Jordan Foster Construction Wins 2025 National Safety Excellence Award
Jordan Foster Construction (JFC), a nationally recognized leader in the construction industry, has been honored with the 2025 National Health and Safety Excellence Award by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). This prestigious recognition highlights companies that demonstrate exceptional safety performance and foster a deeply ingrained culture of health and safety across all aspects of their operations. For JFC, the award marks yet another milestone, representing the third time since 2023 that its health and safety program has earned national-level recognition.
The accolade underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its workforce while consistently delivering reliable and high-quality outcomes for clients and partners. In an industry where jobsite risks are inherent, JFC has positioned safety as a foundational element of its operational philosophy rather than a compliance requirement.
Chief Executive Officer Darren Woody emphasized that the recognition reflects the discipline and consistency with which safety practices are embedded throughout the organization. According to Woody, the company’s responsibilities extend far beyond completing construction projects—they include ensuring that every worker returns home safely at the end of each day. This principle serves as a guiding force across all project phases, from planning and design to execution and completion.
A defining feature of JFC’s approach is its strong organizational culture, built on trust, long-term relationships, and generational continuity. Across its operations, families have remained part of the company for multiple generations, a testament to the confidence employees place in its commitment to safety and well-being. Examples include families such as the Votta family in El Paso and the Acuña and Rivas families in Austin, whose continued presence reflects a deep-rooted belief in the company’s values and practices.
Beyond culture, JFC has taken a proactive approach to redefining safety processes. The company has developed a unified safety leadership framework that integrates safety into everyday decision-making and project execution. One of its flagship initiatives, the Field Safety Leader program, identifies and develops future leaders from within its workforce. By empowering experienced craft professionals to act as safety advocates within their teams, the program strengthens peer accountability and enhances real-time hazard awareness on jobsites.
This peer-driven model ensures that safety is not solely managed from the top down but is actively reinforced at every level of the organization. Workers are encouraged to take ownership of safety practices, creating an environment where open communication and shared responsibility are the norm.
In addition to workforce engagement, JFC has embraced digital transformation as a key component of its safety strategy. Project teams utilize advanced digital platforms to improve communication, streamline knowledge sharing, and minimize risks. The integration of artificial intelligence into safety management systems has been particularly transformative, enabling the company to shift from a reactive approach to a predictive, data-driven model.
By analyzing data trends and identifying potential hazards before they escalate, JFC is able to implement preventive measures that enhance overall jobsite safety. This forward-looking approach not only reduces incidents but also contributes to more efficient project execution and improved outcomes.
Tricia Kagerer, Executive Vice President of Risk Management, highlighted the broader impact of integrating safety into project planning and execution. She noted that when safety is treated as a core component of operations, it enhances schedule reliability, improves quality, and strengthens overall project performance. This alignment between safety and operational excellence has become a key differentiator for JFC in a competitive industry.
Recognizing that safety extends beyond physical well-being, JFC has also made significant strides in addressing mental health within the construction workforce. In recent years, the company has incorporated mental health awareness and suicide prevention into its Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) strategy, reflecting a holistic approach to employee well-being.
Programs such as Mind Saver, which aligns with CPR-based mental health awareness training, and VitalCog, a construction-specific suicide prevention initiative, have been integrated into various training programs, including OSHA 30 and leadership development courses. These initiatives equip employees with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize warning signs, support colleagues, and access critical resources.
To further reinforce this commitment, JFC has established a dedicated Mental Wellness Manager role. This position ensures that mental health awareness is consistently integrated into safety training and workforce development efforts. By addressing both physical and mental aspects of safety, the company is fostering a comprehensive Culture of Care that supports employees on and off the jobsite.
Asma Bayunus, EHS Operations Manager and Mental Wellness Manager, emphasized that safety is embedded in the daily decisions made by employees. She noted that the combination of field engagement, data-driven insights, and mental health initiatives helps create an environment where employees feel supported, empowered, and confident in speaking up about potential risks or concerns.
JFC’s approach demonstrates that a strong safety culture is not achieved through isolated initiatives but through sustained investment in people, processes, and technology. By aligning these elements, the company has created a system where safety enhances overall project performance and contributes to long-term value for clients.
The recognition from ABC reflects years of intentional effort and continuous improvement. It also positions JFC as a leader in advancing safety standards within the construction industry. As projects grow increasingly complex and expectations continue to rise, the company’s integrated approach to safety provides a model for others to follow.
At its core, JFC’s philosophy is straightforward yet impactful: when employees are supported physically, mentally, and professionally, stronger teams and safer jobsites naturally follow. Through its ongoing commitment to innovation and its deeply rooted Culture of Care, the company is not only improving safety outcomes today but also helping to shape a more resilient, responsible, and sustainable future for the construction sector.
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