Previous Winners
From left are Rusty Buller, Gordon Cazella,
Andrew Estrada, Donna Bird, IRMI President Jack Gibson, and Michael Feigin,
Marsh Construction Global Practice Leader.
The Senior Safety Team of Comfort Systems USA, Andrew D. Estrada, Rusty Buller,
and Gordon Cazella, received the 2008 Gary E. Bird Horizon Award at the 28th
IRMI Construction Risk Conference. Read the
press release
and a summary white paper of their
program, "Lessons in Leadership—Creating an Accident-Free Environment by Developing
Leadership Skills for Front Line Supervisors.
From left are IRMI President Jack Gibson, Mr. Hutchison
with the award, Ms. Gandarilla, Donna Bird, and Michael Feigin, Marsh Construction
Global Practice Leader.
CF Jordan Risk/Safety Management Department Receives
Gary E. Bird Horizon Award for Innovative Loss Control Program
The Risk/Safety Management Department of CF Jordan LP was honored at the
27th IRMI Construction Risk Conference with the Gary E. Bird Horizon Award.
Rob Hutchison, CF Jordan's Chief Financial Officer, and Grace Gandarilla, CF
Jordan Safety/Risk Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the Department.
The award was bestowed on the group for implementing a fully integrated risk/safety
management process that improved the company's overall performance in the following
areas: safety, quality assurance, and wellness. The impact of the process has
produced an estimated direct cost savings for workers compensation over the
period of 2002–2006 of more than $2.5 million. Additionally, workers compensation
claims severity for the organization is down 85 percent from 2004.
The Gary E. Bird Horizon Award is presented annually by IRMI to recognize
a demonstrated commitment to improving construction risk management through
the implementation of innovative, cost-effective, and efficient risk management
techniques.
The panel of industry experts selected by IRMI to judge the award submissions
made insightful comments about the winning submission. "The concept of weaving
workers compensation, quality assurance and wellness together is creative and,
I think, appropriate!" offered one judge. Another judge remarked that "Behavior
based programs are becoming best practice. The difficulty has been the actual
measurement and feedback loop to push performance. They seem to have figured
this out." A third judge commented, "This approach deals with three current
issues plaguing the (construction) industry; health of the aging workforce,
degradation in quality, and maintaining a safe work environment with the growing
workforce."
The other finalists for the award were Charles A. Bacon, III, President/CEO
and Safety Leader, Limbach Facility Services LLC; Andy Estrada, Vice President
Risk Management and Safety, Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (on behalf of the Comfort
Systems USA, Inc., Senior Safety Team); and Gene Patrick, Construction Safety
Manager, Oregon Health & Science University.
Read about the CF Jordan
loss control program.
Mr. Ruben with the award and Donna Bird, IRMI President
Jack Gibson (right), and Michael Feigin, Marsh Construction Global Practice
Leader (left).
Restructured Safety Program Brings Alan J. Ruben of
DRI Companies Results, Award
Faced with the need to change the way it operated in the workplace as well
as modify the culture permeating the roofing business, the DRI Companies completely
restructured their loss prevention and control techniques and processes. A significantly
reduced workers compensation experience modifier provided a substantial reduction
in workers compensation premiums over a 5-year period in spite of a tremendously
increased payroll. The marketing clout from the lower modifier contributed to
substantial revenue growth. But higher revenues and profits were not the only
rewards.
These efforts are also now lauded throughout the construction risk industry,
with the companies' receipt of the Gary E. Bird Horizon Award. Alan J. Ruben,
Chief Financial Officer of DRI Companies, was presented with the award at the
26th IRMI Construction Risk Conference in San Diego. He was recognized for implementing
numerous safety initiatives, policy changes, and the development of a patented
tool to make the workplace safer.
The Gary E. Bird Horizon Award is presented annually by IRMI to recognize
a demonstrated commitment to improving construction risk management through
the implementation of innovative, cost-effective, and efficient risk management
techniques.
The
most effective and innovative feature of the winning submission is the invention
and implementation of the WhirlieBirdTM fall arrest system (see photo
at left and below right), in direct response to the companies' commitment to
eliminate all chances of falls occurring. Unlike the rope grab system more commonly
used in the roofing industry, the WhirlieBirdTM does not present
its own set of risks from injury to the person wearing it and others nearby.
The
other tool that contributed to the companies' success is the tri-cable system,
which they developed to prevent falls on flat roofing projects.
Company officials note that these devices do increase costs, but the long-term
benefit far outweighs the initial expense. Also, customers are beginning to
demand use of the WhirlieBirdTM , adding to its marketing potential.
These tools are one facet of the companies' six-point plan. Other concepts,
which are readily transferable to other companies and industries, include the
following.
Learning/Training. It is imperative for all employees to understand the actual
safety precautions to be implemented as well as the reasons for implementing
them. Policies and procedures will constantly evolve as enhancements and refinements
are discovered.
Rewards/Positive Reinforcement. All personnel involved in safety and claims
management are eligible for monetary reward programs.
Punitive/Enforcement. Punitive action, up to and including termination, are
what the companies call the "stick" portion of the "carrot and the stick" approach,
with the expectation that all employees share the companies' values in this
area. Still, company officials say the focus is on building strength in hiring
and training.
Cost Control. Although the goal is zero claims, there is also as much emphasis
on cost containment when an injury does occur as there is on preventing an incident.
Risk Sharing. Recognizing the state of the California workers compensation
market, the companies' management was willing to take on a substantial portion
of the risk.
The panel of industry experts selected by IRMI to judge the award submissions
made perceptive comments about the winning submission. "This program is well
rounded but not complicated, and any contractor could implement this accountability-based
program," offered one judge. Another judge remarked that "to drive down claim
costs the way this organization did is truly remarkable. A reduction in workers
compensation claims from $1.4 million in Fiscal 2000 to $258K in Fiscal 2006
is amazing!" "Realizing that safety practices in their industry were not the
best, they thought outside the box and created a new fall arrest device to help
them achieve a safer work environment," commented a third judge.
The other finalists for the award were Rick Callor, Corporate Safety Training
Director, Washington Group International (on behalf of the Washington Group
International Safety Training Team); Jeff Hanesworth, Corporate Risk Manager,
KS Industries, LP (on behalf of the KS Industries LP Team); Rick Maursetter,
Risk Manager, Duininick Companies (on behalf of the Minnesota Highway Equipment
Contractor Training Group); and Marsha K. Rinehart, Executive Vice President,
Kokosing Construction Company, Inc.
Members of the Zachry risk management team
Zachry Construction Corporation Risk Management Team Honored for Construction-Driven
Project Planning Process
The risk management team of Zachry Construction Corporation was honored at
the 25th IRMI Construction Risk Conference with the Gary E. Bird Horizon Award.
The award was accepted November 9, 2005 in Las Vegas by team members Warren
Davis, Susan LaBrie, Phil Pascale, and Susan Staff on behalf of Zachry Construction
Corporation for the development and implementation of a construction-driven
project planning process that optimizes project execution over the course of
a construction project. Use of this process has consistently and significantly
improved Zachry's bottom line.
The panel of industry experts, selected by IRMI to judge the award submissions,
made insightful comments about the winning submission. "This is a complex and
integrated risk management process that effectively has reduced the cost of
risk for the company," offered one judge. Another judge remarked that this is
a "well- integrated process involving all aspects of the project life cycle.
They are attacking the entire process, not just one aspect of the problem. The
plan is very well structured to have a short and long impact on cost and project
efficiency."
The other finalists for the award were Mike Nicholson and Sandy Monday of
Washington Group International, who designed and implemented innovative safety
programs that have had a positive impact on Washington Group International's
loss experience and profitability.
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Leslie Williams, Sr., left, and Don Greenwell
The Mo-Kan Construction Industry Substance Abuse Fund Receives Award for
Groundbreaking Workplace Drug Testing Program
The Mo-Kan Construction Industry Substance Abuse Fund was honored in 2004
at the 24th IRMI Construction Risk Conference with the Gary E. Bird Horizon
Award. The award was accepted on behalf of the nonprofit Fund by the Chairman
of the Board of Trustees, Don Greenwell, and Secretary-Treasurer, Les Williams.
The Fund received the award for its development and oversight of a Construction
Industry Substance Abuse Program (CISAP), a comprehensive construction-industry
drug and alcohol testing program that includes, in part, random testing. The
objective of CISAP is to improve worksite safety by keeping drugs from playing
a role in on-the-job accidents, and it is working. Annual industry savings from
the program are estimated to be in excess of 300 percent of the annual cost
of the CISAP.
The panel of industry experts selected by IRMI to judge the award submissions
was very complimentary of the winning program. "This program will save money
and lives" was offered by one judge. Another judge remarked, "If this program
can influence the industry, it will be a milestone in safety."
The other finalists for the awards were Rick Callor, Environmental, Safety,
and Health Manager, Washington Group International Inc., who was nominated for
developing and implementing an innovative safety training program that greatly
improved his employer's safety record while reducing insurance costs; and R.A.
"Dick" Davis, Project Manager, Knight Jacobs Joint Venture, who was nominated
for his design and implementation of a creative safety plan that engaged all
the participants involved in a complex, long-term construction project.
Read more about the
Mo-Kan Construction Industry Substance Abuse Fund.
View
the award winners' slide presentation with more details on the program.
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Brian Clarke of Hoffman Corporation, right, and
Jack Gibson, IRMI president
Brian Clarke of Hoffman Corporation Receives Award for Reducing Workplace
Injuries and Insurance Costs
Brian Clarke, CSP, Corporate Safety Director, Hoffman Corporation, was honored
in 2003 at the 23rd IRMI Construction Risk Conference with the Gary E. Bird
Horizon Award. Mr. Clarke received the award for his design and implementation
of a safety program for an owner controlled insurance program that greatly reduced
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) incident rates and workers
compensation costs.
The comprehensive safety program phased in over the course of the project
dramatically lowered the OSHA recordable rate from 8.18 to 1.92 and the OSHA
lost time incident rate from .45 to 0.00. Additionally, the workers compensation
direct claim cost per man-hour dropped from $0.185 to $0.015.
The panel of industry experts, selected by IRMI to judge the award submissions,
made perceptive comments about the winning submission. "An outstanding program
that introduced new methods and techniques that were practical and effective!"
was offered one judge. Another judge remarked that the program "recognizes the
interdependency of individuals in a strong safety program. Used correctly in
this manner, it will have an immediate impact on behavior in the company."
The other finalist for the award was George Tinker, Risk Manager, Colorado
Department of Transportation, who was nominated for the development and implementation
of an innovative controlled insurance program that reduced the friction among
the parties involved in the program.
Donna Bird, wife of the late Gary E. Bird, congratulates
Mr. Clarke
Read about Hoffman Corporation's
safety program for an OCIP
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Terry Young (right) of Southern Industrial Constructors,
and Jack Gibson, IRMI president
Terry Young of Southern Industrial Constructors Receives Award for Reducing
Workplace Injuries
Terry Young, ARM, Vice President—Safety, Risk Management, & Human Resources,
Southern Industrial Constructors, was honored in 2002 at the 22nd IRMI Construction
Risk Conference with the Gary E. Bird Horizon Award. Mr. Young received the
award for designing and implementing a very effective safety program that reduced
workplace injuries and produced significant savings for his employer. The comprehensive
program was designed for participation and accountability by all levels within
the organization. Through the use of this program, the company's workers compensation
experience modifier was reduced from 1.69 in 1992 to .61 in 2000.
The panel of industry experts, selected by IRMI to judge the award submissions,
made several insightful comments about the winning program. "An excellent story
of success that should be shared with the industry!" was offered by one judge.
Another judge observed that the program "addresses one of the most significant
needs in the industry" and that "every organization should adopt the best practices
from this model to fit their needs."
The other two finalists for the award were Valerie S. Camp, AIC, Corporate
Counsel Claims and Litigation, BE&K, Inc., who was nominated for developing
a claims management process that required a regimented list of post-loss protocols,
and Lauren M. Gregory, ARM, Director, Risk and Insurance Management, New York
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, who was nominated for her OCIP design
that introduced a high level of owner control in determining the insurance costs.
Read about Southern Industrial
Constructors' Safety program
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Prior Award Winners