SAN DIEGO, CA — The American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA) announces Bobby Blankenship as the recipient of its 2018 Safe Operator of the Year award.
“Safety is one of the American Concrete Pumping Association’s highest priorities, and our goal is to foster a culture of safety at every level in the concrete pumping industry,” said Christi Collins, ACPA Executive Director. “Recognizing the finest examples of safety is one way we uphold our commitment to this mission. We’re proud to name Bobby Blankenship of Merli Concrete Pumping in San Diego as ACPA’s 2018 Safe Operator of the Year.”
In his more than 40-year career as a Concrete Pumper, Blankenship has earned a reputation as one of the industry’s safest operators. He began operating concrete pumps for CCC Pumping in Detroit in 1974 before moving to California in 1977. In 1985, Blankenship joined Merli Concrete Pumping in San Diego. In Bobby’s own words, he has “been happily working for Merli for 33 years.” Blankenship has held certification as an ACPA Concrete Pump Operator since 2008 when Merli Concrete Pumping joined ACPA.
ACPA presented Blankenship with the award at the ACPA Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation in Las Vegas. ACPA member companies submitted nominees, and as a condition of award consideration, all nominees held valid ACPA operator certifications.
Every nomination included at least one recommendation from a supervisor, coworker or customer. An independent safety consultant selected the winner according to the criteria of safety record, workforce development and a spirit of furthering the concrete pumping industry.
ACPA Awards promote merit and achievement in the concrete pumping industry and recognize individuals who have made exemplary contributions to ACPA. Award winners embody the core values of advancing the concrete pumping industry and commitment to ACPA.