During construction, a severe storm caused a partial collapse of the PEMB structure. In response, the team came together to begin:

• Engineering assessments;
• Set up expedited demolition efforts;
• Closely tracked cost details;
• Coordinated communications with the safety team and leadership.

Despite a six-month delay related to the rebuild, the team-maintained momentum, incorporated improvements and successfully completed the project. The facility was delivered in April 2025 with quality and performance intact.

The project reflects the dedication of the team and trusted partners and the collaborative relationship with Moore Public Schools. Projects like this are especially meaningful because they create a lasting, positive impact ā€” providing students and educators with spaces that promote health, teamwork and opportunity.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this award-winning project to life and helping build a stronger future for the Moore community.

The post Awardā€‘Winning Resilience: WestmooreĀ Indoor Practice Facility Recognized by AGC OklahomaĀ  appeared first on The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company.

The automotive industry is transformingā€”moving from horsepower to data power. Connected, autonomous, and intelligent vehicles are driving unprecedented demand for robust data centers. These facilities are now the digital backbone of modern mobility, supporting everything from real-time diagnostics to AI-assisted engineering.

Autonomous vehicles, in particular, are data intensive. A single self-driving car can generate up to 19 terabytes of data per hourā€”equivalent to more than 6,000 HD movies. This data must be processed instantly to ensure safety and then stored for future analysis. Supporting this data flow requires robust, high-performance data centers that can handle massive volumes of information in real-time. 

Unprecedented Growth and Demand

• U.S. data centers consumed 176 TWh of electricity in 2023 (4.4% of total) projected to reach up to 12% by 2028.
• Global data center capacity is growing at 15% annually, but demand outpaces supply.ā€Æ 
• AI technologies, such as NVIDIAā€™s latest Vera Rubin System architecture, require advanced cooling and more power ā€” up to 300% more thanā€Æpreviousā€Æmodels.ā€Æ 

Detroit: Leading the Digital Transformation

States like Michigan are at the forefront, with the Detroit Regional Partnership advancing more than 25 industrial sites. Companies are investing in Verified Industrial Properties (VIPs), helping Detroit evolve from Motor City to Mobility Capital of the World. 

However, building this infrastructure comes with challenges. The global supply chain for data center components, including servers, cooling systems and construction materials,ā€Æis vulnerable to tariffs and trade policies. A 25% tariff on imported steel, for example, can significantly increase the cost and timeline of constructing data centers.ā€Æ 

³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ’s Expertise in Mission-Critical Construction

As data center demands continue to surge, experienced builders of mission-critical infrastructure are playing a vital role in meeting the challenge. Constructing high-performance facilities that support continuousā€Æoperations ā€” whether hyperscale data centers or regional edgeā€Æsites ā€” requires precision, speed and a strong focus on sustainability. These projectsā€Æbenefitā€Æfrom decades of accumulatedā€Æexpertiseā€Æin delivering complex, resilient environments that power the digital backbone of modern life.ā€Æ 

As AI and autonomous technologies continue to reshape the automotive landscape, data centers are no longer just supporting the industry; theyā€™reā€Ædriving it. Behind every self-driving car is a storm of data, and behind that data stands a fortress of servers, powering the future of mobility.ā€Æ 

Ready to build the future of mobility and AI?

The post Data: The New Horsepower Driving the Automotive Industry appeared first on The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company.

In addition to donating to the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, the team hosted a celebratory event at the Out of Office Garage (OOOG), an exclusive member-only auto club honoring ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s automotive roots in Motor City. It was well-suited for the event; key automotive clients and business partners drove ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s entry into the Michigan market. While The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company began working in Michigan in 1982, it established a dedicated Southeast Michigan office in 2015 to deepen its commitment to these relationships. 

Today, ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ is proud to deliver excellence coast to coast, completing thousands of projects for major automotive manufacturers, energy, and industrial clients during the past 25 years. 

³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Michigan by the numbers 

• 2,793 completed projects in 100+ cities statewide adding up to $1 billion
• Since 2021, $100,000Ā donatedĀ to local nonprofitsĀ in addition to significantĀ donatedĀ volunteer time
• More than 100 professionals including craft specialists  

Awards and accolades 
³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Michiganā€™s dedication to excellence has earned numerous honors, including: 

• Crainā€™s Detroit Business Best Places to Work (2023ā€“2025) 
• 2024 AGC of Michigan Cornerstone Award for Excellence in Training
• Race to Talentā„¢ Registered Apprenticeship CHAMPION Award

Looking ahead, the Michigan team is focused on supporting economic growth, creating meaningful career opportunities, continuing to deliver innovative solutions for clients, and contributing to local communities.

The post Celebrating a Decade ofĀ Impact in Michigan appeared first on The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company.

The shoring system is designed to stabilize the excavation site and mitigate soil displacement, analogous to prevent collapse in an unsupported sand excavation. This system is essential for maintaining structural integrity during deep foundation work and protecting adjacent infrastructure.

Approximately 50% of the shoring scope falls under OSHPD 1 regulatory oversight due to its direct interface with the existing hospital, requiring adherence to the most stringent seismic and safety standards. The remaining scope is governed by OSHPD 3 requirements.

The siteā€™s geotechnical profile presents additional complexity. It is located above an active subterranean creek and within a high seismic risk zone. Groundwater intrusion is anticipated upon pile drilling, necessitating robust dewatering strategies and continuous coordination among all trade partners.

The engineered shoring solution includes:

• Drilling deep foundation piles
• Installing a rebar-reinforced retention system
• Applying shotcrete to form a permanent 60-foot-deep retaining wall

This wall will serve as the structural perimeter for a four-level subterranean parking garage and the base for the five-story neuroscience facility above. The shoring and excavation phase will take roughly nine months to complete. The team is targeting completion ahead of the rainy season to mitigate weather-related delays.

Upon completion of shoring, construction will transition to the concrete below-grade parking structure, bringing the project back to street level.

The post Shoring Operations Underway at Sutter Healthā€™s Advanced Neuroscience Complex appeared first on The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company.

As the industry adapts to new construction needs, renewable energy has emerged as a prominent gateway to the union trades. From solar panel installations to massive wind farm construction, green energy projects are not only reshaping the grid, but also creating high-demand and well-paying jobs for the next generation of skilled workers.

Wisconsin-based signatory contractor, The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company, brings technical expertise and logistical planning know-how to deliver renewable energy in response to growing demand. The contractor is not new to renewable energy construction and has led wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, bioenergy, and solar projects across the U.S. As a market leader, ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ values developing new tradespeople and building a skilled workforce that they can work with from job to job.

The Apple River Solar Project in Wisconsin is one example of ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s commitment to providing trade pathways through renewable energy. Developed by Geronimo Power, this 100-megawatt photovoltaic solar facility is located in Polk County and will be connected to the electric grid via the Apple River 161kv Substation.

ā€œ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ is proud to have been selected by Geronimo Power for this power facility which provides renewable energy to the power grid in northwest Wisconsin. The expertise and dedication of our trades women and men in the support and development of our apprentices, is critical to the success of this project,ā€ says Jason Fields, ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s executive responsible for building this facility.Ā  Ā 

More than 20 new apprentices entered the through this project alone. Brought in through traditional recruitment channels and partnering with local community organizations, these new tradespeople have started their paths to a career in union construction. When work is done at Apple River, many of the new apprentices look forward to continuing their work on renewable and other energy projects across the region.

ā€œThe Carpenters Union has provided the training and support I needed to gain experience in building solar farms. In particular, they have taught me the critical tasks for installing the racking and module systems which are the structural backbone of the plants. This experience has given me the confidence to grow my career in the solar field, and I am looking forward to supporting ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ on its next project,ā€ says Jacob Jones of Local1074.

ā€œThe Apple River Solar Project has been an amazing pathway into the union for me. This has given me the opportunity to learn and grow not only as a Carpenter but an individual. When I started, I was very shy, because of the amazing crew onsite, they helped me feel more confident talking and asking questions,ā€ says Sara Pelzel of Local 1074.

The Apple River Solar Project is anticipated to generate over $36 million in direct economic impact during its first 20 years of operation, including an estimated $10 million in new tax revenue for Polk County and local townships.Ā Additionally, Geronimo Power has pledged $500,000 in charitable funding through the project, with funds distributed to the Amery and Clayton school districts to support educational initiatives.

Once operational, the Apple River Solar Project is expected to supply power to Xcel Energy, serving customers across the Upper Midwest. At capacity, the facility will generate enough clean, renewable energy to meet the equivalent electrical usage of approximately 26,000 homes annually, contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and supporting regional sustainability goals.

Originally Written By North County Carpenter

The post A Solar Start to a Union Trades Career appeared first on The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company.

Who doesnā€™t love a good celebration? At ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ, Signing Days have become a bit of a tradition in early summer, welcoming families, trade partners, employees, school staff and even state representatives to support individuals pursuing careers in construction. But as I looked out over the crowd at last yearā€™s event, something struck me. Many of the people who spent most of the time mentoring these students werenā€™t there. It wasnā€™t for lack of invitation, but the demands of jobsite schedules had them elsewhere. 

While I could stand at a podium and celebrate the journey students were about to embark on, the reality is, Iā€™m not their mentor. The mentors working with the students day to day to instill the love of construction were missing. This year, we set out to do things a little differently! 

We still held a Signing Day in Cloquet, Minn. to recognize our very first youth apprentice transitioning to registered apprenticeship, but we also brought the celebration to our jobsites. Nine project teams across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois received lunches in honor of the 13 students they supported during fall 2024 through spring 2025 school year. 

We invited the parents, school staff and trade partners to join several of the jobsite lunches. The intention was for parents to be immersed in their childā€™s world. Itā€™s one thing to hear about laying block. Itā€™s another to stand beside your child as they show you what theyā€™ve built.  

And from Sara Weyers, parent of a 1^st year youth apprentice, Mason:Ā 

ā€œMy son gained valuable experience in masonry, carpentry and other scopes of work while working for ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ. He learned how to use various tools and equipment that were permitted, and he also developed skills in working with different kinds of peopleā€”an asset for his future career. One of the highlights of his experience was helping to build an elementary school, which gave him a sense of pride and accomplishment. As a parent, I also learned more about the wide range of trades that are available and gained a greater appreciation for the many different opportunities the trades can offer.ā€Ā 

As Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator Lisa Breaker from CESA6 shared:   

ā€œParker and Hunter gave an excellent tour, and I loved hearing more about their experiences. They shared that the people/team at ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ are what have made their experience as a Youth Apprentice so instrumental in helping them shape their future.ā€ 

As ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s workforce development manager, this program has impacted me as well. Iā€™ve had the opportunity to learn from superintendents, foremen, journeymen and project managersā€”people whose leadership challenges and inspires me. Theyā€™ve influenced how I see projects, approach attracting and recruiting for the workforce and understand mental health in construction ā€“ and is one of the reasons this program continues to grow locally and nationally. They embody ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s values: honesty, fairness, hard work, performance and the love of construction. 

Thank you to the teams finding ways to engage youth apprenticeships on your projects and supporting the strategic growth of our workforce!

The post Laying the Foundation: Celebrating Youth Apprentices and Their Mentors appeared first on The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company.

In comparison to other states, Oklahoma ranks 43rd in health, underscoring the urgent need for improved healthcare facilities and access to modern medical services. This is especially true in rural communities where residents typically travel farther for care and limited infrastructure makes it challenging to address complex medical needs.

Expanding telehealth, increasing public health funding and promoting local workforce development can make a difference. However, the importance of investing in infrastructure ā€“ upgrading existing facilities and building new ones ā€“ cannot be understated.

Healthcare construction presents unique challenges, particularly in rural areas where resources and skilled talent may be scarce and access to specialized care is limited. But through innovation and collaboration, these obstacles can be overcome.

One challenge is the lack of construction workers. will retire by 2031, which means the industry must recruit up to half a million new workers annually to meet growing demands and the typical hiring pace. Younger professionals are more inclined to accept jobs in metropolitan cities, making it more difficult to staff rural projects. As a result, some construction firms, including The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company, are investing in youth apprenticeship programs and partnering with career technical colleges in rural areas. Doing so can help bridge the gap, inspiring the next generation of builders.

Cutting-edge industry solutions, such as prefabrication and modular construction, also can help address challenges in areas lacking resources and labor. In addition to mitigating the effects of rural labor shortages, off-site prefabrication and modular construction significantly reduce construction times (as much as 50%), providing access to care months sooner. Building patient rooms off-site, fully equipped with fixtures, reduces disruptions to healthcare services while enhancing quality and safety.

Early project collaboration and Lean construction principles are equally important in rural healthcare construction because it saves hospitals and communities money. Originating in manufacturing, Lean principles scrutinize each task to find the most efficient way to work, resulting in less waste, consistent outcomes, reliable schedules and lower costs. Adaptive reuse of an existing building, or converting an outdated facility, presents another opportunity for communities to save money.

³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ is putting these strategies into action with healthcare projects across Oklahoma by working with community hospitals to upgrade facilities and expand access to vital medical services. These projects are more than construction endeavors ā€“ they are lifelines addressing the disparities rural communities face in health outcomes and access to care.

Everyone needs robust healthcare facilities close to home, and by investing now in thoughtful construction strategies, we can ensure every Oklahoman ā€“ no matter where they live ā€“ has access to high-quality care.

The post How Innovative Construction is Revolutionizing Rural Healthcare appeared first on The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company.

Thatā€™s where Meredith earns while she learns as part of her youth apprenticeship with ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ. The three-month-long apprenticeship marks the first of its kind in construction for the high school and is ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s first youth apprenticeship in the state. ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ also offers youth apprenticeships in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan and is introducing them in Oklahoma later this year.

A Long-Time Vision Becomes Reality
Ryan Yoho, area manager, for has long wanted a youth apprentice on a job site. Ali Burke, project manager, Rob Stadler, superintendent and James Quinn, safety manager, expressed interest in hosting a youth apprentice on the 44,160 SF two-story medical office building job site. They recognized that Downers Grove North High School was just a few blocks away from the job site, making it a convenient location for a student interested in a construction-related youth apprenticeship.

For Ryan, the impetus for a youth apprenticeship was to give a student a sightline into the construction industry. Thatā€™s something he didnā€™t have until he was at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

ā€œThat ā€˜day in the lifeā€™ on the job site, seeing a project come to life, is what made the work real for me,ā€ said Ryan. ā€œStudents shouldnā€™t have to wait until college to have awareness, and with the labor shortage in the industry nationwide, we need more exposure to students before they finish high school.ā€

He had an ally in the entire team on the job site that helped make the apprenticeship a reality.

ā€œWhen Ryan brought this up, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of as I didnā€™t have these opportunities in high school,ā€ said Ali.

Rob and Ali reached out to Downers Grove North High School, only to learn none of the schoolā€™s current construction work-based learning opportunities offered an internship or apprenticeship on a construction job site. That prompted involvement by Allison Knautz, workforce development manager, to structure an apprenticeship to meet the stateā€™s work-based learning requirements, comply with job site safety and meet ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s other expectations. Armed with a plan, Allison connected with Brian Veit, CTE department chair at the high school, who was very receptive to the opportunity.

ā€œWith growing student interest in the trades, this partnership couldnā€™t have come at a better time,ā€ said Brian.

A Full Job Site Effort
After Downers Grove North High School shared the opportunity with its student populace, Meredith visited the job site, spoke to the team and was offered the apprenticeship that started on February 10. Ali and Robā€™s goal: To provide her experience in as many different disciplines, including carpentry, plumbing and electricity.

ā€œWe wanted her to experience as many trades as possible because there is not just one trade pathway,ā€ said Rob.

Meredithā€™s apprenticeship experience began with orientation and introductions and quickly shifted into job shadowing diverse types of work. From the moment she stepped on the job site in her personal protection equipment (PPE), Meredith participated in everyday activities alongside the rest of the team, from the stretch and flex to continuous safety improvement forms.

An Apprenticeā€™s Perspective
Meredithā€™s apprenticeship includes advanced hands-on experience under mentor oversight. While summertime work on her grandparentsā€™ campground gave Meredith experience in light repairs, the job site has broadened those skill sets. Her job site tasks include everything from building temporary window frames to dismantling a scaffold stairwell, offering opportunities to use the table saw and a variety of other tools.

It has also exposed her to the many touchpoints required in performing work on the job site.

ā€œI donā€™t think I grasped how difficult the work would be; how much teamwork it takes,ā€ said Meredith. ā€œI also wasnā€™t expecting to see the production boards with everything planned day by day, week by week. Itā€™s helpful to visualize the work like that.ā€

She also has noticed how much communication and camaraderie matter to the work.

ā€œItā€™s become clear how much communication it takes to keep the job flowing as it should,ā€ said Meredith. ā€œI like seeing how much of a community there is on a job site.ā€

In addition, the hands-on activities allowed Meredith to connect dots from the architectural courses she took in high school to the construction industry.

ā€œGetting out here and being part of the actual building is cool,ā€ said Meredith. ā€œThis has given me a better understanding of the difference between designing and building.”

An Exercise in Self-Discovery
Meredith has discovered a passion for building and is considering a career in carpentry. For now, her future career steps are still to be determined as she decides between pursuing her first passion of auto mechanics or a career in carpentry, electricity or HVAC. Upon graduation from high school in May, she plans to move to Pennsylvania to live with her grandparents. At that time, she will decide which of the universities and trade schools that accepted her is the right fit for her post-secondary education. In the meantime, she is earning high-school credit for her internship as well enjoying the diverse experiences sheā€™s having on the job site thanks to her apprenticeship.

Rob said the value she has received is a credit to Meredith and her willingness to fully embrace the value and opportunities of the apprenticeship.

ā€œSheā€™s really involved out on the job site, and sheā€™s not afraid to ask people questions to get the answers she needs,ā€ said Rob.

As for the freshmen and sophomores at her school, Meredith says participating in a youth apprenticeship ā€œis a good opportunity to see the trades. Itā€™s worth it because you get to be a part of something important and can look back on it and think, ā€˜I did that,ā€™ā€ she said.

As one of her mentors, Ali has enjoyed teaching Meredith about construction so she can make an educated decision about her future career.

ā€œThere are so many trades to choose from, and itā€™s about finding your passion,ā€ said Ali. ā€œI see Meredith come into the trailer every day with a smile on her face and the team out in the field saying how much they enjoy working with her. We are all excited for Meredith and her future. Even if Meredith decides sheā€™s more interested in cars, that is still a success because she has had the experience and understands what each trade offers.ā€ 

A Pipeline for the Future 
Allison credits the entire team on the job site with making the apprenticeship a resounding success for Meredith.

ā€œItā€™s their mentoring and sharing industry knowledge and hands-on instruction that have made this a valuable and positive learning experience for her,ā€ said Allison.

While Meredithā€™s apprenticeship finishes in May, the ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ team looks forward to offering additional apprenticeships in the future, recognizing it as an important opportunity for talent attraction.

ā€œYouth apprenticeship programs play a crucial role in shaping the construction industry’s future workforce. ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s investment in, and commitment to, youth apprenticeships help to cultivate a skilled and diverse workforce, address the current labor shortage and ensure the industry’s sustainability,ā€ said John Huggett, vice president and general manager.

Interested in becoming a youth apprentice? Visit our skilled trades page to learn more.

The post ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Hosts First Illinois Youth Apprentice appeared first on The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company.

Thatā€™s been his routine since February, when Marcos and ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ first came together as an outgrowth of his schoolā€™s work study program. Stephanie Osbahr, workforce development and community outreach manager, brought the program to ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ senior leadership and project owners when she learned about its alignment with ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s values and the opportunity to introduce local youth to ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s career opportunities.

ā€œIf we wait until students are in college, weā€™ll miss out on a literal gold mine,ā€ she said. ā€œWe need students to understand how construction is a viable opportunity earlier in their education.ā€

³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ was very receptive to the opportunity. Stephanie credits ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ leadership and SMSHCC project owners for their receptiveness to meeting with school representatives and welcoming Marcos.

Through the program, talented students like Marcos, who live in underserved communities, benefit from both a high-quality education and invaluable work experience. Students participating in the program earn 50% of the cost of their education through the work-study placement, with benefactors bridging the gap between what students earn at their job and what their families can afford to contribute. The school is impressively successful, with 100% of its students being admitted to four-year universities.

For Marcos, the program is the latest success in an upward trajectory from humble beginnings. He attended Learning Without Limits in elementary school, followed by Urban Promise Academy for middle school and Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School. These opportunities, combined with Marcosā€™ persistence and commitment to learning, have positioned him to be the first in his family to pursue a college degree. His plan is to attend San Jose State University with a major in mechanical engineering this fall.

Marcosā€™ introduction to the SMSHCC job site was within the job trailer, learning to work with (ACC) and other technologies, introducing him to continuous safety improvements (CSIs) and other aspects of safety, attending Big Room meetings, learning about the ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Production System and performing a variety of other tasks. In the process, heā€™s learned several innovative technologies, problem-solving and time management under the guidance of Kaitlyn Davis, project coordinator and Marcosā€™ supervisor and mentor.

After turning 18 in April, additional doors opened for Marcos; namely, the ability to step outside the job trailer and onto the job site. Since then, he has shadowed several trades on the site and created weekly 360Ā° Camera Captures that document project progress. He has been impressed with many facets of the project, including the workforce that is making it a reality.

ā€œIā€™m amazed at the number of teams it takes to make a project happen,ā€ said Marcos.

And while his plans are to pursue a career in engineering in the automotive industry, heā€™s found great benefit in learning how engineering applies on a construction site. He has also built his interpersonal skills, networked with a variety of professionals and gained confidence, all while learning more about the construction industry.

ā€œEven if I donā€™t go into construction, knowing how things are built is valuable information and useful to me,ā€ said Marcos.

For ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ, creating a long-term relationship with entities such as Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School is crucial to developing a diverse, skilled, committed workforce in the Bay Area. Stephanie said itā€™s not just about building ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s brand awareness; itā€™s also about doing the right thing for the youth who call the area home.

ā€œWe can share our project culture while building relationships in the communities in which we do business,ā€ she said.

David Thomack, president of The ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ Company, said ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s commitment to the program highlights how we can actively contribute to shaping future leaders and community stewards alike.

ā€œThis partnership highlights the profound impact that supportive relationships and collaborative efforts can have in transforming the lives of young people, ensuring they are better equipped to face the challenges of the future,ā€ he said.  

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Construction Safety Week is an annual observance that offers construction companies the opportunity to recommit to sending every worker home safely every day. This yearā€™s theme, ā€œAll in Together,ā€ is quite timely given that ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ is focusing on all the ways we are ā€œBetter Together.ā€ To me, that includes how employees work together for the common goal of safety.

That goal at ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ is one of safety first. While this week offers opportunities to celebrate safety, share examples of it and reinforce best practices, safety is not the ā€œflavor of the weekā€ at ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ. It is ingrained in our everyday culture and behaviors.

Safety is crucial to ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻā€™s culture because of the very real risks job sites pose every day. OSHA recognizes what is referred to as the ā€œfatal fourā€ ā€“ the top hazards to construction workers. In order, these are falls, struck-by incidents (being struck by tools or machines), caught in or between (incidents where workers are caught in machinery or between objects) and electrocutions. Collectively, these four comprise 60% of construction worker deaths. That is unacceptable, and thatā€™s why embracing our safety practices, over and over, is so important.

Quite literally, itā€™s lifesaving.

Being ā€œAll in Togetherā€ applies to ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ in a few ways: 

• Weā€™re all in together byā€¦Integrating safety into every step of construction, from estimation to project completion. What makes ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ extraordinary is that our leadership, from executive teams to field leaders, are intensely focused on providing a physically AND psychologically safe workplace where employees are empowered to speak up and share their ideas and concerns. ³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻ believes this is key to its extraordinary safety culture.
• Weā€™re all in together byā€¦Teams coming together with a Project Startup Planning Meeting that identifies safety efforts before a project starts.

When we embarked on a cultural journey of safety, we studied the highest-performing job sites and the common denominators for safety. Think of these best practices as the ā€œsecret sauceā€ that, when rigorously followed, ensure our employeesā€™ safety. Project hazards and controls range from straightforward to technically complex ā€“ from trips and slips to 200-ton tandem crane picks. Our safety approach is focused on mitigating hazards associated with the work through consistent behaviors that, when embraced 100% of the time, create an extraordinary safety culture.

These behaviors include: 

• Daily all-hands meeting ā€“ Safety starts with our leaders at these meetings with all our team members and trade partners including performing stretch and flex. This sets the tone for safety for the day.
• Planning meetings
  1. This includes a Safety Task Analysis reviewed by the foreman in the work area with the crew, walking the site to see what has changed since they left the site the night prior. This is also an opportunity for field leadership to engage with employees and reflect on the day before, share concerns and discuss other feedback.
  2. Preplanning meetings held before high-risk activities are performed.
  3. Kickoff meetings with subcontractors and trade partners to discuss safety expectations before they ever step foot on the site. This sets expectations so others donā€™t show up on the site and realize they donā€™t have the proper PPE, for example.
• Site orientations: These are conducted on each site with the project manager or superintendent setting clear expectations and tone and delivering a personal message about safety based on their experience. I can tell when I walk onto a project if those expectations have been defined and embraced. 
• Safer Together: Every week, project leadership and craft workers take a Safer Together Walk and share findings from it during the all-hands meeting. Many sets of eyes are more valuable than one.
• Accountability: Project leadership sets clear expectations and ensures they are met, leading by example.

As with most things, consistency is the key. Safety takes commitment every day on every project ā€“ it is not just a mantra but action-oriented. These are actions we mindfully take day in and day out on job sites nationwide. This week, we are celebrating and encouraging our team members to re-energize, refocus and recommit to safe behaviors. Rigorously embracing safety ensures employees can return home to their families at night safely and whole. And there is nothing more important than that.

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