Paul Rooney Wins First-Ever Tradesperson Safety Achievement Award From ABC
For the first time ever, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Virginia Safety Committee awarded a Tradesperson Safety Achievement Award at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 8, 2007. During a recognition dinner, Paul Rooney, a Foreman in Calvert's New Construction division, was presented with this prestigious honor. Paul was nominated by members of the Calvert-Jones senior management team. His actions were significant and took a great deal of emotional courage, as he elected to temporarily shut down a job site until the General Contractor ensured the work environment and made it safe. This was a responsible move, because the trench was visibly unsafe. Paul did this in a courteous and professional way, yet let his concerns be known.
"The action that Paul took to ensure the safety of Calvert-Jones employees is commendable", said Stan Peregoy. "This call put Paul in an awkward position with the General Contractor, who was angry that work had been stopped. Paul knew this would be his reaction, but took the high road and did the right thing. I'm proud of Paul's tenacity and use of good judgment in a very difficult situation," he added.
The tradesperson Safety Achievement Award was designed to recognize the individual tradesperson who made a measurable contribution to safety within an ABC member company. All nominees embraced the fundamentals of safety and demonstrated their knowledge on job sites, through hazard recognition and by taking action. In almost all cases, including Paul Rooney's, these actions have saved others from injury.
"Paul is committed to the safety and health of all the crews for which he is responsible", explained Fort Pitt Group Safety Director Chris Elder. "He goes out of his way on a regular basis to support the company's safety initiatives. Winning this award emphasizes Paul's commitment to safety, not just at Calvert-Jones but within the construction industry at large," she concluded.