I’ve spent the last 38 years supporting the planning and construction of biopharma projects of all sizes in the U.S., Singapore, Puerto Rico, Ireland, and Europe, and the importance placed on safety on all of these projects has and continues to be the highest priority for clients in this market sector. Since joining JE Dunn, I’ve seen firsthand that safety is a priority for everyone on all our company’s projects, regardless of title or years of experience. However, the complexity of adhering to FDA and cGMP regulations and requirements, and maintaining the trust of the practitioners and patients who our clients serve, create significant safety considerations that are unique to life sciences construction projects.

As we look to progress the vital work happening in life sciences manufacturing, JE Dunn stands out as an authentic partner that implements robust safety training and planning to ensure that our teams, our clients, our partners, and all our site trade workers can focus on what matters most: protecting and saving lives.

Zeroing in on safety

Having zero recordable injuries on a construction project is achievable, and JE Dunn is growing its portfolio in life sciences construction to prove it. Results from recently completed work on our Project Galaxy Biomanufacturing Campus program show that zero accidents, injuries, and lost time on a complex life science project is achievable. On Project Galaxy, our exemplary project safety record has achieved the following:

• 6 million labor hours over two years
• $300 million project scope
• 0 injuries
• 0 lost time
• 100% safe work days

At JE Dunn, we plan for safety outcomes like this to become not just the goal but also the model for success. Building biopharma and life sciences facilities, however, presents its own set of distinct challenges in addition to the safety considerations our teams plan for during project execution. Safe cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) facilities such as Project Galaxy must follow strict regulatory standards and often factor in complex systems for air filtration, plumbing, sterilization, process equipment, clean rooms, congested interstitial utility spaces, and more. Teams that work in alignment are better equipped to handle obstacles, from minimizing disruptions to keeping up with the fast-moving technological changes.

With over 100 years of experience working with complex authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ), understanding cGMP culture, and serving a diverse range of clients, JE Dunn draws on our expertise to define and align expectations — especially those for safety — for every project we undertake.

The journey to achieving this kind of success on every project will look different, but by focusing on planning, prevention, and putting people first, the mindset and outcomes for safety excellence will follow.

Planning

Safety on biopharma capital projects is non-negotiable. From the outset of each project, JE Dunn collaborates closely with the client and trade partners to review safety guidelines and customize a safety plan that meets that project’s unique demands. These high-stakes projects warrant robust safety programs that ensure every aspect of construction is executed with the utmost care.

Prevention

Our companywide safety program, exemplified by the Project Galaxy plan, focuses on proactive, leading indicator practices rather than reacting after incidents. This forward-looking approach helps address potential hazards before they lead to injury and ensures swift corrective actions. And focusing on the awareness, training, coaching, mentoring, and rewarding of our trade partners and their craft workers is paramount to each project’s safety program success.

JE Dunn leadership’s commitment to safety and proactive planning was on full display throughout Project Galaxy and funneled down to every level. Project leadership held regular training and safety meetings to ensure that everyone from senior management to superintendents to trade craft understood the unique safety plan designed for the project and were encouraged to make safe decisions daily. Visual aids and signage were posted throughout the site, reminding staff of safety best practices and potentially hazardous areas.  Continuous and current safety communications were provided on a daily basis to help keep all project participants informed.

Putting people first

Teams can only reap the full benefits of a proactive safety plan if every person at every stage is committed to successful implementation. On Project Galaxy, JE Dunn hired trade subcontractors that already upheld strong safety programs and records. During peak periods of construction over 300 craft workers participated in daily safety observations through Safety Observation Reports (SOR) to foster a culture of accountability and prevention. And teams celebrated project milestones throughout the two years of work to share in their success and motivate one another to stay the course toward excellence. This level of education and reinforcement for everyone on-site ensured a consistent, committed approach to zero-accidents and an injury-free jobsite for Project Galaxy. As we continue this approach on future projects it will help us to continue building a more safety-conscious construction workforce to lead the future.

Creating a safety mindset and culture

By setting the bar at zero, we are protecting the well-being of our team and enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional value. Achieving zero safety incidents directly contributes to maintaining schedules, preventing costly delays, lowering insurance rates, ensuring a smooth flow of operations, and most importantly, protecting lives. And when everyone is looking out for safe working conditions, we can avoid these impacts that can be detrimental to workers, their families, and our client project sites.

Ultimately, aiming for zero safety incidents and injuries is the right thing to do. It demonstrates JE Dunn’s resolute responsibility to our people, our processes, and our clients’ success. That’s why we do it. If this safety mindset and our expertise sound like a fit for your next project in biopharma, life sciences, or other industries, please fill out our contact form.