Operating Standards
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM
Health and safety are of the utmost importance to TRG and to each staff member. Because of the nature of the work we do, we may be exposed to a number of physical,
chemical and biological hazards. TRG has developed a health and safety program to monitor the effects of potential exposures, and to minimize the occurrence of exposures.
The major elements of this program are: 1) Medical Surveillance; and 2) Site-specific Health and Safety. This program provides for a safe work environment for our staff.
Key staff members have been assigned roles to ensure implementation of the program. These roles are the Office Health and Safety Manager, designated Project Site Safety
Officers and Project Managers.
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE
The core of Medical Surveillance at TRG is a combination of a pre-assignment physical examination and periodic physical examinations. During the pre-assignment examination,
the medical and occupational history is screened, and a physical examination is conducted to determine fitness to work while wearing protective equipment, and to conduct baseline
monitoring for specific exposures. The periodic examinations are usually conducted on an annual basis and include an update of the medical and occupational history, and a physical
examination to determine work-related exposures. If specific exposures warrant, these periodic examinations will be conducted on a more frequent basis.
SITE-SPECIFIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
During field operations, our staff often work in close proximity to heavy equipment such as drilling rigs and excavators, and much of the time, the potential exists for exposure
to hazardous materials. Ultimately, our staff in the field are responsible for recognizing and reacting to unsafe conditions. To provide our staff with the information necessary
to minimize exposure to work hazards, TRG participates in OSHA-mandated initial 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations training program, and annual 8-hour refresher courses.
In addition, field work at each site is conducted under a site-specific Health and Safety Plan. The Health and Safety Plan is presented to staff and subcontractors at a "tailgate"
meeting prior to the commencement of work. The Health and Safety Plan describes the scope of work and evaluates potential hazards, and includes site control, decontamination and
emergency response provisions. To comply with the Health and Safety Plan, subcontractor personnel must meet OSHA health and safety training requirements.
TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT, TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
TRG has embraced a business operating philosophy known as Total Quality Management (TQM), which we feel is consistent with our corporate mission. At the heart of the TQM concept
are two definitions of quality, which we accept and strive toward. The first is Client/value-based and is defined as a service that meets or exceeds expectations and is performed
at an acceptable price. The second is Operational-based and is defined simply as conformance to requirements.
TRG has dedicated itself to implementing TQM, the elements of which are summarized below:
Auditing of internal and external operations, such as project staff briefings and debriefings.
- Daily reviews of field logs.
- Outside peer review of selected reports.
- Third-party audits of analytical laboratory services.
- Continuing education for staff.
- Empowerment of staff to make informed, critical decisions.
- Documentation of processes such as field procedures so there is a basis to measure conformance.
- Subcontractor resource management.
- Development of a mutual understanding of the company mission among all stakeholders.