WWJ Closeup, June 2025

RUSS GRANFORS, CSP
Senior Hydrologist/Corporate Health and Safety Administrator
Clear Creek Associates, a Geo-Logic Company
Scottsdale, Arizona

KEYS TO A GOOD SAFETY PROGRAM?
Engagement with employees. Not supervising employees and telling them what they did wrong, but rather asking the employees what can go wrong and what resources they need to eliminate that hazard. Their view of hazards may shed light on hazards the supervisor didn’t initially see.

MOST OVERLOOKED DOT REGULATION BY THE INDUSTRY?
Pickup truck tie-down standards, especially for new hires. As a geology consultant, semi-trucks are not my specialty, but for large pickup trucks, it would be load security. Everyone knows to strap down their equipment, but things are overlooked, people are tired, or straps loosen during transport.

FAVORITE SAFETY RESOURCE?
I’m an old-school guy and I like to use a printed copy of the updated regulations. I may start on the internet in order to find the specific regulation I’m looking for, but then I refer to my paper copy.

NEW HIRE SAFETY MEANS WHAT?
Starting at the beginning to see what the new employee knows and what their safety habits are. It may require starting the employee as a Short Service Employee for certain clients, and once the three-month training is complete, the employee can work independently.

MOST COMMON SAFETY MISTAKE YOU SEE?
Housekeeping. Jobsites that exhibit a lack of organization are going to be more prone to injuries. Each drill company works a little differently, but when you see a company completely dedicated to housekeeping, it’s a gem for the client.

HOW CAN SAFETY TAILGATE TALKS BE MORE ENGAGING?
With an engaged supervisor leading the tailgate. Avoid reading the paperwork word for word and look around for hazards that might not be on the paperwork to discuss, so there can be conversation. The bottom of our new tailgate form reads in bold red: “NOW PUT THIS DOWN AND LOOK AROUND.”