Recognizing NUCA’s 2014 William H. Feather Safety Award Winners
Safety on the job seems like an obvious must-have, like the right piece of equipment or a well-trained crew member.
However, safe practices can often be overlooked in the name of getting a task done quickly or simply ignoring proper standards or equipment operation. Forgetting safety is not an option. Adhering to proper safety procedures during a project helps to ensure that everyone gets home unharmed after the day is done. By developing structured safety programs and reinforcing safe practices to employees, companies can rest assured that their crews are prepared for whatever a job may throw at them.
To recognize the companies that strive for safety and the general well-being of their employees, NUCA awards companies with the William H. Feather Safety Award. Who is William H. Feather, you ask? He was the very first chairman of the Safety Committee and widely regarded as the backbone of NUCA’s early safety initiatives. He was honored for his many contributions to the association in 1976 when he was named Ditchdigger of the Year, but his premature passing led NUCA to search for some additional way to commemorate his passion for safety. At NUCA’s 1978 convention in New Orleans, a new award was created to recognize those contractors who exemplify Mr. Feather’s commitment to a safe workplace.
The awards are given to companies based on incidence rate (OSHA 300 log), company safety statement and company safety program information. Participation in NUCA safety programs and activities is also taken into consideration. The 2014 William H. Feather Safety awards were given out at the NUCA Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., this past March. Check out the recipients:
Overall Winner
Western Summit Constructors
Englewood, Colo.
At Western Summit Constructors Inc., everyone has a voice and the company wants them to be heard — especially when it comes to safety. The Englewood, Colo.-based company has even created a program called “Craft Voice in Safety,” which has successfully empowered employees with a voice to collaborate with management. The Overall Winner of the William H. Feather Award says, “Our Safety Program is driven by three main elements: employee engagement, management’s commitment and safe tools and equipment.”
1,000,000+ Man-Hours
Driver Pipeline Co. Inc.
Irving, Texas
Everyone’s all in at Driver Pipeline Co. Inc. where the company’s safety culture includes owner and management commitment to stated goals and support, full employee involvement and a clear understanding of expectations. The company says, “Driver Pipeline’s goal is to be the safest contractor in the industry.”
500,001-1,000,000 Man-Hours
Distribution Construction LLC
Greensboro, N.C.
Employee safety comes first at Distribution Construction and its safety philosophy proves it: “Employees are the most valuable resource and no phase of business is more important than their personal safety. We believe that all accidents can be prevented and that safety is an integral part of everyone’s job.”
200,001-500,000 Man-Hours
Centerline Utilities
Palm City, Fla.
Centerline Utilities Inc. prides itself on the company’s “safety-first” attitude, where it encourages crews to work efficiently, carefully and to take pride in being proactive. The Palm City, Fla.-based company has zero tolerance for unsafe work practices, and its safety committee is made up of field employees.
100,001-200,000 Man-Hours
Primoris Pipeline Services
Garner, N.C.
At Primoris Pipeline Services, employees are always reminded to think about safety before acting to ensure each task is performed in the safest possible manner. The company says, “NUCA has allowed us the opportunity to improve our safety program in many ways, but one of the most important is through networking with industry peers and learning from them.”
50,001-100,000 Man-Hours
J.F. Wilkerson Contracting
Morrisville, N.C.
Continued education and training have been at the forefront for J.F. Wilkerson Contracting as it continues to make improvements to its safety program and policies. The company’s goal for 2015 is to apply for and receive OSHA’s VPP Star Certificate.
Up To 50,000 Man-Hours
Midstate Site Development
Bloomfield, Conn.
Midstate Site Development upholds a strong culture and promotes safe practices through teamwork, organization and communication. The Bloomfield, Conn.-based company maintains a family-like environment where “Everyone looks out for each other.”
Honorable Mentions
B. Frank Joy LLC
Hyattsville, Md.
Dave Schmitt Construction
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Garney Construction
Kansas City, Mo.
Independence Excavating
Chantilly, Va.
Mac Construction & Excavating
New Albany, Ind.
Marshbank Construction
Lake Stevens, Wash.
Petticoat Schmitt Civil Contractors
Jacksonville, Fla.
Pural Water Specialty Co.
Wailuku, Hawaii
Team Fishel
Roanoke, TX
William Anthony
Excavating Inc.
North Kingstown, R.I.
