Prioritizing the Critical 8 to Keep Teams Safe

Clark developed the Critical 8 framework to reduce risk, safeguard workers, and address the most significant hazards on site

At Clark, safety is more than a priority – it’s a company-wide commitment to ensuring every team member returns home safely at the end of each day. This year, we reinforced that commitment by developing and launching the Critical 8, which identifies and addresses the most significant hazards on jobsites, ensuring every team member is protected and empowered to act. 

With the goal of eliminating serious and catastrophic consequences on our jobsites, Clark started by studying historical data and industry trends. The resulting Critical 8 framework provides a clear and actionable checklist aligned with established safety measures, also known as controls. To work as safely as possible, Clark teams must complete all required actions for each control associated with a Critical 8 element of work. 

For example, if a craft team member is working at heights, it’s flagged as a Critical 8 activity for everyone on site. Safety measures, including tie-offs, signs, overhead protection, netting, and proper material placement, are implemented to prevent anyone below from getting hurt by falling objects. The team can avoid serious injuries by ensuring everyone near or below the work area follows the proper precautions. All teams must understand and coordinate around Critical 8 activities because jobsite hazards can affect everyone, not just specific trades.

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For broad adoption and awareness, we incorporated the Critical 8 into existing safety processes, including: 

• Safe Plan of Action Daily Briefings: These conversations identify which of the day’s tasks fall under the Critical 8 and ensure teams are taking the right actions.
• Trade Contractors Safe Start Meetings: These conversations educate and confirm alignment on expectations from the start.
• Job and Activity Hazard Analyses: The Critical 8 framework, with its well-defined controls and required actions, acts as a checklist to ensure comprehensive evaluations to identify hazards and immediately address critical risks. 
• Safety Observation Reports: During site walks, conversations with foremen and crews focus on Critical 8 hazards and mitigation plans, presenting an opportunity to either stop work or commend team members for implementing proper controls.
• Toolbox Talks: Teams receive training and refreshers on each element and the associated controls. 

By embedding the Critical 8 into our daily routines and safety protocols, we are taking proactive steps to protect everyone on our jobsites. This framework raises awareness of the most significant hazards and empowers our teams to take immediate action to prevent accidents. With a focus on communication, training, and collaboration, the Critical 8 ensures safety remains front and center.