SMACNA Recognized in CPWR’s 2024 Highlights for Safety Leadership

SMACNA’s work towards improving fall prevention and promoting overall contractor safety is featured in CPWR’s 2024 Highlights. Read the full report.

For over three decades, The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) has been the leading partner of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in reducing occupational hazards. In 2024, CPWR continued its mission by combining cutting-edge research and proven safety strategies to address emerging and persistent threats to worker health.

Premier Partner Program: Strengthening Fall Prevention EffortsOne of the standout initiatives in 2024 was the Premier Partner Program—a new initiative supporting the OSHA Safety Stand-Down and Fall Prevention Campaign. As a Premier Partner, SMACNA helped amplify the campaign by producing educational videos, promoting official webinars, sharing and engaging on social media, and encouraging members to obtain OSHA’s Certificate of Participation. This effort revitalized a longstanding campaign by enhancing resources, expanding outreach, and increasing participation.

SMACNA has long been a leader in advancing workplace safety, and its role as a Premier Partner in CPWR’s 2024 Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction underscores its commitment to protecting workers.

Collaborating for a Safer IndustryBeyond its role in the Fall Prevention Campaign, SMACNA was identified as one of eight trade associations actively working with CPWR. SMACNA remains at the forefront of contractor safety by collaborating with CPWR, OSHA, and industry leaders to create safer job sites.

As CPWR embarks on a new five-year term as NIOSH’s National Construction Center, research on heat stress prevention, safety culture improvements, and new technologies—like exoskeletons and automated systems—will shape the future of workplace safety.

SMACNA’s involvement in CPWR’s initiatives reflects the broader commitment of contractor associations to protecting workers, sharing best practices, and advancing safety innovations. As the industry moves forward, partnerships like these will continue to drive progress in reducing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in construction.

Justin Crandol, SMACNA's Director of Safety, talks about SMACNA's ongoing commitment to increasing the spotlight on worker safety. "SMACNA is focused on continuous improvement when it comes to building a workplace where everyone can know with confidence that they will be able to go home at the end of a productive workday...we appreciate CPWR's partnership and look forward to collaborating on whatever new challenges come our way." 

For more information on CPWR’s ongoing work and SMACNA’s role, read the full report: CPWR 2024 Highlights.