August 5, 2025
Heads Up!
How Our Team Stays Safe Through Situational Awareness & PPE
In the world of mechanical contracting, every jobsite is full of moving parts—literally and figuratively. Between heavy equipment, active work zones, and tight timelines, conditions can shift in an instant. That’s why, at Archer, safety isn’t just a box we check—it’s something our team lives and breathes.
As we take part in OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week, we’re highlighting one of the powerful safety tools in our toolbox: situational awareness and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Together, these two practices form the front line of defense in keeping our crews safe.
Staying Aware, Staying Ahead
Situational awareness means staying alert, tuned in, and ready to act. It’s the practice of constantly observing your environment, anticipating potential hazards, and making wise, proactive choices. Our team is always asking:
- “What’s happening around me right now?”
- “Who’s moving equipment near me?”
- “Is there a trip hazard, an overhead load, or a blind spot I need to be aware of?”
- “Do I have the right PPE for the task ahead?”
These quick check-ins help prevent incidents before they occur—and they’re a key part of our everyday rhythm, whether on a jobsite, in the fab shop, or during service calls.
PPE: The Gear That Gets Us Home Safe
Situational awareness is only as effective as the actions that follow it, and that includes wearing the right gear for the job. PPE isn’t just a requirement—it’s a lifeline.
Our team is trained and equipped to use the appropriate PPE at all times, including:
- Hard hats for head protection in active construction zones
- Safety glasses and face shields to guard against debris and sparks
- High-visibility vests and clothing to stay seen around the equipment
- Gloves to protect hands from sharp edges, hot surfaces, or chemicals
- Steel-toed boots for foot protection in high-risk environments
- Hearing protection in high-noise zones
Wearing PPE isn’t optional—it’s an essential part of how we show up for each other. It’s a signal that says, “I’ve got your back, and I know you’ve got mine.”
Safety Is Built Into Our Culture
Safe + Sound Week gives us a moment to reflect, but our commitment to safety never pauses. We’ve built a culture where situational awareness and PPE are daily habits, not emergency responses. We don’t just react to danger—we actively work to stay ahead of it.
Every team member is empowered to speak up, stop work, or raise a flag if something doesn’t look or feel right. That’s not just encouraged—it’s expected.
A Team That Leads With Safety
From the field to the office, our people understand that safety is not a goal—it’s a shared responsibility. We’re proud of the way our crews lead by example, staying situationally aware, properly outfitted, and fully engaged.
