Safety is more than just a protocol at Buist—it’s a way of life. Recognized as a finalist in the electrical trade category for the 2025 Safety Award of Excellence, Buist stands out for its innovative approaches, employee-driven initiatives, and strong dedication to protecting its workforce. This nomination highlights how the company is all about safety, teamwork, and building a culture where everyone plays a part in creating a healthy, supportive workplace.
Leading the Way With Innovative Safety Programs
Buist has taken safety measures to the next level, introducing forward-thinking initiatives that prioritize the well-being of its employees. Among these advancements is the development of their interactive safety catalog, which operates like a traditional tool catalog. This resource allows team members to browse, search, and order safety equipment tailored to their roles, ensuring that everyone has access to the gear they need to work securely and effectively.
Another standout program is the integration of HealthBar medical staff support both at Buist’s headquarters and on job sites. By providing on-demand healthcare services for employees and their families, Buist has demonstrated a deep commitment to holistic safety and wellness. This not only improves care for workers right away but also encourages other trade partners to adopt similar practices, helping to spread safety across the industry.
Upgrading equipment is just one way Buist shows its commitment to safety. The company has introduced type 2 hard hats and new cut-rated gloves for added protection, alongside issuing podium-style ladders to promote safer alternatives to traditional ladders. These tailored measures demonstrate Buist’s focus on providing high-quality tools that match the specific needs of its workforce.
An Employee-Driven Safety Culture
Safety is not just a top-down initiative at Buist. It’s grassroots and employee-driven. Their Good Catch/Near Miss Program encourages team members to proactively identify potential hazards, fostering a culture of shared responsibility. Daily Job Safety Assessments (JSAs) ensure safety remains the priority, integrating best practices into routine operations.
What makes Buist truly unique is its commitment to promoting from within. With many safety leaders having firsthand experience in the field, the company ensures its programs are designed and implemented by those who understand the day-to-day realities of electrical trade work. This approach strengthens trust and engages employees in meaningful ways, making safety a collective effort.
Staying Ahead on Focus Four Hazards
Not content with simply meeting safety standards, Buist excels by addressing the Focus Four Hazards head-on through comprehensive training and rigorous protective measures.
- Electrocution Prevention: Buist requires NFPA 70E training for all field engineers, project managers, and low-voltage staff to ensure safety and hazard awareness. Employees also receive personal arc flash gear for immediate protection.
- Fall Protection: Falls are the top cause of construction injuries, and Buist tackles this with key safety measures: a “guardrails first” policy, scissor lifts for every two workers, personal harnesses, podium ladders for stability, and mandatory rescue plans for elevated work.
- Addressing Struck-By and Caught-Between Hazards: From the very beginning, employees are provided with personalized photo tags as part of the company’s strict Lockout Tagout (LOTO) protocols to prevent electrical accidents. Daily pre-task plans, two-way radios for efficient communication, and high-visibility clothing, including flame-resistant options, are all available through Buist’s safety store.
A Focus on Collaboration and Community
Buist is dedicated to safety not just for its employees, but for the entire industry. The company works with organizations to improve safety standards across the board. Through MIOSHA partnerships, Buist adopts best practices, while its involvement with ASAM safety committees helps organize job site educational walks that support both workers and subcontractors.
Buist doesn’t stop there. They host educational workshops, offer insights during insurance loss control webinars, and even present on electrical safety topics to schools and community groups. By sharing their expertise, they elevate safety standards within their organization and contribute to a safer, better-informed community.
Leadership Driving Excellence
Buist’s strong safety culture is driven by its dedicated leadership team, whose focus on continuous improvement sets the standard for everyone. They are backed by talented project managers, foremen, and skilled technicians who are equally committed and passionate.
This dynamic team approach underscores Buist’s belief in collective ownership of safety. As an employee-owned company, every team member is motivated to contribute to the greater good of the workforce, solidifying a foundation of care and accountability.
A Model for Safety Excellence
Buist’s recognition as a finalist for the Safety Award of Excellence reflects their dedication to placing safety at the heart of every operation. Through innovative programs like the safety catalog and HealthBar, proactive hazard management, and grassroots employee involvement, they have built a workplace committed to protecting its most valuable asset—its people.
