In the construction industry, safety is a priority and a cornerstone of success. Ensuring that every worker goes home safely at the end of the day requires more than compliance with regulations – it demands a commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. For members of West Tennessee ABC, the Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) program embodies this dedication, providing a pathway to elevate safety performance and create a culture of health and well-being.
What is the STEP program?
Established in 1989 by the ABC National Environment, Health & Safety Committee, the STEP program is a safety recognition and improvement tool designed specifically for the merit shop construction industry. Developed by contractors, for contractors, STEP helps companies gauge their safety practices, identify areas for growth, and implement tailored strategies to reduce incidents and improve overall safety.
Through its comprehensive and cost-free framework, the STEP Safety Management System enables participants to:
- Measure their safety performance using reliable data.
- Benchmark their achievements against industry peers.
- Develop actionable plans to address growth opportunities and lower total recordable incident rates (TRIR).
The program’s flexibility makes it accessible to companies of all sizes and specialties, giving every participant the tools they need to foster safer work environments.
The path to STEP excellence
The STEP program includes six levels of achievement: Participant, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. These tiers reflect a company’s commitment to building a robust safety culture and attaining measurable improvements.
Companies that gain the highest levels of recognition – Gold, Platinum, and Diamond – become eligible for prestigious awards, including the ABC National Health and Safety Excellence Awards. These accolades honor top companies that demonstrate a holistic approach to health and safety by embedding these principles into their operations.
Why STEP?
Safety in construction is a dynamic challenge. With evolving technologies, diverse job sites, and an ever-changing workforce, companies must stay ahead of the curve to protect their teams and clients. STEP participants benefit from:
- Data-driven insights: By analyzing injury reports and safety data, companies can pinpoint areas of improvement and implement evidence-based strategies.
- Leadership engagement: STEP encourages meaningful dialogue between leadership and team members, fostering a shared dedication to safety.
- Industry accreditation: Achieving STEP recognition signals to clients and partners that your company exemplifies safety at the highest standards.
- Workforce empowerment: A strong safety culture can reduce incidents and boost morale, retention, and productivity.
Cultivating a culture of safety
For top-performing ABC members, safety is a mindset. These companies integrate health and safety into every aspect of their operations, empowering their teams to deliver exceptional results while prioritizing their well-being. Leaders and employees alike commit to holistic health programs, ensuring that the physical, mental, and emotional welfare of every worker is supported.
Innovation also plays a key role in maintaining safety excellence. From adopting the latest construction safety technologies to refining training programs, STEP participants are continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in safety management.
STEP into a safer future
Are you ready to take your company’s safety program to the next level? West Tennessee ABC invites all members to participate in the STEP program and gain the tools, insights, and recognition needed to build a safer future. The application is free, and we are here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Whether you’d like our team to visit your office or prefer to meet at ours, we’re ready to assist you and answer any questions. Let us help you take the first step toward enhancing your performance and creating a stronger safety culture within your company.
For more information on the STEP program and how to apply, visit www.wtcabc.org/education/safety or contact our team today.
