HammerTech Data Integrity
A Driving Force In DPR Operations
BY : SCOTT KUBISZEWISKI , CSP , CHST , LEED AP
Quality data is essential for safe decision making . Because the number of constructionrelated injuries has been drastically reduced in the last few decades , finding the right data to ensure all construction workers go home safely can often become a challenge . Although it ’ s great that injury-driven data is declining , we now need more innovative ways to collect relevant data and achieve our goal of zero workplace injuries .
This was the case for us at DPR Construction . When I started my role as DPR ’ s EHS leader for the Pacific Northwest , the firm was well into implementing HammerTech ’ s solution on its project sites . We believe that , as we use HammerTech , it will provide the data we need to make better and more informed decisions that can significantly enhance safety measures on site .
Unfortunately , 20 years ago , it was effortless to figure out where problems were . Anyone in the industry could look at the number of fall fatalities or repetitive injuries that had occurred and focus on eliminating the causes of those major issues . Because construction has become far safer over the years and the number of major injuries is approaching zero , we no longer have access to the easy-to-find data we did before . We need to find new ways to extract the data that will help us eliminate every possible risk .
That ’ s where we think HammerTech comes in . With this software , we aim to compile data from safety audits , various checklists and equipment check-ins and synthesize it into easy-to-read reports that help teams enhance safety measures .
When used fully , we believe HammerTech will enable us to track problems to their source .
For instance , if we are having an issue with employees not wearing safety glasses , we can zero in on the cause of this issue — whether it be a lack of supply
6 or that discount glasses are fogging up while wearing a mask — and resolve it at the source .
DPR jobsites are still ramping up use of HammerTech . However , we ’ re seeing the potential through how some sites are applying it already .
In some cases , job sites are using HammerTech to do everything safety related , from site-specific safety plans and permits to job hazard analyses and safety data sheets . In those instances , sites also use the software to perform video orientations for new employees and administer quizzes prior to their showing up on site . We are finding it to be a valuable tool for employees , who can complete this prior to receiving inperson , site-specific safety orientations .
HammerTech also provides the option to collect additional information from employees , such as emergency contacts and training records prior to their arrival on site .
When an in-person , site-specific orientation is completed , the trainer