Culture of Safety


ABOUT

C.O.A.T. Flagging prioritizes safety in every aspect of our business and fosters a safety culture company-wide. Think Safe-Work Safe-Be Safe is our daily mantra.

 

History

In 2005, Val Solorzano established Chick of All Trades (C.O.A.T.) with a focused vision and tenacious business goals.  As a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and a Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE), C.O.A.T. Flagging has received recognition for elevating the traffic control industry with professional, certified, and safety-focused service.  One of the first projects C.O.A.T. Flagging was awarded was providing flagging services to the City of Portland Light Rail Expansion project in downtown Portland. 

C.O.A.T. Flagging has become the leader in complete traffic control services in the Pacific Northwest, working on various projects, including city and federally funded projects.  Safety is the core value that guides the company’s goals, principles, decisions, and actions.  Val Solorzano has become an integral figure in the construction industry, serving on several boards for both public and private organizations.  Val’s relationships within the industry are essential to creating synergy among all of the trades. 

C.O.A.T. Flagging is proud of the company it has become and recognizes that its greatest assets are its associates. C.O.A.T. is honored to be part of the continuous growth and development in the Pacific Northwest.

 
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Culture

C.O.A.T. Flagging prioritizes safety in every aspect of our business and fosters a safety culture company-wide. Think Safe-Work Safe-Be Safe is our daily mantra.

Our Safety Committee holds monthly meetings discussing safety trends and best practices.  Our management team and Quality Assurance personnel take an active role in improving the safety of our teams. We hold quarterly companywide meetings to report and address safety concerns and present initiatives we are implementing. Every C.O.A.T. Flagging crew has their work inspected by Quality Assurance at least once per week. These work zone inspections are unannounced to ensure every crew and every work zone is 100% safe and compliant.

All C.O.A.T. Flagging crews are responsible for completing a Job Hazard Analysis during their morning briefing before beginning work and when the job site changes. This ensures everyone on site is on the same page, is aware of all the hazards, and how they are being mitigated. Additionally, crews participate in a weekly job site Tool Box Talk conducted by the Field Supervisor. These discussions further the Culture of Safety by discussing safety-related issues directly with our teams in the field.

C.O.A.T. Flagging initiated a Stretch and Flex program to help improve the health, rang health, range of motion, and overall well-being of our team members.

Our In The Zone program provides field associates, supervisors, and our customers to recognize individuals for job excellence, reinforcing teamwork and our Culture of Safety.

The entire C.O.A.T. Flagging team supports a collective goal by agreeing to Think Safe-Work Safe-Be Safe in everything that we do. The C.O.A.T. Flagging leadership team develops and maintains an aggressive safety program and is responsible for creating a safe workplace with compliance and professional traffic control services.

 
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  • Southeast Little League

  • Oregon Humane Society

  • SheBrew

  • Human Rights Campaign

  • Basic Rights Oregon

  • Portland Pickles Baseball

Community Engagement

C.O.A.T. Flagging is proud to support many local organizations including:

Industry Affiliations

C.O.A.T. Flagging is active in several networks and organizations related to trade, economic development, and civic duties. It is not merely enough to rely on the experience our team brings; it is also important for us to be affiliated with the best groups the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

 
 

  • The Associated General Contractors of America

  • Laborers International Union of North America - LiUNA!

  • Construction Industry Drug-Free Workplace

  • Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs – OAME

 

  • National Association of Minority Contractors of Oregon

  • Laborers International Union of North America

  • National Association of Safety Professionals

  • Latino Built

  • National Association of Safety Professionals

Awards

C.O.A.T. Flagging is honored to be recognized for our contributions to our community and industry. We are proud of the achievements and share each one with all of our associates.

2020 Business Leader of the Year Award

 

  • 2020 Business Leader of the Year Award – Basic Rights Oregon

  • 2017 Women of Vision Award – Daily Journal of Commerce

  • 2009 Outlanding Business Award – Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber

  • 2009 Top 25 Minority-Owned Business – Portland Business Journal

  • 2009 Top Women-Owned Business – Portland Business Journal

  • 2008 Portland’s Top Women-Owned Business – Portland Business Journal