For the third year, Lee Kennedy Co., Inc. has attained the Associated General Contractors of Mass.' and OSHA's highest level of safety with regard to their CHASE Partnering Program which was established in 2003. The construction health and safety excellence (CHASE) program represents the two organization's goal to develop a working relationship that creates mutual trust and respect for the respective roles of each organization in the construction safety process. This program continues to serve as an effective tool and indicator that construction safety and health is improving within the northeast region. The Northeast Region has the most stringent qualifications in the nation and Lee Kennedy is proud to be listed as one of the top four safest contractors. AGC member contractors are evaluated and given the red, white or blue status based on findings of both AGC and OSHA representatives. Implementation of this program is expected to result in decreased serious injuries, illnesses, and fatalities for participating contractors and improvement of existing safety and health programs. Recently, Lee Kennedy Co. was also awarded the AGC of Mass. Merit Safety Award for 2007. Lee Kennedy Company has always considered safety as one of the most important steps in planning for each project.
The CHASE program has proven to be an effective means of improving safety and health across the country in our industry. The Massachusetts AGC/OSHA Program is the most comprehensive and the most difficult to achieve in the nation.

Michael Boyle is the vice president of safety at Lee Kennedy, member of the AGC of Mass. safety committee and has over 20 years experience in health and safety programs for the construction community.