A tip of the hard hat to Michigan contracting giant Walbridge-Aldinger, which was recognized on Aug. 29 by MIOSHA and the state Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) for maintaining an on-the-job environment that has helped keep thousands of construction workers safe.

A union-only general contractor, Walbridge has led at least eight major projects over the last 34 months, encompassing three million man-hours, with zero lost-time worker accidents.

"I am honored to present this award today to Walbridge Aldinger. Your record of achieving more than three million work hours without a lost time accident is truly outstanding," said DLEG Director Robert W. Swanson. "Throughout Michigan, North America and worldwide -Walbridge is recognized as a leader in the construction industry. Your commitment shows worker protection goes hand-in-hand with quality services."

Presenting the award were DLEG Director Robert W. Swanson and MIOSHA Acting Director Martha B. Yoder. Accepting on behalf of all Walbridge employees were Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Vincent DeAngelis and Assistant Vice President of Safety Health and Environmental Stephen B. Clabaugh.

"We are extremely proud to be recognized by MIOSHA," said Walbridge CEO and Chairman John Rakolta, Jr. "This award was earned by every Walbridge employee, including our union trades personnel, who have worked on projects the last 34 months. We cannot achieve and maintain our high safety and health standards without the commitment of everyone involved in the project."

The MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division recognizes the safety and health achievements of Michigan employers and employees through CET Awards, which are based on excellent safety and health performance. The CET Gold Award recognizes achievement of 100,000 to 2,000,000 continuous hours worked without lost days (based on the size and type of business).

"Walbridge shares a common vision to provide all employees and subcontractors with a healthful and safe workplace," said Clabaugh. "The practice of safety diligence by all project team members, including subcontractors, helps create an environment where accidents are reduced. Walbridge's safety program has total commitment on all management levels and receives top priority."

Some of the projects where Walbridge and its Walbridge Concrete Services group and the building trades have worked on and added to the total over the last 34 months included work for the Detroit Water and Sewer Division, (George Kuhn Drain, Baby Creek, Dearborn CSO Contract #3) GM Delta Paint Shop, GM Warren Powertrain, GM Pontiac Powertrain, and U of M Rachel Upjohn.

On every Walbridge project is a banner displayed with the company motto that reads: "If it is not safe - I won't do it, and I won't let others do it."

"Walbridge-Aldinger's commitment to the safety and health of its construction workforce is exemplary," said Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council CEO Patrick Devlin. "Obviously, the construction workers had a lot to do with that award, but the key is being able to work in the kind of safety-conscious culture that Walbridge is bringing to job sites. I hope other employers will follow Walbridge's example."