Any project’s success is critically tied to safety performance. At A.W. Oakes & Son, safety is not just a policy—it is integral to our culture. We strive to provide the safest team, equipment, and job sites to ensure a secure working environment for our employees, partners, and community.
Our field philosophy is simple: “If you see something, say something.” This proactive mindset drives accountability, open communication, and site-wide safety awareness on every project.
Safety Performance & Metrics
We hold ourselves to rigorous performance standards, consistently operating well below industry risk benchmarks.
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2025 EMR: 0.72
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5-Year Average EMR (2020–2025): 0.75
Workplace Wellness & Substance Abuse Prevention
We actively participate in the Wisconsin AGC Substance Abuse Testing and Assistance Program (SATAP). SATAP is designed to promote a safe, productive, and drug-free workplace through education, testing, and assistance resources. By balancing accountability with direct support, SATAP emphasizes both active prevention and access to care when needed.
Dedicated Safety Leadership
Our safety program is spearheaded by full-time, highly credentialed safety professionals who manage compliance, conduct regular job-site inspections, and lead ongoing field training.
Matt Groehler | Safety Manager
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Certified Safety Professional (CSP): Board-certified designation validating advanced expertise in risk management, safety systems, and hazard control.
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Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST): Board-certified specialization in preventing job site injuries and illnesses across construction operations.
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OSHA 500 Authorized Trainer: Qualified to instruct and certify workers in OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour construction safety standards.
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Red Cross First Aid / CPR / AED Instructor: Certified to train and credential personnel in essential life-saving response skills.
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Forklift & Manlift Program Trainer: Qualified to design, facilitate, and manage OSHA-compliant powered industrial truck and lift safety programs.
Kenny Pizzuro | Safety Coordinator
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Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST): Board-certified credential demonstrating technical skills in job site injury and illness prevention.
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HAZWOPER & Hazmat Technician: Advanced qualifications for handling hazardous waste cleanup, dangerous materials management, and emergency response.
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Wisconsin Fire Inspector 1: Certified to conduct fire and life safety inspections and enforce local fire safety codes.
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NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Specialist: Trained in National Fire Protection Association standards, focusing on arc flash prevention, electrical shock hazards, and PPE requirements.
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Wisconsin Residential & Commercial Building Inspector: DSPS-licensed to inspect structures under state building codes.
Crew Credentials & Ongoing Field Training
Safety education at A.W. Oakes is continuous. In addition to our annual safety conference with industry insurers, we hold mandatory weekly on-the-job safety meetings and site inspections.
Our field crews hold up-to-date industry certifications across a broad range of specialties, including:
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MSHA Certified (Mine Safety and Health Administration)
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OSHA 10 & 30-Hour Trained
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Hazwoper & Landfill Management Certified
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CPR, AED & First Aid Certified
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Trenching, Excavating & Competent Person Certified
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Confined Space Competent Person & Attendant
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Certified Flagger & Traffic Control
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Forklift & Heavy Equipment Operations
