Safety Is About People, Not Just Protocols
Behind every safety measure is a family waiting for their loved one to come home.
“Safety is one of our core values at West Contracting. By empowering employees to make safety a part of everything they do, we ensure everyone goes home safely each day while delivering quality work our clients can trust.”
Chis West, CEO
At West Contracting, safety is a deeply personal commitment we make to each other every day. For nearly seven decades, we’ve built more than roads and infrastructure; we’ve built a culture where every team member looks out for one another like family.
The nature of our work involves inherent challenges.
Our People-First Approach to Safety
Heavy equipment, traffic conditions, and changing weather all present potential hazards. But our approach to safety isn’t just about following regulations—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels responsible for their teammates’ wellbeing.
Programs like our Near Miss reporting system and Good Catch Award Program empower every team member to actively participate in our safety culture, recognizing that those on the front lines often spot potential issues first.
When you join the West team, you’re joining a community that:
- Treats safety as a shared responsibility, not just a department
- Empowers every team member to speak up about potential hazards
- Celebrates safety milestones as team achievements
- Continuously improves our practices based on real-world experiences
Safety By the Numbers
Our Safety Program
Because we want every team member to return home safely to their families each day, we’ve created a comprehensive safety program that goes beyond compliance. Our approach is built on proactive measures that prevent injuries and foster a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Key Components to Our Safety Program
- Safety Orientation Program
- General Safety Rules
- Safety Responsibilities
- Hazard Communication
- Safety Inspections
- Alcohol and Drug Free Policy
- Personal Protection Equipment
- Job Safety Analysis
- Safe Start Program
We believe proper training is the foundation of a safe workplace.
Training That Builds Confidence
Our experienced team members mentor newcomers, creating a chain of knowledge that’s been strengthening for generations.
We encourage our employees to be stewards of safety, and we provide continual education and ongoing communication on the importance of safety. All employees receive safety orientation training at the time of hire and annually thereafter. Additional specialized training is provided as needed for task-specific and project-specific requirements.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Structured certifications, including OSHA 30 Hour and OSHA 10 Hour for Construction Safety
- Specialized training in First Aid, CPR, MoDOT Advanced Work Zone, Excavation and Trenching Safety, Flagger Safety, and Work Zone Safety
- Hands-on equipment training with experienced mentors
- Regular safety meetings that encourage open discussion
- Ongoing education about industry best practices
- Recognition of team members who exemplify our safety culture
Our team doesn’t just talk about safety—they live it every day.
Proactive Safety Culture in Action
Near Miss Report
It is everyone’s responsibility to report and correct potential hazards immediately. Our team members use our online Near Miss reporting system to document close calls, creating opportunities for us to address risks before they lead to incidents. This collaborative approach helps us continuously strengthen our safety practices and protect our West family.
Good Catch Award Program
West Contracting celebrates team members who take initiative in creating a safer workplace. Through our Good Catch Award Program, we recognize employees who identify and address safety concerns before they become problems. This positive reinforcement encourages everyone to remain vigilant and reinforces that safety is a shared value we all uphold.
Your Wellbeing Matters to Us
At West Contracting, we understand that safety encompasses more than physical protection. True well-being includes mental health, work-life balance, and the security of knowing you’re valued as a person, not just an employee.
That’s why we’ve created an environment where team members feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions, and looking out for one another. After all, our greatest safety asset isn’t found in any manual or regulation—it’s the culture of care we’ve built together over generations.
Join a Team That Puts Safety First
If you’re looking to build your career with a company that truly values your wellbeing, we invite you to explore opportunities with West Contracting. Together, we’ll continue our tradition of bringing people home safely every day while building infrastructure that serves our communities with integrity and excellence.
Explore Careers at West