As part of the 2025 Safety Production Month initiative, the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project in Jamaica organized a practical emergency drill on June 24, simulating a “vehicle injury accident” scenario. The exercise aimed to enhance emergency preparedness and strengthen on-site response capabilities for traffic-related incidents during active construction.
The drill was conducted along TRANCHE Section 3, a 34.32-kilometer stretch of roadway currently under construction while partially open to public traffic. Given the section’s high traffic volume and the complexities of managing safety in such conditions, the simulation was designed to reflect realistic risks associated with the project.
More than 40 individuals—including personnel from the project management department, subcontractors, and local police—participated in the exercise. The drill followed a structured sequence of six key stages: background briefing, incident occurrence, emergency reporting, plan activation, rescue response, and final review.
Four dedicated emergency teams were mobilized on site:
• Emergency Rescue Team
• Alert and Defense Team
• Medical Response Team
• Logistics Support Team
The simulated incident involved a private vehicle disregarding warning signs and flag personnel, entering the construction zone, and causing injury to an on-site operator. The response was immediate and well-coordinated. The emergency leadership team activated the emergency plan, and the designated teams executed their roles with efficiency and professionalism—ensuring the rescue and site control efforts were carried out in an orderly and effective manner.
The exercise was well-structured, with swift response times, clear communication, and effective procedures—successfully achieving the objectives of the drill.
This event serves as another step in reinforcing CHEC’s commitment to prioritizing safety at every stage of construction. The project team will continue to strengthen emergency response systems and promote a strong safety culture in alignment with the Safety Production Month theme:
“Everyone Talks About Safety, Everyone Knows Emergency Response – Identify the Hazards Around You.”
Through initiatives like this, CHEC remains committed to ensuring safe, stable, and controlled project delivery in Jamaica.