Blending Technology with Safety Initiatives

Safety Manager Zach Krawitz and Safety Director Tina Weeks

With the advancement of technology and a strong commitment to safety, JR RAMON Demolition’s Safety Director, Tina Weeks, Safety Manager, Zachary Krawitz, and Warehouse Manager Alex Chapa, have integrated innovative tools to enhance workplace safety. Recently, they introduced artificial intelligence (AI) and QR codes to strengthen their ongoing safety initiatives.

One key initiative is the Stop Work Authority (SWA) program, which is designed to prevent accidents both on projects and in the office. This program empowers any employee to halt work if they identify a potentially hazardous situation. Explaining how technology will support the SWA program, Krawitz shared, “With the implementation of artificial intelligence, we will be able to develop new presentations and create realistic, hypothetical scenarios for our training programs.” By using AI-driven simulations, employees will gain practical experience in handling various situations, allowing them to learn from simulated scenarios without the risk of real-world consequences.

Alongside AI-driven initiatives, Warehouse Manager Alex Chapa proposed the idea of adding QR codes to hard hats, which the safety team embraced and brought to life with the help of Chapa. Each employee’s hard hat is now equipped with a weatherproof QR code that offers instant access to critical information, including emergency contacts, medical history, allergy alerts, and certifications—all aimed at enhancing safety company-wide. Weeks noted, “One of our employees has a severe allergy to Demerol, so having this information readily available for EMS is crucial.” The QR codes also verify employees' certifications, ensuring that only qualified individuals handle specific tasks, thus reducing the risk of incidents caused by unqualified personnel. Moreover, other parties, such as general contractors or property owners, can access this information to promote safety and readiness across all teams.

Krawitz emphasized the importance of making safety a consistent focus, explaining that it’s something they always address in weekly meetings to keep it at the top of everyone’s mind. The safety team plans to develop video content that will be both informative, engaging, and designed to capture employees’ attention. “Our job is to make safety cool and encourage people to be proactive about safety,” Krawitz added.

The Stop Work Authority (SWA) program has already made a significant impact. Driver Andy Sandoval recalls using the SWA on a job site. “As I arrived at the location, I smelled gas, so I notified the crew, initiated the Stop Work Authority, and contacted my supervisor.” Sandoval’s quick response and adherence to SWA protocols enabled the safety team to identify a gas line leak that had contaminated the soil. By activating the SWA, he averted potential harm to the crew and surrounding area.

JR RAMON Demolition hopes these initiatives will inspire the larger construction and demolition industry to prioritize safety innovation, while keeping employees and public safety at the forefront.