Poettker Construction Company today announced it has achieved PLATINUM level in Associated Builders and Contractor’s STEP Safety Management System. Founded more than three decades ago, STEP has evolved into a world-class safety program that dramatically improves safety performance among construction industry participants, with top-performing Diamond members achieving incident rates 645% safer than the industry average.  

“What a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors for the safety initiatives that Poettker is proud to achieve on an ongoing basis,” said Keith Poettker, Chairman and CEO of Poettker Construction. “This recognition further sets Poettker apart as a leader in providing unparalleled service, quality of work, and safety for its people and business partners.” 

Committed to safety and quality, the Poettker team performed more than 346,000 manhours with zero lost-time or recordable incidents in 2021 and received safety awards from the Central Illinois Builders of AGC. Poettker also achieved a certified contractor status through the Coalition for Construction Safety (CSS).  

STEP participants measure their safety processes and policies on key components through a detailed questionnaire with the goal of implementing or enhancing safety programs that reduce jobsite incidents. 

“Safety is a journey, and that journey is possible because of systems like STEP, which enables ABC member contractors like Poettker Construction to have safer and more productive jobsites,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development. “Committing to total human health is essential to ensure the physical and mental health and safety of our workforce, and I commend Poettker for consistently fulfilling those commitments to raise the bar of safety performance.” 

According to ABC’s annual Safety Performance Report, STEP participants, regardless of company size or type of work, can reduce recordable incidents up to 84%, making the best performing companies more than eight times safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average. Ratings range from Diamond, the highest, to Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Participant. 

To learn more about the STEP program, visit abc.org/step.