Safety First Yields LECET Safety Awards

It’s an exciting time for all stakeholders when the plans are finished and construction begins. The contributions of our skilled construction team are essential, and keeping them safe on the job site is a priority. That’s why we have a strong safety program. In fact, we focus on Safety First and establish just that mindset on our job sites. We’re honored to have received two acknowledgements from Minnesota Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET), a nonprofit organization that facilitates positive relations between labor and management in the construction industry.

LECET Safety Spirit Award

Andy Smoka, director of safety management for Opus Design Build, L.L.C., has spent hundreds of hours promoting and leading safety and injury prevention programs for the greater construction industry. He was recently recognized with the coveted LECET Safety Spirit Award.

The Safety Spirit Award recognizes select individuals who have made significant contributions to construction safety in Minnesota. Andy is just the second person to receive the award in the program’s 10 year history, and the award recognized him for the many important contributions he has made to safety in construction. Within LECET, Andy has provided ongoing, strong support for the Safety Driven Program and has been a valued steering committee member in designing the LECET Safety Seminar Series, which supports smaller contractors and subcontractors.

"Minnesota LECET is pleased to honor Andy Smoka with the Safety Spirit Award. He is a true professional who has devoted many years of his life to improving safety in the construction industry," said Dwight Engen, marketing director for Minnesota LECET. "Andy is one of a kind. He is not only talented and knowledgeable about the importance of construction safety, he’s incredibly passionate and has spent a lifetime encouraging others to do better, making the industry even safer for the next generation."

Andy received his award at LECET’s annual Contractor Appreciation Open House in March at the Construction Laborers Training Center in Lino Lakes, Minn. “I was teaching a class there in the morning and went to grab lunch in the cafeteria. That’s when they surprised me with the award. I had no idea it was coming, and it was an honor to be recognized this way.”

LECET Safety Driven Award

During the open house at LECET, Opus Design Build, L.L.C., received the LECET Safety Driven Award of Excellence. To be considered for the award, contractors must have achieved a minimum number of safety points per program rules, such as improving documentation, making safety equipment or procedural improvements, hosting dedicated safety meetings or sharing best practices. We were one of 36 Minnesota contractors to receive the award.

These awards acknowledge our commitment to safety on our construction job sites. We continue to focus on Safety First and keep safety as a priority.