At O’Hara’s Son Roofing (OSR) safety is always our top priority, and we’re proud to highlight Didier A. Calderon, who has served as a Traveling Superintendent with OSR since February 10, 2020. With a strong focus on quality and safety, Didier plays a key role in keeping projects on track and crews protected. Always on the move, he brings leadership, dedication, and a commitment to excellence to every job site

1. What is the weirdest thing you have found on a roof?

I was working on a roof in El Paso, Texas, and we found a raccoon and a fox up there. How they got there—we couldn’t figure it out. There weren’t any trees around the store at all.
You’d be surprised at the weird stuff you can find on roofs. I’ve seen snakes, raccoons, foxes, brand-new shoes… but the weirdest one was definitely a bulletproof vest.

2. If you could invent a new safety gadget or tool, what would it be?

Well, what can I say—nowadays it feels like everything’s already been invented. We’ve got safety lanes, safety fences, harnesses… I still remember when we used to just tie a big rope around our hips when we didn’t have enough harnesses. Things have come a long way!

3. What’s your favorite safety slogan or motto?

My favorite safety slogan is: “Let’s go home the same way we came.”
It doesn’t matter how much you’re getting paid—by the hour or by the day—your back, your knees, or any serious injury isn’t worth it. Some things can’t be fixed with money. Always think twice before doing something unsafe.

4. Have you ever had a “safety superhero” moment where you swooped in to prevent an accident?

As a matter of fact, yes. Back in 2017, we were working on a roof in Louisiana. One of our buddies slipped and almost fell through an open curb because someone had forgotten to secure the plywood with screws. Luckily, two of my friends and I were close by and managed to catch him just in time before he went through the curb.

5. What’s your go-to method for reminding forgetful colleagues about safety procedures without being too serious?

I like to say: “Please take safety rules seriously. If you don’t take care of yourself, nobody will—and don’t forget, you’ve got family waiting for you.”

Jobs aren’t going anywhere. We are.

6. What’s the most memorable safety lesson you’ve learned from your own experience?

I’ve learned the hard way—I’ve already fallen from a roof, and thank God I’m still alive. That experience, and many others I’ve seen over the years, have taught me how serious safety really is. I always share what I’ve learned with the crew.

Please, watch your step. Know your surroundings. Know where the first aid kit is, and always keep a fire extinguisher within 30 to 50 feet. And if you see someone doing something unsafe, step in and help prevent an accident.

For this episode of OSR Safety Spotlight we checked in with Sam Caniglia. Since he started with O’Hara’s Son Roofing (OSR) several years ago, he has been actively involved in weekly safety meetings and toolbox talks.

1. What’s the most unusual safety hazard you’ve ever encountered?

One of our maintenance customers, with about 500,000 sq ft of roof area, has several seagull nests. I’ve also seen a Peregrine Falcon nest on a high-rise in Chicago. To stay safe, we schedule maintenance visits after breeding season and when the babies have left the nests, avoiding dive-bombing by the parents. Additionally, both bird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, so their safety is also a priority for us.

2. If you could invent a new safety gadget or tool, what would it be?

A sky hook…I remember being asked to go find one a long time ago when I was a Boy scout.  If I was to design one, it would be strong enough to hold the 5000 lbs OSHA recommends.

3. What’s your favorite safety slogan or motto?

I have been telling our men weekly and it is also printed out on my weekly sheet that I share with all…

“As far as OSHA is concerned, there is no safe distance from the edge of a roof, so you must be protected.  Always go beyond what is recommended by OSHA”.  Also I tell everyone as we depart, “ We (OSR) want to send you all home in the same condition you came, with all your arms, legs, fingers and toes”.

4. Have you ever had a “safety superhero” moment where you swooped in to prevent an accident?

I prevented a fire by conducting a thorough fire watch and using an infrared gun on the flashings of a modified roof installed earlier. Most flashings had cooled to under 100 degrees, but one area was at 158 degrees. I cut open the flashing and discovered it was burning. The fire extinguisher on the roof and a call to 911 helped contain the fire. Thankfully, there was no major damage to the building!

5. What’s your go-to method for reminding forgetful colleagues about safety procedures without being too serious?

The use of “What’s Wrong with This Picture?” during our toolbox talks, some can be quite entertaining.

6. What’s the most memorable safety lesson you’ve learned from your own experience?

1) Fire Extinguishers on the roof!

2) Slow down and think through your next duty or assignment before you move forward to complete it.

7. If you could make safety training as entertaining as a Netflix series, what would the pilot episode be about?

“The Life and Times of ‘Safety Monitor Sam’, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”

8. In a zombie apocalypse, how would you ensure workplace safety while defending against the undead?

Deflector shields, phaser guns or as a last resort…Beam us up Scotty!

Jermaine is from Houston, Texas, brings 15 years of experience and enjoys traveling and fishing with family and friends.

1.    What’s your favorite safety slogan or motto?

Safety is our number one priority!

2.    Have you ever had a “safety superhero” moment where you swooped in to prevent an accident?

A moment that comes to mind is when I stopped a crew from lifting a large piece of equipment that was well over the limits of the equipment to be used during the operation. It is so important to know the capabilities of the equipment that you are using to perform your tasks.

3.    Do you have any quirky habits or rituals related to safety practices?

Making sure employees have all their PPE… I constantly check the crew to make sure that they have everything that they need for the job!

4.    If you were a safety mascot, what would your costume look like?

Telling my age, growing up we had a cartoon character Captain Planet…LOL…Captain Planet for Roofing….

5.    What’s your go-to method for reminding forgetful colleagues about safety procedures without being too serious?

Day by day we get better and better…

Let everyone know that they are important in our safety program and culture, and we can get better together!

Lance grew up in Gurnee, Illinois, and now calls Annawan, a small farming village with only 900 residents, home. When he’s not ensuring the safety of a crew on the job, you can find him working on vehicles or taking on home improvement projects—his passion for hands-on work runs deep!

Lance is also a proud father of 10 kids and grandfather of 10 grandkids. It’s safe to say he knows the importance of keeping everyone safe, both on the job and at home.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’ve been in the roofing industry for 32 years and have been working with OSR since 2014. I was also the first Travel Manager, with my first assignment being a Walmart project in Omaha, NE.

2. What’s the most unusual safety hazard you’ve ever encountered?

I went to help my son change a flat tire in a McDonald’s parking lot. While there, I noticed an elderly man acting disoriented. He got into his truck and began smashing into parked vehicles. I ran up to his truck, reached through the window, put the truck into park, shut off the engine, and took the keys. I asked the gentleman if he had diabetes, and he nodded ‘yes.’ Witnesses had already called 911, and the police and paramedics arrived shortly after. I communicated the man’s condition to them. Thankfully, no one was injured.

3. If you could invent a new safety gadget or tool, what would it be?

An airbag that encapsulates a person in the event of a fall, eliminating the leading causes of serious injury or death.

4. What’s your favorite safety slogan or motto?

“Live safe or die.”

5. Do you have any quirky habits or rituals related to safety practices?

I’m always identifying potential hazards wherever I go. It’s just part of who I am.

6. If you were a safety mascot, what would your costume look like?

A gargoyle wearing all the proper PPE.

7. What’s your go-to method for reminding forgetful colleagues about safety procedures without being too serious?

I’d say, “What kind of wheels do you want on your wheelchair?”

Moise LaFleur’s qualifications include: 9+ years experience, Bachelor’s of Science-Construction Safety and Health, Minor-Environmental Management, Associate of Applied Science-Fire and Emergency Services, Minor-Environmental and Safety Technology, Construction Safety Health Professional

OSHA 501, EM385-40hr, OSHA 30-Construction, OSHA 10-Construction

1. What’s the most unusual safety hazard you’ve ever encountered?

A cable clamp safety hazard. With a previous company, a team member lost the tip of his finger when a freezer door was slamming downward. He went to grab the door to keep this from occurring and somehow his index finger got caught between the two screws of a steel cable clamp!

2. What’s your favorite safety slogan or motto?

Think safety…Be safe 24/7.

3. Have you ever had a “safety superhero” moment where you swooped in to prevent an accident?

None that I can think of. I run a tight ship.

4. Do you have any quirky habits or rituals related to safety practices?

Yes! It doesn’t matter where I am, I am always checking fire extinguishers. If I see one then I just have to check it.

5. If you were a safety mascot, what would your costume look like?

I would have a bird of prey costume (eagle, falcon, etc.). They see the little things that are often missed.

6. What’s your go-to method for reminding forgetful colleagues about safety procedures without being too serious?

Building a connection between an unsafe habit/act to possible consequences. Making it meaningful.

Santiago has dedicated his career to safety. Thirteen years ago, he began overseeing production processes at a furniture factory in Ecuador, where he witnessed the critical importance of accident prevention firsthand. Motivated by this, he pursued a master’s degree in Operations and Occupational Safety, delving deeper into international certifications. Eventually, he moved to the United States, where he now resides with his family—a devoted husband and father of two. Santiago firmly believes in the power of effective communication to engage workers. Outside of work, he finds solace in music, literature, and nature. Known for his sociable and friendly demeanor, Santiago boasts a wealth of experience across diverse economic sectors, committed to averting accidents and occupational illnesses.

1.  What is the most unusual safety hazard you have encountered?

Within the construction industry, numerous risk factors can signal potential workplace accidents. One unusual risk, based on my personal experience, is heat exhaustion. As humans, we frequently place trust in ourselves without acknowledging that nature can occasionally induce significant fatigue among workers.

2.  If you could invent a new security device or tool, what would it be?

Communication plays a crucial role in safety, and possessing strong leadership undoubtedly serves as an effective tool for fostering a safe and successful team. If I were to develop a technological tool or device, it would enable me to gauge the staff’s behaviour toward safety protocols. As human beings, our emotions and attitudes often fluctuate, making it essential to understand the team’s emotional state.

3.  What’s your favorite safety slogan or slogan?

That’s an excellent question. Throughout my years of experience, my favorite slogan has always been “safety first”; I firmly believe that without safety, everything else is jeopardized. Companies have undergone significant transformations, recognizing that the well-being of the worker is paramount. Without safety and health, productivity suffers. Our company, OSR, is a pioneer in prioritizing and safeguarding its workers, and I’m delighted to talk more about it!

4.  Have you ever had a “safety superhero” moment where you stepped in to prevent an accident?

Every day, I acknowledge the significance of observing events as a safety professional. Based on my personal experience, there are incidents that require immediate correction to prevent them from escalating into accidents. In construction, using tools and working at heights pose inherent risks. Even lifting loads onto roofs carries its own dangers. Often, workers may not fully grasp the hazards they face. However, as an accident prevention professional, I promptly intervene to rectify such situations before any mishaps occur. I engage with the worker to ensure they understand the risks and prevent them from recurring.

5.  Do you have any peculiar habits or rituals related to safety practices?

Before beginning work, I always place my trust in God; spirituality holds great importance in my life. My family is my utmost priority, and I firmly believe in seeking blessings for health and protection from a higher power.

6.  If you were a safety mascot, what would your costume look like?

I’d choose a rhinoceros mascot for its toughness, strength, and tenacity. I’ve always admired this animal because, like a rhinoceros, my life has had its share of ups and downs, yet I’ve persisted in pursuing my goals. I believe in giving my all, and through hard work and discipline, much can be accomplished in life. This, I believe, is the best example I can pass on to my children.

7.  What is your preferred method for reminding your forgetful colleagues of safety procedures without being too serious?

Effective communication is key, along with strong leadership and a team that trusts me to identify and address potential dangers. As part of significant OSR projects, I always strive to ensure things run smoothly, often assisting or coaching staff to enhance their efficiency. A safety professional must understand staff behavior and prioritize prevention over regret. This underscores the importance of maintaining direct and effective communication with both workers and project leaders, reflecting my ongoing dedication to OSR.