In the world of data centers, safety measures are crucial for ensuring seamless operations and protecting valuable assets. As data centers become more integral to our digital infrastructure, providing physical safety and mental well-being for personnel has never been more critical. With hundreds of personnel on site and ever-decreasing delivery timelines being requested for ever-increasing data center capacity, we cannot sacrifice safety for expediency.
One of EdgeConneX newest data center projects has set a benchmark in the industry by prioritizing comprehensive safety protocols. As an excellent safety use case, let’s take a closer look and hear from our key partners, Burr Computer Environments Inc. (BCEI) and Winthrop Technologies.
Setting the Bar High: The Importance of Safety in Data Centers
Data centers today have grown exponentially in size and complexity. Building data centers demand precision, meticulous planning, and an unwavering focus on quality and safety. Safety is not simply a check-in-the-box but a continuous commitment that should be woven into every construction and daily operations aspect.
“As we expand our data center footprint, EdgeConneX commitment to safety remains paramount. We believe that a strong safety culture directly translates to greater employee productivity and well-being, improved customer satisfaction, and reduced remediation costs.” – Jackson Menke, Director Construction Safety – EdgeConneX
Our dedication to safety translates into robust programs aimed at:
- Prevention: Our facilities have extensive safety policies and procedures to help prevent injury and accidents.
- Minimizing Incidents: We continuously monitor and improve our safety practices to reduce incidents.
- Promoting a Culture of Safety: We train and empower employees at all levels to identify and address potential risks.
- Thinking outside the box: Implementing forward-leaning procedures, processes, and new ways to offer onsite support.
A Benchmark for Safety: EdgeConneX Dublin Data Centers
At the core of the Dublin data center’s safety ethos is the belief that ongoing training and education are essential for sustained safety. Acknowledging that mental health and well-being are among the highest risk factors in the construction industry, the project places immense emphasis on awareness and support initiatives. Through a tailored approach that adapts to seasonal pressures, such as the intense winter months, the project provides continuous learning opportunities and resources to support mental health.
Our Dublin facilities are testaments to safety in action. The facilities feature state-of-the-art Daily Activity Briefing (DAB) areas equipped with cutting-edge DataScope technology for precise monitoring and control over operational parameters. This sophisticated technology enhances operational efficiency 
and maximizes safety by providing real-time data that helps preempt potential hazards. Supervisors regularly meet with construction teams in these dedicated spaces to discuss their activity for the following day. This proactive approach ensures no conflicts, promotes awareness and highlights High-Risk Activities (HRA) for the following day.
In addition, one of the unique features of our Dublin campus is the safety entrance area. Upon arriving, everyone must walk through an area filled with safety displays, setting the tone for a safe and secure work environment and reinforcing safety messages and HR signage at the entrance of the project site. These visual reminders throughout the safety area drive home the importance of visual aspects in modern construction to help overcome communication challenges due to the widespread variance of nationalities and spoken languages. Visual aids, such as mannequins with the correct PPE and tools to tie off when working at heights, serve as a proactive approach to instill a safety-first mindset right from the entry point, ensuring those on-site are reminded of the importance of adhering to safety protocols. The site also includes a break room and food area to provide a rest area and help boost workers’ morale and welfare throughout the day.
“Recognition is key to maintaining a strong safety culture. By acknowledging and rewarding adherence to safety standards, we foster continuous improvement and vigilance among our teams,” continued Menke.
Prioritizing Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian walkways and exclusion zones are meticulously planned and clearly marked at the Dublin site. This careful consideration of pedestrian movement minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures that personnel and equipment operate smoothly within designated areas. By prioritizing these critical aspects, EdgeConneX further demonstrates our unwavering commitment to creating a safe working environment.
Fostering Mental Health and Well-being
EdgeConneX understands that safety goes beyond physical measures; mental health is equally critical, especially in high-risk construction activities, including working at high excavations and confined spaces. These facilities incorporate a new initiative, ‘Take 5’ areas, which provide a quiet space for 
employees to take a breather, decompress, and recharge. Additionally, mental health first aiders ensure that support is readily available for those in need. Leadership also works to remove barriers and provide extra support through Employee Assistance Programs and partnerships with mental health charities.
Inclusive mental health campaigns serve to normalize imperfections and encourage open dialogue. A very well-received new program is the ‘Coffee and Chat‘ sessions with talks by local sports stars and Olympians. Meeting periodically throughout the year, especially during the winter months, EdgeConneX provides a forum for speakers to share their experiences in dealing with high-pressure situations. Public figures’ sharing of personal struggles amplifies the message that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness. All these sessions aim to help support workers and find positive ways to deal with mental health issues.
“We have found many benefits to bringing in sports stars and other successful people who share their struggles and challenges to help normalize difficult experiences and encourage seeking support. We are constantly learning and improving our approach.” – Jason Crowell, Director of Environmental Health & Safety – Burr Computer Environment, Inc. (BCEI)
Moreover, transparency in sustainable practices acts as an inspiration across the industry, showcasing the Dublin data center’s stance on environmental stewardship and its integral role in overall safety.
These initiatives reflect EdgeConneX commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy work environment, recognizing that mental well-being is fundamental to safety, quality work, and productivity. This campus has an outstanding safety record, having once achieved over one million hours worked without a Loss-Time Injury (LTI).
Leadership and Recognition
The safety culture at EdgeConneX is driven from the top down. Monthly senior leadership meetings with all contractors on-site emphasize the importance of safety and encourage open dialogue about potential improvements. This high-level engagement ensures that Safety remains a priority across all levels of the organization.
“Recognition is crucial for maintaining a strong safety culture. Acknowledging and rewarding compliance with safety standards fosters continuous improvement and vigilance among our teams. While working with EdgeConneX on its Dublin campus, we designed the project to emphasize even higher standards than expected. We are very pleased with the safety results among our contractors and employee teams.” – Ivan Conway, EHS Director – Winthrop Technologies
In addition, weekly and monthly recognitions are given to individuals and teams who excel in following safety protocols, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and vigilance.
EdgeConneX data centers exemplify how comprehensive safety measures can seamlessly integrate into data center operations. From advanced technological solutions like DataScope to mental health initiatives and leadership-driven safety cultures, these facilities set a new standard in the industry. By prioritizing safety in every facet of our operations, we can protect our workforce and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of critical digital infrastructure.