SACRAMENTO, CA — The Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) announces the winners of the 38th annual Construction Safety Excellence Awards (CSEA), held in partnership with HammerTech during the CONSTRUCT 2025 Annual Conference at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells.
"The growth of this year's program is a testament to the deep-rooted culture of safety that defines California's construction industry," said Peter Tateishi, Chief Executive Officer of AGC of California. "The companies honored through CSEA exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and care — showing that safety is a protocol and a shared value that drives innovation, strengthens our workforce, and ensures every worker goes home safely."
This year, the CSEA program experienced a rise in both applicants and finalists. The event brought together several hundred industry professionals — including construction executives, safety leaders, and student chapter members — to recognize the companies and individuals who exemplify the highest standards of safety excellence.
"As an industry, our mission remains centered on ensuring every worker returns home safely to their families," said Ryan Aukerman, President-Elect of AGC of California and President of Griffith Company. "Safety is at the heart of everything we do — not just on the job site, but in how we support the mental and physical well-being of every employee. We know that safety is more than just procedures and equipment; it's also about promoting mental health and creating an environment where everyone feels supported. Together, we are elevating safety conversations, implementing new initiatives, and raising the bar for what it means to protect the whole worker."
The CSEA luncheon featured opening remarks from 2025 AGC of California Safety & Health Council Chair Devin Caringella, Safety and Health Director at Clark Construction, as well as Doug Rubingh, Chief Sales Officer with HammerTech, a key partner and sponsor of the event. Keynote speaker Deborah Ostreicher, Founder of Distinguished Communications, delivered an address on team building and effective communication — emphasizing their role in building safer, more resilient job site cultures and boosting productivity.
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AGC of California will present its Harry Eckstein Safety Professional of the Year Award during the Installation & Awards Gala on January 30, 2026, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, California. This recognition highlights leadership and dedication to advancing safety across the construction industry.
- Individual Safety Effort of a Frontline Foreman: Richard Castro, Hensel Phelps
- Individual Safety Effort of a Project Superintendent: Armando Hernandez, ISEC Inc.
- Safety on a High Hazard Project: Granite Construction's LAX Runway 6L-24R North Airfield Exit Taxiways and Runway Rehabilitation Project
- Building Division Under 500,000 Worker Hours: Blach Construction Company
- Building Division 500,000 to 1 Million Worker Hours: Clark Construction Group
- Building Division Over 1 Million Worker Hours: Hensel Phelps
- Heavy Civil/Highway Under 275,000 Worker Hours: Nova Group Inc.
- Heavy Civil/Highway 275,000 to 1 Million Worker Hours: Skanska
- Heavy Civil/Highway Over 1 Million Worker Hours: Granite Construction
- Specialty Division Under 300,000 Worker Hours: Aldridge Electric
- Specialty Division 300,000 to 1 Million Worker Hours: ISEC Inc.
- Specialty Division Over 1 Million Worker Hours: Murray Company
