It is a challenge to balance efficient production and safety in laboring jobs. Being safe takes time and that can impede production time. Oftentimes it seems like it would be easier and quicker to eliminate safety procedures. But Upson Company knows that cutting corners and letting safety processes slide is what causes injuries. And though safety does take time, especially for commercial roofing – tying off, setting up cones and roping off fall hazards, discussing safety plans before work begins, and contributes to time spent not working it is a key component to each and every job at Upson Company.

At Upson Company, foremen are required to create a safety plan that has to be approved by the Production Manager and be reviewed and signed by every worker who will be working on the roof. Once production begins on the roof, a safety inspector pops in to see how the safety plan is working out and to ensure proper safety adherence. Also, the Production Manager makes frequent visits to the roof and one item he checks for is safety plan adherence. There are consequences for not adhering to safety rules and safety plans.

Safety doesn’t just start and end during production time on the roofs. Safety is part of all working aspects at Upson Company. Safety is also an integral part of driving. Cell phone use is not allowed for drivers of company vehicles. During all commercial roof repairs or commercial roof leak drive time no cell phone use is allowed. If calls come in they go to voice mail or the driver pulls over, if safe to do so, to take the call. Recently all company employees took a mandatory defensive driving course to further ensure driving safety. In addition to special courses like defensive driving, employees have to stay current on other mandatory safety classes and training to ensure injuries are eliminated or greatly reduced. Upson Company prides itself on having a low injury rate. Safety definitely comes first at Upson Company.