Our Commitment to Safe Equipment

At AARDE Underground, we believe that the right equipment isn't just about getting the job done- it's about getting it done safely. That's why we've made significant investments in top-notch safety gear and equipment. We're not just talking about basic PPE. We're talking about custom-fitted gear, state-of-the-art machinery, and even on-site fitness equipment to keep our team in top shape.

It's about making sure our team is comfortable and protected all day long.

Personal Protective Equipment

We provide all necessary PPE to our team, including:

  • Hard hats
  • Steel-toed boots (through a generous boot allowance)
  • High-visibility vests
  • Eye protection
  • Custom Ear protection
  • Gloves
  • Respirators
  • Coveralls
  • And more

Worksite Controls

Safety doesn't stop with personal gear. We've invested in comprehensive worksite control equipment:

  • Barriers
  • Signage
  • Lighting
  • Lockout/tagout systems
  • Emergency stop buttons
  • First aid kits
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Spill kits
  • Traffic control devices
  • And more

Safe Work for All

Though our money is made on location, it takes an incredible amount of work and effort to maintain the equipment- which brings risk to our mechanics.

That's why we've invested in our shop, to provide a safe environment for our mechanics to keep our equipment on the road.

From hoists to lift our hydrovacs to the safety tape on the ground, we ensure our mechanics worksite is just as safe as our on-location work.

High Value Safety

We've made significant investments in specialized equipment that not only improves efficiency but also enhances safety:

  • Walk-behind saws: reduce strain and improve precision
  • Stone slingers: minimize manual handling and related injuries
  • Hydrovacs: reduce the risk of underground utility strikes
  • Excavators: reduce manual digging and related injuries
  • Directional drills: reduce trenching and related hazards

This equipment isn't just about getting the job done faster - it's about getting it done safer.

Beyond the Worksite

We understand that safety and health go hand in hand. That's why we've invested in on-site gym equipment. It's not just a perk - it's a commitment to our team's overall well-being. After all, a fit team is a safe team.

Continuous Improvement

Our investment in safety equipment doesn't stop. We're always on the lookout for new technologies and gear that can make our worksites even safer. Got an idea for improving safety? We're all ears!

Employees sitting at a desk discussing a plan with notes in front of them.

Making Sure We Are Safe

Safety is not a destination, but a journey of continuous improvement. We're always looking for ways to enhance our safety practices:

  • Regular safety meetings and informal conversations
  • Employee feedback and suggestions
  • Incident investigations and root cause analysis

Check out more about how we monitor our safety record by clicking below.

A team working in a community with a number of safety barricades and signs.

Safety Beyond Our Team

Our commitment to safety extends beyond our immediate team to encompass:

  • Our clients and their property
  • Our suppliers and partners
  • Our community and the environment

We believe that every worker deserves to earn a livable wage and return home to their families each day in the same condition - or better - than when they left for work.

Click below to see information about the practices and processes we follow each day.

A crowd of employees participating in a safety training meeting.

Comprehensive Training

We provide extensive safety training to ensure all employees have the skills and knowledge to work safely and confidently. Whether in-house, or provided by a 3rd party, our training programs cover:

  • WHMIS
  • First Aid
  • Confined Space Entry
  • Bucket truck operation
  • Fall Protection
  • H2S
  • Asbestos Management
  • Ground Disturbance
  • Tree Care Protection
  • Cable Puller
  • Concrete Saw
  • Full Class 1 licensing

Click below to learn more about the training that empowers our employees on every jobsite.

An image showing a safety manager working with employees on a worksite.

Incident Response

We address safety incidents promptly, discussing them with affected individuals on the day they occur. This has created an environment with a safety-first focus, thanks in large part to the buy in of our team members.

In the past year, we've had zero lost-time incidents, and our quick response to minor issues has prevented any escalation to major incidents.