“We are driving an industry toward world-class safety,” said Michael D. Bellaman, ABC president and CEO. “If we want to have an industry that is world class in safety, we have to start with a rock-solid foundation that includes an environment free of drugs and substance abuse. This coalition is a way to help companies build that foundation so we can continue toward our goal of eliminating all fatalities on construction worksites.”

“This partnership will build on the significant steps firms across the country have already taken to make construction safer today than it has ever been,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC CEO. “Making sure that every construction worker on every construction site is fully in control and absolutely sober is the best way to save lives and prevent injuries.”

“As an organization composed of CEOs from both leading design and construction firms, the CIRT board of directors views participation in the coalition as extremely critical to reinforcing the importance of safety across the wide range of disciplines involved with construction job sites,” noted Mark A. Casso, CIRT president. “To that end, we see the center piece of this effort as not only the pledge itself, but also the educational materials, model policies, informational aids, and best practices that will be made available and shared.”

“At CURT, we believe the road to zero incidents encompasses all facets of effective safety and health programs,” said Gregory L. Sizemore, CURT executive vice president. “The Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace initiative is a way to help owners and contractors improve their safety performance — on and off the jobsite — leading to the elimination of accidents and injuries.”

“The health and safety of the construction industry workforce is of primary importance to company owners,” said Penny Pompei, WCOE national executive director. “Drugs and construction sites do not mix. Small businesses often don’t have the resources to develop in-depth substance abuse awareness and prevention programs. This coordinated effort by a group of construction industry organizations will provide the tools WCOE’s small business owners need to combat this danger to our workers.”

Publication date: 05/21/2012