Importance of Safety: Drill Pier Construction

Safety is more than a compliance requirement — it's a daily commitment. We recently spoke with Ricky Hayes , Safety Manager at Drill Pier Construction, an EWN client based in Lubbock, Texas, about the safety practices that have made a real difference in their operations.

Two Pillars of Safety at Drill Pier

Hayes describes two key practices that form the foundation of Drill Pier's safety culture:

1. Annual Training

Every year, Drill Pier conducts training sessions covering 13 safety programs , followed by a Q&A session where workers can ask questions and share concerns. This annual training ensures that all personnel are consistently updated on safety requirements and best practices.

2. Daily Toolbox Meetings

Each morning, Drill Pier holds job-site specific toolbox meetings. These meetings focus on the specific hazards and tasks of the day's work. A unique component: operators evaluate the worksite themselves during a walkthrough, then sign off on what they observed. This builds individual accountability and ensures every worker is actively engaged with safety before work begins.

About Drill Pier Construction

Drill Pier Construction has been operating since the early days of the Texas pipeline industry, growing from a single drilling rig to four rigs and bringing more than 80 years of combined experience to every project. Their commitment to safety has been a key factor in their longevity and reputation. Learn more at drillpierconstruction.com.

Hayes puts it simply: the cost of incidents — in human terms and financial terms — is always greater than the cost of prevention. Contact EWN to learn how we support safety programs for operators and contractors alike.