AGC of California Announces 37th Annual Construction Safety Excellence Awards Winners

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 11, 2024 — The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of California has revealed the winners of the 37th Annual Construction Safety Excellence Awards (CSEA). The ceremony took place on Thursday, Oct. 3, in collaboration with HammerTech during the 2024 CONSTRUCT Annual Conference at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage.

"As leaders in the construction industry, our commitment is to ensure every work environment is safe and secure. Safety not only drives our success in project completion but also embodies our responsibility to protect each worker," said Peter Tateishi, chief executive officer at AGC of California. "We, as an industry, are continually advancing our safety standards, striving for excellence and cultivating a culture where safety on jobsite is prioritized above all else. I would like to congratulate all the winners of this year's safety awards; their dedication and hard work set a benchmark for the entire construction industry."

The awards celebrated California construction companies and individuals for their commitment to safety, attracting several hundred attendees, including construction executives, safety professionals, and student chapter members.

The ceremony featured remarks from industry leaders, including Justin Wheaton, chair of the 2024 AGC of California Safety & Health Council and environmental safety and health director at Skanska, along with Georgia Bergers, global vice president of marketing at HammerTech, a partner and sponsor of the event. AGC of California President-Elect Pat Kelly of Granite Construction helped launch the safety awards and welcomed participants. Keynote speaker Hamilton Baiden, CEO of YouTurn Health, gave a compelling address on incorporating mental health initiatives, including substance use disorders and suicide prevention, into comprehensive workforce safety strategies.

"At AGC of California, we're committed to partnering with our member companies to elevate the conversation around safety, ensuring every worker feels supported both physically and emotionally. Recognizing that true safety integrates mental health, we've initiated key programs to boost mental health awareness," said Brian Mello, associate vice president of Engagement & Regulatory Affairs at AGC of California. "By addressing the holistic needs of our workforce, we can continue to protect and empower our industry's most valuable asset—its people."

AGC of California will present the prestigious Harry Eckstein Safety Professional of the Year Award during its Installation & Awards Gala on Feb. 7, 2025, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The CSEA emphasizes the importance of acknowledging outstanding safety achievements in the industry, honoring those who exemplify excellence and commitment to safety standards.

Congratulations to the 37th Annual CSEA Winners:

Building Division

• Under 500,000 Worker Hours – BNBuilders
• Over 800,000 Worker Hours – HENSEL PHELPS

Heavy, Civil and Highway Division

• Under 300,000 Worker Hours – NOVA Group, Inc.
• 400,000-800,000 Worker Hours – Sully-Miller Contracting Co.
• Over 1,000,000 Worker Hours – Granite Construction

Specialty Contractor Division

• Under 1,000,000 Worker Hours – ISEC, Inc.
• Over 2,000,000 Worker Hours – ACCO Engineered Systems

Specialized Awards

• Individual Safety Effort of a Project Superintendent – Jose Castellanos, Senior Field Superintendent, Blois Construction, Inc.
• Safety on a High-Hazard Project – Granite Construction Company - BNSF Railway, San Bernardino Mt. Vernon Bridge Replacement Project