S&B Named National Safety Leader by ABC
S&B, a leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company, has been honored with the prestigious National Safety Pinnacle Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). The award was presented at the 35th annual Excellence in Construction® Awards during the ABC Convention 2025, held in Las Vegas on February 26. This accolade underscores S&B’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in the construction industry.
Commitment to Safety Excellence
Safety is at the heart of S&B’s operations. The company’s philosophy centers around ensuring that every worker returns home safely each day. “Our people take safety personally, ensuring every worker goes home safely daily. We are proud to be recognized as a national leader in safety and remain committed to continuous improvement and innovation,” said Jeff Sipes, CEO of S&B.
S&B’s recognition comes as a result of its industry-leading safety performance, operational excellence, and innovative health and safety programs. The National Safety Pinnacle Award was presented to just 52 contractors across the country, highlighting the select few who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to workplace safety.
Rigorous Selection Process
The National Safety Excellence Award winners were chosen from ABC member firms that achieved Diamond, Platinum, or Gold status in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System® in 2024. This status was based on their safety performance data from 2023. The selection process was rigorous, with contractors evaluated on multiple safety metrics, including:
- Self-evaluation scores
- Lost workday case rates
- Total recordable incident rates
- Leading indicator use
- Process and program innovations
- Interviews conducted by members of ABC’s National Health and Safety Committee
ABC’s STEP program provides contractors and suppliers with a comprehensive, no-cost framework for measuring safety data and benchmarking against industry peers. This program enables top-performing ABC members to achieve incident rates that are 576% safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics construction industry average. By utilizing the self-assessment tool, companies like S&B can identify real opportunities for scalable growth in their safety programs, ultimately lowering their total recordable incident rates.
Industry Recognition and Impact
“S&B exhibits an unrelenting commitment to jobsite safety, and that should be celebrated and honored,” said David Pugh, 2025 Chair of the ABC National Board of Directors and a partner at Bradley in Birmingham, Alabama. “The leadership and employees at S&B make a choice every day to create a culture that refuses to compromise on safety, relentlessly ensuring every employee leaves the jobsite in the same or better condition than they arrived. Among these safety winners are several ABC Top Performers, ranked by work hours. Thank you to these safety leaders for the example they set for this industry.”
The National Safety Excellence Awards are categorized under three major North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes:
- NAICS 236: Construction of Buildings
- NAICS 237: Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- NAICS 238: Specialty Trade Contractors
By recognizing leaders in these categories, ABC aims to set a benchmark for safety across different segments of the construction industry.
The Role of CNA in Safety Excellence
CNA, ABC’s longest-standing strategic partner, plays a crucial role in supporting safety initiatives within the industry. As the presenting sponsor of the National Safety Excellence Awards, CNA’s dedicated construction team provides tailored solutions that help contractors navigate unique and evolving safety challenges. Their expertise ensures that companies like S&B continue to implement effective safety measures that protect workers and enhance project efficiency.
About S&B
S&B is a leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company with a national footprint. Specializing in designing, building, and delivering projects for midstream, refining, chemical, and industrial sectors, S&B prioritizes safety, quality, and integrity in every project it undertakes. The company’s dedication to excellence has earned it recognition as a top performer in the construction industry.
