Boston, MA Kaplan Construction, a WBE general contractor and construction management firm providing comprehensive building programs across Greater Boston, has achieved Diamond level in the Associated Builders and Contractor’s (ABC)STEP Safety Management System, meaning the company is 655% safer than the industry average. Founded more than three decades ago, STEP has evolved into a world-class safety program that dramatically improves safety performance among construction industry participants.

“Safeguarding the health and welfare of our employees, subcontractors, and site visitors is one of our highest priorities. Maintaining accident-free construction operations is not only our primary concern, but it is our utmost responsibility as contractors,” said Nathan Peck, president of Kaplan Construction. “We are proud to have been recognized by ABC with its highest honor and congratulate the other STEP Award winners.”

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 Kaplan to have a safer and more productive jobsite,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC vice president of health, safety, environment, and workforce development. “Committing to total human health is essential to ensure both the physical and mental health and safety of our workforce, and I commend Kaplan for consistently fulfilling those commitments to raising the bar of safety performance.”

According to ABC’s annual Safety Performance Report, STEP participants, regardless of company size or type of work, and can reduce recordable incidents up to 85%, 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.

Kaplan was a founding member of the ABC Mass Workers’ Comp Self-Insurance Group and has consistently been an early adopter of modern safety practices. In 2017 and 2018, Kaplan brought on a dedicated safety manager and operations manager to enhance its safety protocol and increase field oversight. The company has been awarded an ABC Safety Award every year since 1998.