Construction Safety Week 2026: Recognizing Those Who Lead by Example
Safety Week is a time to recognize the people who help build strong safety cultures every day, not just through policies and procedures, but through leadership, accountability, communication, and care for the people around them.
At Excelsior Safety Solutions, our work is rooted in creating safer work environments where safety is built into everyday decisions, not treated as a one-time checklist.
This year’s theme, All in Together, reminds us that safety is a shared responsibility. It takes every person on site looking out for themselves, their crews, and those working around them.
As part of Safety Week 2026, our team nominated individuals who demonstrate what safety looks like in action. These nominees lead by example, speak up when something doesn’t look right, support their teams, and help create safer workplaces through their everyday choices.
Below are this year’s Safety Week nominees and the words shared about them by our team.
Thomas, Journeyman Electrician
Thomas stands out because of his ability to lead by example, whether he is supervising a team or working in a journeyman capacity. He is someone others naturally look up to, not only for his knowledge, but for his integrity and commitment to following proper procedures and building to code.
Thomas consistently takes the initiative to mentor less experienced team members, reinforcing best practices and fostering a culture where safety is a shared responsibility. Through clear communication, accountability, and a commitment to doing the job right the first time, he plays a key role in creating a safer and more efficient jobsite for everyone.
Thank you, Thomas, for being an example others can follow.
Nominated by: Michael
Joshua, Plumber
Joshua was nominated for his strong commitment to safety and proactive approach in the field. He consistently maintains proper PPE, including high-visibility apparel, gloves, and eye protection, and sets a solid example for others on site.
What truly sets Joshua apart is his willingness to stop and ask questions to ensure tasks are performed safely. He regularly engages with Safety to confirm the correct approach before proceeding, showing that he prioritizes doing the job right over rushing to complete it.
Joshua demonstrates strong hazard awareness, maintains a clean and controlled work area, and approaches his work with professionalism and accountability. His actions contribute directly to a safer work environment and reinforce a positive safety culture on site.
Nominated by: Janet
Owen, Electrician
Owen was nominated because he consistently demonstrates a proactive commitment to safety on the job site. He not only follows safety procedures, but also takes the initiative to identify hazards, correct unsafe conditions, and look out for his coworkers.
His attitude and actions help create a safer work environment for everyone.
Nominated by: Jarus
Marko, Journeyman Electrician
Marko stands out as an exceptional example of craftsmanship, discipline, and safety ownership.
He was observed wearing full, task-appropriate PPE while performing electrical work. He followed all required procedures, demonstrating consistency, precision, and respect for the process.
Once his portion of the work was complete, Marko ensured the area was properly prepared for the next crew to continue the process. This showed strong awareness of workflow sequencing and team coordination.
With 14 years in the electrical trade, Marko brings deep experience, steady professionalism, and a calm, reliable presence to the jobsite. His commitment to safe work practices, procedural accuracy, and pride in his craft make him an outstanding nominee.
Nominated by: Johnny
Jimmy, General Foreman
Jimmy was nominated for being a great asset from day one. Not only does he achieve highly on the production side, but he is also consistently safety conscious.
Safety starts with leadership, and that shows through Jimmy’s crew. While several craft team members may have deserved recognition, Jimmy stood out for his attention to detail in both production and safety, time after time.
Nominated by: Dylan
Amanda, Laborer
Amanda deserves recognition for Safety Week because she consistently goes out of her way to help everyone she works with.
She supports her crew and is constantly moving throughout the building, staying alert and noticing potential hazards. When Amanda sees something unsafe, she immediately contacts Safety and makes sure it is addressed.
She is a great employee and a strong example of safety awareness.
Nominated by: Sharon
Paxton, Electrician Apprentice
Paxton is entering the apprenticeship, and while he is learning the electrical trade, he makes sure to integrate safety into his everyday work.
He constantly evaluates situations to figure out the safest approach. He starts with the basics by maintaining 100% PPE compliance and actively participating in daily pre-task planning. He is quick to reach out for a second opinion when determining how to complete a task safely.
Paxton makes sure safety and productivity run parallel, and he is already demonstrating a solid foundation for a successful safety culture.
Nominated by: Curt
Emibeth, Apprentice Electrician
Emibeth demonstrates excellent communication skills and consistently bridges the gap between English- and Spanish-speaking team members, ensuring clear, bilingual safety communication.
She is proactive in identifying hazards and consistently brings safety concerns to the forefront. Emibeth is also often the first to draft and explain the pre-task plan for the day, ensuring the team starts each task fully informed.
Her dedication to safety and her ability to foster effective communication make her a valuable asset.
Nominated by: Joey
Ryan, Welder
Ryan was nominated because he always has a great attitude, displays strong leadership within his crew, and consistently wears the correct PPE for the work he is performing.
He works in a safe and productive manner and is recognized for both his hard work and his commitment to safety.
Nominated by: Michael
Derrick, Electrician Apprentice
Derrick has been a strong presence on site, consistently speaking up and suggesting new ideas to improve how safety is approached in the field. He doesn’t just follow procedures. He looks for better, more efficient ways to keep everyone protected and makes sure those ideas are communicated clearly to the team.
Derrick is a great communicator when it comes to safety, always reminding not only his own crews, but also other contractors, of safety policies and expectations.
He takes initiative during daily operations, engages in meaningful conversations with workers, and is not afraid to address potential hazards before they become issues. His leadership shows through his willingness to coach others, reinforce proper practices, and promote accountability across all trades.
Derrick also plays a key role in maintaining a positive safety culture by encouraging participation, staying approachable, and ensuring everyone understands the “why” behind safety standards. He sets the tone for what strong safety leadership should look like on site.
Nominated by: Alfredo
Lubin, CW 2
Lubin is the kind of employee who makes people say, “I wish I had 10 more employees like this one.”
He consistently brings a positive attitude to work, always with a smile on his face and a kind word to share. He is the first to step up and volunteer when someone needs help, and he never hesitates to go the extra mile to make sure the job gets done safely.
Lubin takes pride in watching out for his coworkers, making safety and teamwork a priority every day. When you stop to talk with him, he is always friendly and genuinely interested in how you are doing.
He is a joy to be around and an even greater asset as a coworker.
Nominated by: Andy
Wesley
Wesley is a dedicated and dependable team member who consistently shows up to work ready to perform at a high level. He demonstrates a strong work ethic and takes initiative in his daily tasks without needing direction.
Wesley is the type of worker who stays productive throughout the day and can be counted on to get the job done right.
He maintains a positive attitude, works well with others, and is always willing to step in and help wherever needed. His ability to anticipate what needs to be done and take action without being told sets him apart.
Wesley takes pride in his work, pays attention to detail, and represents the crew in a professional manner. His reliability, consistency, and self-motivation make him a valuable asset to the team.
Nominated by: Belinda
Chuck, Electrician Foreman
As a foreman, Chuck leads with a people-first mentality, placing the health and safety of his team above all else.
From managing equipment and PPE logistics to facilitating essential training, he diligently works to mitigate risk at every level. His leadership helps ensure his crew has what they need to do the job safely and effectively.
Chuck’s commitment to ethical leadership is clear in the way he approaches the work and supports his team. He helps create an environment where no crew member is expected to work in unsafe conditions.
Nominated by: Billy
Andrew, Carpenter
Andrew is a dedicated team member who shows up ready to tackle the day with his basic PPE and cut sleeves. He understands the importance of safety on the job and makes sure he is fully equipped to protect himself while delivering quality work.
Andrew prioritizes safety and sets a strong example for his crew. His actions show that he understands safety is not just an individual responsibility, but something that impacts everyone around him.
His commitment reflects what it means to be All in Together, looking out for one another and helping create a safer work environment for the entire team.
Nominated by: Brandi
Victor, Foreman
Victor does an outstanding job leading his crew with safety in mind. He continues to partner with EHS, obtains the necessary permits, and makes sure safety requirements are being met.
His leadership helps keep safety expectations clear, consistent, and connected to the work being performed. By staying engaged and making safety part of the daily process, Victor helps set his crew up for success.
Nominated by: Brandon
Scott, Electrician
Scott consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to doing the right thing. He ensures that his team remains aligned with safety policies and procedures, setting a positive example in the workplace.
He has a strong ability to recognize and address hazards within his work area, and he regularly approaches the safety team with thoughtful questions and concerns when changes occur in the work environment.
Scott’s willingness to speak up, ask questions, and stay engaged makes him a valuable asset to the team. His actions help reinforce a safety culture where concerns are addressed early and expectations remain clear.
Nominated by: Cameron
Michael, Low Voltage
Michael’s commitment to safety is always first and foremost on his mind and on the minds of his team.
He helps ensure that he and his team leave work the same way they arrived. That mindset reflects one of the most important goals of safety: making sure every person goes home safely at the end of the day.
Through his daily actions and awareness, Michael helps keep safety at the front of the work being done around him.
Nominated by: Caroline
Marcus, Document Specialist
Marcus was nominated for his can-do attitude and his daily focus on safety in an extremely important role preparing method-of-procedure documents for the project.
His work plays an important part in safe planning, communication, and execution across the team. By supporting the processes that help crews understand the work ahead, Marcus contributes to the overall safety and success of the project.
Nominated by: Clyde
Linken, CW Electrician
Linken stands out as one of the safest employees in the workplace because of his strong attention to detail and commitment to doing things the right way.
He consistently follows proper procedures and avoids shortcuts, helping maintain a safe environment for everyone around him. What makes Linken especially deserving of recognition for Safety Week is his proactive approach.
He regularly brings concerns to the safety team and isn’t afraid to ask questions. This shows that he’s not only thinking about his own safety, but also looking out for others in his crew.
His willingness to speak up and stay engaged makes him a great example of what a safety-focused employee should be.
Nominated by: Cameron
Courtney, Safety Project Administrator
Courtney is a driving force behind the success of the site’s safety program and is widely recognized as the backbone of the operation.
As a Safety Project Administrator, she manages safety documentation with exceptional precision, ensuring records are accurate, complete, and consistently aligned with policies and regulatory requirements. Her work keeps the project organized, audit-ready, and operating at a level that reflects true professionalism and accountability.
Her impact goes far beyond paperwork. Courtney takes ownership of PPE management across the site, ensuring every employee has the proper equipment and that standards are enforced without exception. She plays a direct role in supporting field operations by helping maintain compliance, streamlining communication, and eliminating gaps that could lead to risk.
What truly sets Courtney apart is her reliability and commitment. She handles a high volume of responsibility without missing deadlines or sacrificing quality. She anticipates needs before they become issues, steps in without being asked, and consistently delivers results that elevate the entire team.
Courtney’s contributions directly strengthen the site’s safety culture by creating structure, accountability, and consistency. She doesn’t just support the safety program, she helps drive it forward.
Nominated by: De’Andre
Levon, Fire Alarm Foreman
Levon was nominated for his exceptional leadership and commitment to safety. His nominator shared that after witnessing life-altering incidents during his years in heavy manufacturing, he is dedicated to ensuring no one else suffers a similar fate. In Levon, he has found a partner who shares that mission.
Whether serving as a foreman or general foreman, Levon consistently demonstrates proactive initiative. He focuses on creating a safe environment by maintaining constant communication with his crews and the safety team to mitigate hazards before work begins.
Levon’s leadership is rooted in deep personal experience. After losing a teammate to electrocution ten years ago, he witnessed the devastating long-term impact on the family left behind. That tragedy shaped his belief that compliance is essential because every individual is irreplaceable.
He leads with his own family in mind, striving daily to ensure everyone on the job site returns home healthy. He treats the workforce with respect that transcends production goals, often stating that while a person might be a “body” to a company, they are always “somebody” to their loved ones.
Nominated by: James
Oscar, Journeyman Carpenter
Oscar was recognized for his outstanding contributions to safety performance on site.
He consistently demonstrates what strong safety leadership looks like in practice. His situational awareness is exceptional. He maintains a clear understanding of both active operations and surrounding conditions, allowing him to proactively identify risks before they escalate.
His observations are not only frequent, but also high quality, actionable, and rooted in a genuine commitment to improving site conditions.
What differentiates Oscar is his mindset. He approaches safety with curiosity and intent, always asking the right questions, challenging conditions when necessary, and striving for continuous improvement. He doesn’t operate on autopilot. He is deliberate, engaged, and fully invested in doing things the right way.
In addition to his technical awareness, Oscar brings a strong human element to safety. He looks out for others, communicates effectively, and contributes to a culture where people feel supported and accountable. That combination of awareness, initiative, and care is exactly what elevates a jobsite from compliant to truly safe.
Oscar’s consistency, professionalism, and proactive approach make him a valuable asset to the team and a clear example of what we aim to promote during Safety Week.
Nominated by: Julio
Samuel, Controls Technician
Samuel was nominated for the strong commitment to safety he has shown over the past year.
Samuel is always looking out for his coworkers and doesn’t hesitate to speak up or report anything that could get someone hurt. He stays aware of what’s going on around him and takes action before small issues turn into bigger problems.
What really stands out about Samuel is how reliable he is in the field. You can count on him to do the right thing, set a good example, and keep safety at the front of everything he does.
He’s hardworking, dependable, and truly cares about keeping people safe. Having someone like Samuel on the team makes a big difference.
Samuel also shared a quote that reflects his mindset:
“Safety is so important. I want to see all of my brothers and sisters working alongside me going home to their loved ones every day. What we do is hard work and can be dangerous, so I am always looking out for everyone as much as I can, no matter who they work for.”
Nominated by: Kyle
Amanda and Lenny, Laborers
Amanda and Lenny were nominated for their actions as part of the All in Together campaign.
After witnessing a vehicle incident, they immediately contacted Safety, prevented the individual from leaving the scene, and documented the incident with photos. Their quick response, accountability, and willingness to step in demonstrate exactly what a strong safety culture looks like in action.
Their commitment to speaking up and taking ownership reflects a high standard of professionalism and dedication to keeping everyone on site safe.
Nominated by: Larry
Taylor, Pump Operator
Taylor consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to safety on site. He always wears the proper PPE while traveling to and from the pumps and is proactive in identifying and reporting safety issues.
For example, he quickly pointed out that a fire extinguisher had been discharged, allowing the issue to be addressed promptly.
His vigilance and positive safety attitude help protect the entire team. Taylor’s awareness and willingness to speak up are exactly the kinds of everyday actions that help keep a jobsite safe.
Nominated by: Tom
Alex, Low Voltage
Alex was nominated for consistently putting safety first and demonstrating a strong commitment not only to his own well-being, but to the safety of everyone around him.
He approaches each task with careful planning, making sure potential hazards are identified and properly controlled before work begins. By following established safety protocols, wearing the appropriate PPE, and maintaining strong situational awareness, he sets a high standard for others to follow.
His proactive mindset means he speaks up when something doesn’t look right and takes immediate action to correct unsafe conditions. Alex understands that productivity and safety go hand in hand, and his daily actions reflect a genuine responsibility to create a secure and efficient work environment for the entire team.
Nominated by: Cody
Hiroki, Project Manager/Project Engineer
Hiroki has demonstrated one of the highest levels of commitment to safety that his nominator has encountered from someone in his role. He consistently leads by example, wearing full PPE each time he leaves the job-site office trailer, even if he is only stepping out briefly.
He spends a significant amount of time in the field alongside crews, ensuring that all personnel are properly equipped with PPE, verifying that equipment inspections are completed prior to operation, and confirming that pre-task plans are thoroughly reviewed, understood, and signed before work begins.
Beyond his strong safety leadership, Hiroki is approachable, respectful, and easy to work with. He consistently maintains a positive attitude and engages with others in a professional and supportive manner.
In more than 20 years in construction, his nominator shared that it is rare to see this level of hands-on leadership and dedication from someone in a project management or engineering role. Hiroki is a true leader who sets the standard by leading through example.
Nominated by: Gerald
Mario, Journeyman
Mario consistently goes above and beyond the duties he is required to perform. He ensures his fellow workers have the materials and PPE they need to complete the task at hand.
He takes it upon himself to fill out the pre-task planning board and translate for Spanish-speaking employees. Mario is always willing to assist when his crew is asked to correct something, and he never gives pushback.
He takes the time to teach the apprentices on his crew and regularly sets an excellent safety standard. His leadership, communication, and willingness to help make him a strong example of safety in action.
Nominated by: Justin
Nick, Foreman
Nick was nominated for always being proactively safe.
He communicates with Safety and his crew members before each job task to make sure the work is being done safely and efficiently. His proactive communication helps keep expectations clear before the work begins and supports a safer environment for everyone involved.
Nominated by: Maxon
Saxxon, Lead Laborer
Saxxon consistently stands out for his commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. On a daily basis, he demonstrates strong situational awareness, proactively identifies potential hazards, and takes immediate action to address them before they escalate.
He not only follows safety protocols, but also encourages his coworkers to do the same, leading by example through his actions and attitude. Whether stopping work to correct an unsafe condition or taking the time to ensure proper procedures are followed, Saxxon helps foster a culture where safety is a shared responsibility.
His reliability and proactive approach make him a valuable asset to the job site and a role model for others. In addition, he is currently taking courses to transition into the safety professional field, further showing his dedication to growth and continuous improvement.
Nominated by: Michael
Billy, Key Carpenter
Billy was recognized as an outstanding leader to his team and to the people around him. He goes above and beyond to make sure those working nearby are aware of the tasks his crew is performing, especially when that work could affect others.
He takes initiative when supervisors or safety team members are not around. He makes sure his crew doesn’t fail, because he understands that if one person fails, everyone is impacted.
Billy keeps his team safe at all times and does not put production over safety. His nominator shared that he has the potential to be an outstanding leader.
Nominated by: Rajshone
Jose, Carpenter
Jose is a dedicated member of the Safety Champions program and consistently contributes to maintaining safe conditions in his work area. He takes initiative in housekeeping efforts, ensuring his area remains clean, organized, and free of hazards.
His actions reinforce the importance of safety as a shared responsibility.
In addition to his daily responsibilities, Jose has obtained safety-related certifications and has shown a strong interest in growing into a safety role. He is always willing to assist, educate others, and support safety initiatives across the site.
His dedication demonstrates both leadership and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.
Nominated by: Roxie
Tristen, Apprentice Electrician
Tristen was nominated because he is coachable and responsive to feedback. Any time he has been corrected, he listens, applies the feedback, and does not need to be spoken to about the same issue twice.
He asks good questions when he is unsure about a process or policy, stays on top of inspections, and reports issues as they arise.
Tristen’s willingness to learn, ask questions, and take action when something needs attention shows a strong foundation for safe work habits.
Nominated by: Zachary
Barthell, Laborer
Barthell is a leader in safety, consistently pointing out hazards so they can be resolved.
He comes in early to make sure equipment is stocked and working for employees. He always wears his PPE and uses fall protection correctly when working at heights.
His attention to the details that help others work safely shows his commitment to protecting the team and maintaining a safer jobsite.
Nominated by: Vernon
Julian, Superintendent
Julian consistently demonstrates an outstanding commitment to safety, even though he is not part of the safety department. He leads by example every day, strictly following safety protocols and ensuring they are upheld across his team.
He is actively involved in the well-being of his workers, making sure they have the tools, resources, and support needed to perform their tasks safely. Julian takes the time to assist his crew, address concerns, and ensure that no one is left without guidance.
What truly sets Julian apart is his proactive attitude toward safety. During safety meetings and trainings, he consistently participates, asks thoughtful questions, and seeks ways to improve conditions for his team. His engagement shows a genuine interest in continuous improvement and risk prevention.
Julian is always available to collaborate with the safety team, offering support whenever needed and reinforcing a strong safety culture on site. His leadership helps create a work environment where safety is a shared responsibility and a daily priority.
Nominated by: Francheska
Luis, First-Year Apprentice
Luis was nominated for his exceptional commitment to workplace safety. He consistently prioritizes the well-being of himself and his colleagues, leading by example in every task.
He upholds high standards of integrity and consistently does the right thing, even when nobody is looking.
Luis’s commitment, awareness, and willingness to lead by example make him a strong representation of what Safety Week is all about.
Nominated by: Jake
Clay, Foreman
Clay consistently ensures that his crews adhere to all rules and regulations. His team’s pre-task plan is among the most thorough on site, clearly detailing the scope of work for each day.
He proactively engages the safety team whenever there are changes in task scope and ensures the pre-task planning board is updated to reflect those changes. This level of communication helps keep everyone informed and aligned before the work continues.
His crews maintain full compliance with PPE requirements across the job site. Clay is also highly responsive to any concerns involving his team. He addresses issues promptly, takes immediate action, and ensures they are resolved efficiently.
Clay’s leadership helps set clear expectations and reinforces the importance of safety as part of the daily workflow.
Nominated by: Jereme
Levy, Electrician
Levy was nominated because every time he is seen working, he consistently does the right thing.
He is always aware of his surroundings, speaks up when needed, asks questions, and most importantly, works safely at all times.
His consistency and willingness to stay engaged make him a strong example of safety in action.
Nominated by: Jesus
Armando, Electrician
Armando was nominated for the positive attitude he brings to the job every day. His nominator shared that he has never spoken to Armando without seeing a smile on his face.
He is always in compliance with safety expectations, never misses work, and maintains a positive attitude toward safety. As a journeyman electrician, he is a proven leader and mentor among his peers.
Armando’s consistency, professionalism, and positive approach make him a great example of the kind of safety culture we want to recognize.
Nominated by: Joey
Jesse, Laborer Lead
Jesse was recognized as the kind of employee who balances getting the job done with doing it safely.
He is always on task and does the work the right way. His attention to both productivity and safety helps set a strong example for those around him.
Jesse has earned a reputation for taking excellent care of the facilities he works in and finding ways to make things happen. His team is thrilled to have him and grateful for the way he shows up every day.
Nominated by: Jonathan
Ty’Neice, Security
Ty’Neice truly represents what safety culture should look like.
From the second you arrive on site to the moment you leave, she is there welcoming you with a smile, a positive attitude, and a presence that sets the tone for the entire day. That may seem small to some, but it’s not. That’s where culture starts.
Safety isn’t just policies, procedures, or checklists.
It’s how people feel when they walk into a workplace. It’s the energy, the respect, and the human connection.
Ty’Neice brings that every single day.
A friendly face at the gate might be the only smile someone gets that day. It might be the reset someone didn’t know they needed. It reminds people they matter.
That’s mental health. That’s culture. That’s real safety.
Creating a safe workplace starts with creating a welcoming one, and Ty’Neice does that every day.
Nominated by: Vicki
Mandy, Laborer
Mandy has shown a real interest in learning how to write pre-task planning boards.
She has worked hand in hand with the foreman to stay proactive on future tasks, hazards, and mitigations. Her willingness to learn, participate, and take ownership of planning shows a strong commitment to safety.
By staying engaged in the process and helping prepare for the work ahead, Mandy contributes to a safer and more organized jobsite.
A friendly face at the gate might be the only smile someone gets that day. It might be the reset someone didn’t know they needed. It reminds people they matter.
That’s mental health. That’s culture. That’s real safety.
Creating a safe workplace starts with creating a welcoming one, and Ty’Neice does that every day.
Nominated by: Maribel
Thank You to Our Safety Week Nominees
Each of these nominations reflects something important: safety culture is built through everyday actions.
It’s built when someone speaks up, asks a question, takes a few extra minutes to plan the work, supports a coworker, or corrects a hazard before it becomes something more serious.
Thank you to every nominee recognized during Construction Safety Week 2026, and thank you to the team members who took the time to highlight the people making a difference around them. Your leadership, awareness, and commitment help strengthen jobsite safety culture every day.
At Excelsior Safety Solutions, we’re proud to support organizations through safety consulting and training services that help teams stay prepared, informed, and proactive.
If your organization is looking for support with safety consulting, training, or jobsite safety planning, connect with our team.
Together, we are All in Together.