear.
“He’s always on the lookout for unsafe conditions and workers not wearing proper PPE,” said John Colwell, Dome Superintendent. “His attention to safety detail has certainly prevented unnecessary injuries from occurring on his projects. He will not hesitate to let the worker know what the rules and regulations are — without exception.”
We’re excited to be able to name Jaime our November eMOD Safety Hero. And I was able to sit down with Jaime and talk to him about his views of job safety and his experiences over his 20 years in construction.
What are the biggest hazards you see in your daily work?
People.
People?
Yes. People. When people come to a job site — especially now with COVID — they need to have all their PPE.
And what if they don’t have their gear?
I try not to be mean. I just tell them the rules and say that they need to follow them. Sometimes they don’t take that very well, especially because I don’t speak English very well. But I let them know exactly what I expect from them.
For people getting started in construction, how do you convince them that safety is important?
I tell them that, how they are when they leave home, that’s how they should be when they go home. Healthy.
Then sometimes I joke and I tell them, “Be careful, because I’m not very good at writing, and you don’t want me to write up your safety report.”
Do you often have to tell people that they need to be safer?
Not too often. Usually, it’s the new guys who come and they don’t know the rules.
Do you ever actually send people home?
Not usually. Sometimes I have to tell them, “You don’t understand that this (PPE) can help you. It can save your life. I’ll tell you one time. The second time, I’m going to send you home.” But then I talk with (my superintendent) and we figure it out. We really need everyone to be safe and to keep doing their job.
What’s the biggest industry challenge for safety?
Concentrating on what we’re doing. Sometimes people just don’t think and don’t concentrate on what they’re doing and they aren’t safe.
So, how can people be safer?
If you’re going to do a job you need to think about safety before you get started. Take five minutes, put on your gear, and think about safety. Just think about all of the outcomes and safety hazards and the potential issues you might have before you start working.
What does it mean to you to be honored as a Safety Hero?
I feel happy! I feel good — I always feel like safety is important for people and for the company. I always do my best. I never try, I always do.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
I love construction. I love the work. I feel that work is like exercise and I like to exercise.
Maybe that’s why you feel 35! Thanks for your time, Jaime.
What is the eMOD Safety Hero Award?
Once a month, eMOD highlights someone working in the commercial construction industry who practices their craft with a safety-first approach. We recognize heroes who put safety ahead of productivity, who take action today to make our work safer tomorrow, who do the right thing rather than the most convenient. They promote accountability among team members, champion the latest safety practices, and encourage transparency about hazardous situations as they arise.
In addition to being featured on our blog, each winner receives a great prize package!
Melanie Fry is an onboarding specialist for eMOD.