Keeping safety at the forefront of everything we do.
At S&ME, our commitment to health, safety, and the environment (HSE) is integral to our operations and central to our culture. As a leading engineering consulting firm, we recognize that our responsibilities extend beyond delivering exceptional services to our clients. We are dedicated to safeguarding the health and safety of our employees and others on site while reducing our environmental footprint.
Health and Safety
We protect our people through rigorous safety protocols, regular training, and continuous improvement of our safety management systems.
Environmental Stewardship
S&ME integrates sustainable practices into our operations by reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing our carbon footprint.
Regulatory Compliance
We adhere to all health, safety, and environmental laws, regulations, and standards.
Continuous Improvement
S&ME leadership reviews policies for effectiveness, while seeking feedback from employees.
Leadership and Accountability
Every employee is expected to uphold our HSE standards and contribute to a safe and sustainable workplace.
All S&ME personnel, regardless of role, participate in the same core safety and driving training.
New Hire Training
New Employee Orientation includes a robust safety component, pairing both online modules with in-person training. Before entering their first jobsite, new personnel complete Struck‑By & Worker‑on‑Foot as well as Defensive & Distracted Driving training.
S&ME hires with specialized jobs receive tailored safety training to perform their duties with both expertise and accident prevention in mind. Areas of hazard include:
- Confined Space
- Excavation
- Fall Protection
- First Aid/CPR
- And more…
Safety, Quality, Thrive Together
To embrace a culture of safety, before every team huddle, Town Hall, or operations meeting, we preface the agenda with examples of being safe, producing quality work, and thriving together as an organization.
By making safety the priority of every internal communication, it becomes second nature out in the field.
Near miss reporting allows us to fix problems while they are still free and before someone gets hurt.
Near Miss Reporting
A near miss is an incident that has the potential to cause harm or damage, but did not. Near miss reporting:
- Captures risk before someone gets hurt: Near misses, unsafe conditions, and unsafe acts are early warning signs. Documenting them helps the organization identify hazards and behaviors that could lead to injuries, property damage, or environmental incidents.
- Reinforces personal accountability and awareness: By asking workers to stop and classify what they observed, the form promotes critical thinking about safety and reinforces everyone’s role in maintaining a safe work environment.
- Encourages continuous improvement: Suggestions about safety give employees a voice in improving processes, equipment, or procedures.
Monthly Safety Meetings
Each office location hosts monthly safety meetings that cover relevant topics from heat stress to bloodborne pathogen training.
Job Hazard Analysis
S&ME has built out 140+ job hazards analyses, including potential hazards and how to protect the employee from ABC sampling to working around scaffolding.
Fleet Vehicle Safety: First Move Forward
Did you know that the average driver operates a vehicle in reverse for only about one mile annually, yet statistics show that 25 – 30% of all accidents occur while vehicles are backing up?
The First Move Forward driving technique emphasizes always moving forward when exiting a parking space. Here’s how it works:
- Pull-Through Parking: When possible, choose a parking space that allows you to pull through and park facing out. This way, you can drive forward when you leave.
- Backing In: If pull-through parking isn’t an option, back into the parking space. As you arrive at your destination, you generally have a clear view of the space and any obstacles around it.
Equipped for Every Job
We outfit every employee with essential personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost, so you’re ready to work safely from day one:
- Hard Hat
- Safety Vest
- Hearing/Hand Protection
- Prescription Safety Eyeglasses
In addition, S&ME employees receive an annual steel-toe boot allowance to help keep jobsite footwear compliant and comfortable.
Our Safety Team
Dave Duke, HSE Director, and his team of dedicated safety professionals support field staff and supervisors with on-site observations, training, incident analysis, and program feedback.
Located across our footprint, our Regional Health, Safety and Environment Coordinators expand access to training and jobsite support. They lead sessions, visit worksites, share regular communications with real-world scenarios, and answer safety questions from S&ME personnel.
“Excellence in health, safety, and environmental stewardship is good business and contributes to our success. Our goal is that every employee arrives home at the end of the day safely. We are committed to leading by example.”
– Dave Duke, HSE Director