Granite celebrates six prestigious NSSGA Awards for Safety and Sustainability
When it comes to prioritising safety and environmental stewardship in the construction and materials industry, few companies match the dedication of Granite.
This year, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) recognised that commitment by bestowing six prestigious awards upon the company, including the Bronze Louis Griesemer Sterling Safety Award for large companies. These accolades underscore Granite’s relentless pursuit of operational excellence, both in keeping its workforce safe and in protecting the environment.
On 27 September 2024, at the NSSGA Legislative & Policy Forum in Washington DC, Granite stood out for its strong performance in both safety and environmental management, earning multiple awards across its operations. This achievement signals not only the company’s adherence to high safety standards but also its environmental responsibility—a hallmark of Granite’s reputation in the construction industry.
Safety as a Core Value
Safety isn’t just a priority for Granite; it’s ingrained in the company’s culture. From day one, Granite has made it clear that the safety of its employees is non-negotiable. The Louis Griesemer Sterling Safety Award, a Bronze award in the large company category, represents the pinnacle of safety recognition in the aggregates industry. Awarded to companies with the lowest total accident incidence rate, this accolade underscores Granite’s leadership in safeguarding its workforce.
Brad Estes, Granite’s Senior Vice President of Construction Materials, stated: “Safety is a core value at Granite. Receiving this award is a testament to our dedication to protecting the teams working in our aggregate operations. Our people are our greatest asset; Granite’s commitment to safety reflects how much we value our employees.”
Michael Johnson, President and CEO of NSSGA, echoed this sentiment, recognising the importance of safety to the overall success of member companies: “Safety shapes the culture and everyday practices of each of our members. Our members stay vigilant about training and ensure safety practices occur on every level. The 2024 Safety winners must be congratulated for continuing to keep safety as a core value.”
A Legacy of Environmental Excellence
Granite’s commitment to sustainability is just as robust as its dedication to safety. Four of the six awards they received were in recognition of their outstanding environmental management efforts. The NSSGA’s Environmental Excellence Awards highlight companies that go above and beyond regulatory compliance, demonstrating innovative approaches to reducing their environmental footprint.
Among Granite’s winning facilities is Bee Rock Quarry in Santa Barbara, CA, which earned the Gold award for Environmental Excellence. This award acknowledges the quarry’s superior environmental performance, particularly in areas like water management, dust control, and habitat conservation. Other Granite facilities that were recognised include:
- Bradshaw Facility, Sacramento, CA – Silver for Environmental Excellence
- Palmer Facility, Anchorage, AK – Bronze for Environmental Excellence
- Big Rock Aggregates Plant, Llano, CA – Bronze for Environmental Excellence
These awards highlight Granite’s innovative environmental practices and its leadership in the construction industry when it comes to sustainability. At a time when environmental impact is under scrutiny, Granite continues to implement and refine processes that not only meet but often exceed industry standards.
The Full Awards List
Granite’s six awards reflect the diversity of its operations and the company’s excellence across both safety and environmental categories. Here’s a quick overview of the honours they received:
- Gold
- Facility – Environmental Excellence: Bee Rock Quarry, Santa Barbara, CA
- Silver
- Facility – Safety Excellence: Walker Sand and Gravel, Bellevue, WA
- Facility – Environmental Excellence: Bradshaw Facility, Sacramento, CA
- Bronze
- Louis Griesemer Sterling Safety Award: Granite (companywide)
- Facility – Environmental Excellence: Palmer Facility, Anchorage, AK
- Facility – Environmental Excellence: Big Rock Aggregates Plant, Llano, CA
Granite’s Ongoing Commitment to Safety and Sustainability
Incorporated in 1922, Granite has built a solid reputation as one of the largest diversified construction and construction materials companies in the United States. The company’s strong core values and unwavering commitment to ethics, safety, and sustainability have been key to its success. These values aren’t just written in policy documents—they’re lived out by every employee on a daily basis.
Granite’s approach to safety and environmental responsibility is proactive rather than reactive. They continually invest in training, cutting-edge technology, and innovative practices to minimise risks and reduce environmental impact. By doing so, they protect both their workforce and the communities in which they operate.
Leading the Industry into the Future
As America’s Infrastructure Company™, Granite’s influence extends far beyond its own projects. The company’s leadership in safety and environmental management sets an industry-wide benchmark. By fostering a culture of safety and sustainability, Granite not only ensures the well-being of its employees but also contributes to the broader goal of building a more responsible, forward-thinking construction industry.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that Granite will continue to innovate and lead the charge when it comes to safety and environmental stewardship. Their recent success at the NSSGA awards is just the latest chapter in a long history of operational excellence. And with a firm commitment to upholding the highest standards, Granite is poised to remain at the forefront of the construction materials industry for many years to come.
A Positive Outlook for the Future
Granite’s six awards from the NSSGA serve as a testament to the company’s unyielding focus on safety and sustainability. By prioritising its people and the planet, Granite not only enhances its own operations but also sets a high bar for the entire construction industry.
As they continue to innovate and lead by example, it’s clear that Granite will be a key player in shaping the future of safe, sustainable construction.
