Award Description
Excellence in Construction Safety is a continuous journey, not a destination. Each year, ABC member companies (including some former winners) submit their safety programs to ABC for review. The competition for the 2008 Award included these eight finalists:
Burgess Concrete Construction
CRA Services
Great Lakes Systems
Lamar Construction
Parkway Electric and Communications
Pioneer Construction
Ritsema Associates
Rockford Construction
A panel of Judges reviewed the safety entries submitted by each company. The Judges, representing different occupations associated with the construction industry and safety evaluated each submission according to an established
list of criteria. The Judges unanimously agreed that one submission was the “best of the best” not only in content, but also in presentation. We want to thank each participant for devoting the time to enter the Construction Safety
Award of Excellence Program and recognize their outstanding commitment to safety.
The 2008 Winner of ABC’s Construction Safety Award of Excellence is Ritsema Associates of Grandville. In 2007, they celebrated 1,836,080 man hours, 1,597 man days which adds up to a little over four (4) years with NO LOST TIME accidents!
Ritsema Associates’ mission statement includes all areas of work along with their safety program. It says:
“Our mission is to give our customers great service and quality products while encouraging our employees to grow personally and professionally. With God’s help, we will build long-term relationships with our customers and employees. We believe these traits will ensure our company’s continued success and profitability.” “When the employees trust that their best interest is in mind, they are free to share strengths and weaknesses with safety issues. Changes, improvements and new equipment are introduced with a positive reception. They benefit personally by being able to go home in the same or better condition than when they came to work. Several employees have used their CPR and First Aid skill with loved ones and friends and have thanked us for the training.”
