You get a Safety Day our team won’t forget.
Each year, Comer Construction sets aside time for Safety Days—dedicated training sessions focused on strengthening the knowledge, awareness, and culture that keep our teams safe on the job. This year’s program brought together a powerful mix of classroom instruction, real-world demonstrations, and honest conversations about the challenges people face both on and off the jobsite.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
Defensive Driving Training
Our team completed a four-hour Defensive Driving Course led by Dan Kellum and Jeremy Smalley of the National Safety Council through the Chesapeake Region Safety Council.
The training focused on awareness, attitude, hazard recognition, distracted driving, and collision prevention. Using real-life scenarios and interactive instruction, participants worked through situations that drivers commonly encounter both on the road and when operating vehicles for work.
For a company with crews traveling between projects across the region, strong driving habits are an important part of keeping employees and the public safe.
Company Updates and Safety Resources
Tim Kaptein, Dorothy Kuzora, and Keith Kuzora (VP and Corporate Secretary) provided updates on several company initiatives designed to improve communication and access to resources.
Topics included:
- The company QR code and instant access to safety resources
- The new Comer Construction Company Store
- The Safety Solutions Team
- Samsara camera systems
- Hiring incentives
- An open Q&A session with employees
The discussion highlighted how transparency, technology, and teamwork all contribute to safer worksites.
Mental Health and Addiction Awareness
One of the most powerful moments of the day came from Sandra “Sandi” Gallion of the Harford County Government Office of Drug Control Policy.
Gallion shared a deeply personal story about mental health, addiction, and loss. Her message resonated strongly with the team and served as an important reminder that safety extends beyond physical hazards.
The construction industry continues to face significant mental health challenges, and conversations like this help break down stigma and encourage people to seek help when they need it.
No one fights alone, and speaking up can be the first step toward healing.
Underground Gas Safety Demonstration
Senior Training Specialists Spencer Coogle and Pat Armetta from Baltimore Gas and Electric delivered one of the most memorable demonstrations of the day.
Using a live gas box demonstration, they showed how quickly natural gas can accumulate and ignite if a leak goes unnoticed. The controlled explosion simulation demonstrated just how dangerous underground gas hazards can be.
The lesson was simple and clear:
Always call 811 before digging, respect gas lines, and take every potential leak seriously.
BGE training specialists demonstrated how quickly natural gas can accumulate and ignite during this live gas box explosion simulation.
DOT and FMCSA Regulations
Master Trooper Jessica Miranda and the team from the Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) at the Conowingo Scale House provided an overview of DOT and FMCSA regulations and how they apply to Comer Construction’s fleet operations.
Their presentation covered key compliance requirements and helped reinforce the importance of proper procedures when operating commercial vehicles.
Building a Stronger Safety Culture
Safety Days are more than a training requirement. They are an opportunity to bring the team together, reinforce shared values, and continue building a culture where safety is part of every decision.
At Comer Construction, safety isn’t just something we talk about once a year. It’s built into the way we plan projects, operate equipment, support our team, and protect the communities where we work.
Events like Safety Days help ensure that commitment stays strong.