Safety First: Turner’s Commitment to Worker Well-Being

Recently, the Turner team in Memphis gave WREG’s Live at 9 a behind-the-scenes look at the Alliance Healthcare Services project site and how we approach and act on our commitment to worker safety. Turner’s culture of care and approach to protecting the well-being of employees is central to our operations, making us a leader locally and throughout the construction industry when it comes to safety measures.

Active caring for workers
At Turner, safety isn’t a set of rules to follow, it’s a way of life. Our three-pronged approach to active caring includes protecting workers physically, mentally, and emotionally. We believe that taking care of our employees on all fronts creates a more positive, productive work environment.

Physically, we implement strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and minimize injuries. This includes providing all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as hardhats, helmets, vests, and more. We strive to equip everyone with the tools and resources they need to handle the demanding conditions of a construction site.

Mentally and emotionally, we make it a priority to create an environment where our team feels valued and respected. Workers aren’t numbers – they are people. By fostering an environment of care and attentiveness, we make sure that they feel safe and supported and are able to return home to their families each day.

Safety in every season
One of the biggest challenges construction workers face is exposure to extreme weather, from summer heat to winter temperatures, and we have developed specific strategies for our jobsites in all weather conditions.

During the summer, Turner uses the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Work/Rest Schedules. When temperatures rise above 90 degrees, this method gives staff a long break every two hours to reduce the risk of heat related illness. During these breaks, they have access to electrolyte replacements to keep them hydrated and energized. These measures have a huge impact on preventing heat-related incidents and maintaining employee health.

During colder months, warming stations are set up on job sites, and the team is provided with the proper cold-weather gear, including insulated clothing and gloves. As the weather changes, our teams continuously monitor conditions and adjust work schedules accordingly to keep everyone on our jobsites safe from extreme temperatures.

Safety as a culture
What sets Turner apart from competitors is its focus on embedding safety into our culture, rather than treating it as a matter of compliance. Employees are encouraged to take an active role in their own safety, as well as the safety of their colleagues. By fostering an environment where they feel they have ownership over their safety, Turner ensures that best practices are ingrained in daily operations.

Our Memphis leadership is committed to making safety considerations an integral part of the workday, and we aim to demonstrate to our teams that their personal health is a top priority.

Turner has built a reputation in the construction industry for its dedication to worker safety. By making safety a way of life, we continue to demonstrate our dedication to the well-being of everyone who steps onto our job sites. This culture of care and safety will remain at the center of our operations, ensuring that our employees feel safe, valued, and supported every day.