With the nomination deadline for the 2018 VRCA Awards of Excellence – Outstanding Achievement categories just days away, we’re taking a last look back at the winners from 2017 to help inspire nominations for the award’s 30th anniversary. Nominations are due August 10.

Construction Workplace Health and Safety Innovation – Graham Infrastructure LP

In 2015, Graham noted that while they had a strong and improving HSE Management System in place, their safety culture had room for improvement. Andy Trewick, Senior VP of Infrastructure, lead and championed the initiative that would set aside one day of work in September each year that would be dedicated to emphasizing Graham’s commitment to safety on every single infrastructure project that was currently active.

The first Safety Day was embraced by the company and every site held site specific, relevant, Safety training and presentations and recognized deserving members on their teams. Safety Day was born.

In April the following year, in line with Earth Day, Graham’s first environment day was held, with a similar commitment, supported by their construction teams, sub-trades, and clients, in highlighting the importance of responsible environmental stewardship to their business.

Do you know someone who you would like to nominate for the 2018 Construction Workplace Health and Safety Innovation Award?

 

Innovation & Productivity – Solid Rock Steel Fabricating

In 1996, WorkSafeBC introduced the country’s first comprehensive regulations designed to protect workers from falling from heights.

Since its inception in 1965, Solid Rock Steel has been aware of the challenges presented by working at height, and has been an innovator in the use and development of equipment that supports efficiency and safety.

Working inside an elevator shaft several stories above the ground is one such challenge. Traditionally 2”x 4” platforms covered with plywood were constructed to fit across the elevator shaft. These decks were heavy and cumbersome to handle. Introduce, the expandable Aluminum ‘Pinch’ deck. Designed, engineered and constructed to install rapidly, and built out of lightweight aluminum materials. The use of aluminum helps cut down on time, materials and cost.

No matter how it is delivered, the message will always be that the proper use of fall protection equipment — in addition to planning, supervision, and training — can reduce or eliminate the risk of death or serious injury.

Do you know someone who you would like to nominate for the 2018 Innovation and Productivity Award?

 

Life Member Recipient – Rick Stockstad

Until his retirement in 2016, Rick was the face of ESC Automation in British Columbia.

Not content to simply work in the business, he gave tirelessly of his personal time to promote the construction industry to others. Rick was actively involved in a number of Industry Associations including ACA (now VRCA) where he has been a member since 1985 through various companies. Rick was involved in a number of committees at VRCA including over 30 years on the Special Events Committee where his claim to fame of course was co-anchor of the ACA News together with Larry Gibson.

He was always quick to lend a hand wherever needed and served as a mentor, both to young people entering the industry and others considering lateral moves. He was a firm believer in the importance of ethical business practices and promoted this approach throughout his career. Rick’s commitment to the construction industry and the betterment of the VRCA has been a huge asset.

Do you know someone who you would like to nominate for the 2018 Life Member Award?

 

Member of the Year Award recipient – Axiom Builders Incorporated

Axiom is active in both commercial and residential construction with offices in Calgary and Vancouver. Both cities are supported by management, general contractors and tradespeople who’ve been part of the Axiom team – and trained in the Axiom way – for decades.

Axiom applies three principles to all it does:

  1. Valuing their client’s dollars as if they were their own;
  2. Creating work they’re proud of; and
  3. Remembering that humility goes a long way.

It’s these principles that inspire Axiom as it continues to create its own legacy of successful projects.

Axiom Builders has been a member of the VRCA for more than 10 years. In addition to being an outstanding supporter of VRCA programs and events, their team members have invested countless hours serving on both the VRCA and BC Construction Association Board of Directors, VRCA’s GC Council and Education Committee and supporting the U40 Network.

Do you know someone who you would like to nominate for the 2018 Member of the Year Award?

 

Zero Frequency Injury Rate Recipients:

Do you know someone who you would like to nominate for the 2018 Zero Frequency Injury Rate Award?

Superior Safety Award Recipients

  • Graham Construction & Engineering for their superior safety record in the General Contractor 50,000 to 99,999 person hours
  • Houle for their superior safety record in the Trade Contractor 200,000 or more person hours
  • And Status Electrical Corporation for their superior safety record in the Trade Contractor 200,000 or more person hours

Do you know someone who you would like to nominate for the 2018 Superior Safety Award?