2026 Safety Excellence Awards

 A Safety Champion is someone who makes safety a priority in everything they do, no matter what their role or title. They lead by example, pre-plan for safety, encourage others to work safely, and help build a culture where people look out for one another.  Whether they're in the field, the office, or supporting teams behind the scenes, they consistently take action to prevent incidents and strengthen the company's commitment to safety. 

Congratulations to the 2026 Safety Champion Award Recipients!

Ed Bender

Michael Kinder & Sons, Inc.
Nominated by Ty Wyss

“Ed Bender exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding supervisor. He not only excels at directing the work of MKS employees and subcontractors, but he also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to safety on every job site. With extensive knowledge of construction safety and OSHA regulations, Ed addresses safety concerns quickly, directly, and professionally, ensuring that potential hazards are resolved before they become issues. His proactive approach and attention to detail help maintain a safe, efficient, and well-organized work environment. Ed Bender is a premier example of the leadership, accountability, and safety focus we expect from all MKS superintendents.”

Carson Bradley

Weigand Construction
Nominated by Tyler Egbert

“Carson Bradley exemplifies outstanding leadership in the construction industry, particularly in his commitment to developing apprentices new to the trades. He consistently motivates and inspires those around him, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and safety. Carson leads by example on every jobsite, demonstrating safe work practices and a strong work ethic. He also partners proactively with the Safety Department to identify risks and responsibility. His dedication to mentorship and continuous improvement makes him a strong team member at Weigand Construction.”

John Felger

Brooks Construction Co., Inc.
Nominated by Matt Favory

“John Felger is highly deserving of the BCA Safety Champion Award due to his unwavering commitment to safety in every aspect of his work as a concrete foreman. John consistently leads by example, setting a high standard for safe work practices through pre-planning, clear communication, and disciplined execution on the job site. He actively encourages his crew and peers to prioritize safety, fostering an environment where accountability and awareness are part of the daily routine. John's dedication goes beyond internal expectations; he has been recognized by customers and general contractors alike for not only meeting but exceeding safety standards on recent projects. His ability to build trust, promote teamwork, and create a culture in which individuals look out for one another truly embodies the spirit of a Safety Champion.”

Zach Hamblin

Weigand Construction
Nominated by Tyler Egbert

“Zach consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership by leading from the front and setting a strong example for those around him. His integrity is evident in every aspect of his work, earning the trust and respect of his team. He collaborates closely with the Safety Department to ensure the best possible outcomes for the masons under his supervision, always prioritizing safe and effective work practices. Zach is a highly self-sufficient leader who can be relied upon to execute tasks thoroughly and correctly, with safety at the forefront. His commitment to doing the job right the first time makes him a valuable member of the Weigand Construction Team.”

Avery Logan

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.
Nominated by Joe Floyd

“Avery Logan is a General Foreman at SDI Columbia City for Shambaugh & Son. He constantly is keeping our men and women safe daily. He runs large shutdowns for us bi-weekly while keeping safety his top priority. In April and October, he runs outage of around 100 men and women with zero injuries.”

Adam Loucks

The Hagerman Group
Nominated by Mike Vaughn

“The safety mindset of the team being led by Adam at Beacon was clear to all subcontractors onsite. It was clear in the fact that our self-perform elevated concrete slab work could have exposed all trades to serious hazards if Adam and the team hadn't gone through the planning process. Protecting the building edges, openings, and walkways was done with a specific plan for each pour. Creating controlled access zone plans and working those plans in phases as the pour progressed across the slab was key to allow for safe access for all trades onsite during a pour.”

Luke Mungovan

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.
Nominated by Joe Floyd

“Luke Mungovan is one of Shambaugh’s lead foremen at the data center. He looks daily for ways to keep his crew safe while having them weld and install 36" carbon steel pipe. While working 7 days a week and 12 hours a day, he keeps our men and women safe.”

Logan Opper

FCI Construction
Nominated by the Rachel Skinner

“Logan demonstrates a strong and genuine commitment to understanding how safety shapes every aspect of construction work. He leads by example, actively engages in questioning processes and procedures to fully grasp potential hazards, and promotes safe behaviors across all trades he collaborates with. His proactive mindset, attention to detail, and willingness to speak up not only protect those around him but also strengthen the overall safety culture on site.”

Tom Smith

CME Construction
Nominated by Bruce Shanabarger

“I am nominating Tom Smith as a Safety Champion because he consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining a safe work environment for everyone. He proactively identifies hazards, takes immediate action to correct unsafe conditions, and leads by example in following safety procedures. Tom analyzes each job to proactively plan and implement the precautions needed to ensure the safety of the entire site. His willingness to speak up, support coworkers, and promote a culture of accountability and awareness has a meaningful impact on overall job site safety.”