Effective training is an integral part of our ability to achieve a “Zero Accident Culture” in our workplaces. Training and education will always be an ongoing process for employees at all levels. The Blalock Training Academy was developed to provide training and education to employees in an effort to maintain a skilled workforce committed to safety and believing that all accidents are preventable. Training is administered by internal trainers as well as external trainers, consultants, government agencies, and other industry experts.
The Blalock Training Academy consists of the following courses, descriptions, frequency of training and attendees:
Annual Training Requirements
1. Annual Refresher Training (ART) for each work division
Safety, environmental, and skill training tailored to each work area
2. Light Fleet Training
3. Hazmat Training (DOT Requirements)
4. Substance Abuse
5. Respiratory Training
6. Basic Traffic Control
7. Cranes (Site, Setup, Rigging, Lift Requirements)
8. MSHA Part 46 Training
2 Year Training Requirements
9. First Aid / CPR / Bloodborne Pathogens
10. Excavation / Trench - Competent Person Training
11. Confined Space - Competent Person Training
12. Fall Protection - Competent Person Training
3 Year Training Requirements
13. Forklifts / Aerial Lifts / Front Loaders
14. Heavy Equipment Safety
15. Erosion Sediment Control (Level 1) (3 Year Certification)
4 Year Training Requirements
16. OSHA 10 HR
17. Worksite Supervisor Traffic Control (4 Year Certification)
Specialty Training Requirements
18. Hazwoper (Project Specific Requirements)
19. National Commission on Certified Crane Operator (NCCCO)
20. Explosive & Blasting Safety (4 Year License Renewal Requirements)
21. ACI Level 1 Concrete Field Technician
Training Electives
The following courses are electives that may be scheduled as recommended by the Blalock Safety Department. Recommendations will be made based the company’s safety performance observed during site inspections, incident trends and claim cost.
22. Focus 4 Hazards
23. Strain & Sprain Injury Prevention
24. Accident Investigations
25. Emergency Action Plans & Crisis Management
26. Claim Prevention Management
Mark III Driving Simulator
As part of the Blalock Training Academy classes, all Blalock Companies drivers receive advanced training in our Mark III driving simulator. The simulator, designed by L3 Communications, is motion based and combines a fully functional truck cab with digital technology much like a flight simulator. The digital displays provide a 180-degree field of vision as well as monitors to simulator side mirrors.
Drivers participate in several different training series in the simulator that focus on good decision making and mental aspects of driving. The simulator operator can also challenge the driver by controlling obstacles in the environment, such as pedestrians and other vehicles, or by changing the weather conditions. The operator can even simulate mechanical issues to challenge the driver’s ability to adapt in an emergency. The risk-free, virtual environment of the simulator allows Blalock drivers to perfect their skills before they are challenged on the road, reducing the risk of accidents and injury.
