On #28April we celebrate World Day for Safety and Health at Work and at OHLA we want to share some of the initiatives that certify our commitment in this area.

Our success cases

Tell me a Story

The company launched in Colombia the first edition of the contest “Tell me a story”, dedicated to the sons and daughters of employees between 7 to 12 years old.

Participants wrote stories inspired by the work their parents carry out in the  different projects of OHLA in Colombia, and how workplace, safety and health are present in their day-to-day lives.

This campaign, additionally promoted family bonding and fostered reading and writing habits among the children of our employees.

20 families from OHLA participated in total, and the winning stories were from children of workers from the Consorcio Vía al Oriente project. OHLA is a company that builds as a family, where every day we walk hand to hand with caring actions.

Elsan, our subsidiary specialized in the manufacturing and on-site application of hot bituminous mixtures, comprehensive infrastructure maintenance, and in the design, construction, and maintenance of service stations, has implemented bracelets among its employees exposed to high temperatures for heat stroke or hyperthermia control (increase in body temperature).

  • The heat stroke control bracelet allows…
    Real-time assessment of thermal risk.
  • Thermal risk detected: acoustic alarm, visual, and vibration.
  • Hydration and shaded area, even without symptoms.
  • Resumption of physical activity once the green LED starts blinking again. Under no circumstances should activity be resumed if there has not been a total recovery.

Implantation of bracelets to control heat stroke

Our colleagues from Chile have launched an awareness campaign for the team involved in the construction of Santiago Metro Line 7. The campaign focuses on actions that can lead to accidents during their work and emphasizes the preventive measures that should be implemented.

#MoveSafelyOnWork

Hike for Hope

The construction sector in the United States is one of the most affected by suicide rates. That’s why OHLA has joined an initiative aimed at all employees, with the goal of raising awareness about mental health and collecting assistance to prevent suicide deaths.

OHLA USA has contributed both corporate and individual donations and has actively participated in the main event of the ‘Hike for Hope’ campaign: a family hike to Bear Mountain in Rockland County, New York.

Nearly 300 people have registered for this event, including members of the Safety Team Northeast and several volunteer employees.

 

Installation of sloped wooden roofs

The sloping formwork panels used for the roofs in the renovation project of the Barcelona Sailing Club posed a challenge from a preventive perspective. This was due to the wooden structure, which made it impossible to anchor the required collective protections.

Thanks to the collaboration between OHLA’s production team, the Occupational Risk Prevention (PRL) team, and the subcontractor company Yofra, the initial difficulties were overcome through the following process:

  • Structural Analysis
  • Planning
  • Execution

It’s commendable how teamwork and problem-solving led to successful outcomes in this construction project! 

The main challenge revolved around the execution of the sloping formwork panels for the roof. The use of lower horizontal safety nets was impossible due to the need to fasten the formwork panels from below, using elevated platforms. As a solution, a system of anchored lifelines was employed, connected to sturdy points on the structure. Additionally, perimeter protection was provided using tubular scaffolding in areas where the facade work was ongoing, while vertical safety nets were used in sections where the work had already been completed.

We have distributed ten semi-automatic defibrillator (DESA) units in photovoltaic projects located in different areas of Spain, along with specific training on their use in case of emergencies. 

In addition to this initiative, there are formal training sessions for non-medical personnel, informative newsletters, and on-site practices directed at emergency teams. 

The distribution of new DESA units and their corresponding training is planned for upcoming photovoltaic projects.

Distribution of ten semi-automatic defibrillators (DESA) in photovoltaic plants

Safe Work Systems for the implementation of new technologies

The osmosis pole: prioritizes worker safety and health by avoiding the use of elevated platforms and reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals

Autonomous robots: The implementation of this technology in large-scale locations such as shopping centers, train stations, and airports is transforming the job landscape by reducing monotonous and repetitive tasks that can lead to workplace accidents. Additionally, their use helps prevent injuries related to physical strain, such as musculoskeletal disorders