Why the Best Builders Are the Safest
Every day, our teams step onto job sites that shape the future of our cities and communities. We're building hospitals that heal, labs that drive innovation, and the infrastructure that keeps neighborhoods running. The work we do serves a purpose far greater than the structures themselves—and it demands precision, grit, and an unwavering commitment to safety.
At Richard, safety isn't a seasonal focus. It's our foundation. Construction is a dangerous business—but we reject the notion that risk should ever equal injury. Our crews deserve better, and our clients expect better. That's why safety is never just a box we check. It's a promise we make: to our people, to their families, and to the communities we serve.
The progress speaks for itself. Today, we operate with an industry-leading EMR of 0.71—well below the national average—and we've gone more than 3,400 days without a lost time incident. But the real story isn't in the numbers. It's in what they represent: a culture where people come first.
Among our boldest steps is the investment in our people's protection. We've moved beyond the standard hard hat and equipped our workforce with Studson SHK-1 Type II safety helmets—engineered with Koroyd® technology for superior impact absorption and Brainshield® pads to reduce twisting injuries. Each helmet features the twICEme® NFC chip, giving first responders instant access to medical information in emergencies. We've outfitted teams with Cornerstone ANSI 107 Class 3 waterproof parkas and Kishigo heavy-duty vests. This isn't about checking boxes—it's about giving our people every possible advantage to stay safe.
Internally, we've launched a monthly Safety Steering Committee to drive continuous improvement and produce safety videos that speak directly to our crews. We've built accountability into our DNA: everyone from our newest apprentice to senior superintendents owns their role in safety.
Plan. Own. Commit. These aren't just words—they're our operating principles:
Plan with Precision. We embed safety from preconstruction through closeout. Risk assessments aren't an afterthought—they're our starting point. By identifying hazards early, we build smarter and safer.
Own Your Part. Safety is everyone's job. Whether you're in the trailer or on the lift, if you see something, you say something. We've empowered our teams to take immediate action—and we stand behind them when they do.
Commit to the Team. The best teams are built on care. It shows up in harness checks, pre-task plans, clean work zones, and constant communication. When people know they're supported, they look out for one another.
Technology and data help us execute at a higher level—from real-time dashboards flagging potential hazards to software forecasting risk in planning stages. But tools only work when there's commitment on the ground. Our field leaders don't just enforce safety—they coach it, model it, and live it.
At the end of the day, this isn't about compliance. It's about legacy. The buildings we construct will outlast us. The way we build them—and the care we take to protect our people—will define who we are long after the job is done.
This week, we join the industry in recognizing Construction Safety Week. But around here, this is how we operate every single day. Because the future of construction belongs to those who lead with intention, own their role, and never compromise when it comes to the well-being of their team.
Let's build it—safely, together.
Jed Richard, CEO