United Rock Products, Granite among CalCIMA safety award recipients

By Kevin Yanik| December 12, 2023

The California Construction & Industrial Materials Association (CalCIMA) unveiled its 2023 Excellence in Safety Award winners at its 2023 Education Conference in Palm Springs, California.

As CalCIMA describes, the awards acknowledge exceptional work and contributions to safety regarding leadership, innovation, commitment and impact beyond the plant.

“It is humbling, and gratifying, to see the extraordinary lengths our member companies and individuals at those companies go to make production operations safe,” says Robert Dugan, president and CEO of CalCIMA. “I am particularly glad we get to recognize those mines, plants and individuals in front of the whole membership at the Education Conference. It is comforting to see and celebrate that ‘safety first’ is not just talk, but action.”

CalCIMA’s Excellence in Safety Awards honor different categories of mines and plants, including aggregates, asphalt and concrete – plus special recognition awards.

The winner in the Large Aggregate Mine category this year was United Rock Products’ Irwindale Sand & Gravel Plant. Granite Construction Co.’s Handley Ranch Quarry, meanwhile, received the award in CalCIMA’s Small Aggregate Mine category.

“As a leader in the industry, Granite is committed to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes safety and innovation,” says Dave Hulverson, senior vice president of safety, health, environmental and quality at Granite. “The company encourages continuous improvement and collaboration across the industry to create safer working environments for all.”

Other winners were Vulcan Materials Co.’s Roseville Hot Mix Asphalt Plant, which earned the recognition in CalCIMA’s Asphalt Plant category. The Pinole “Sugar City” Concrete Plant of Central Concrete Supply Co. and Vulcan Materials received the Excellence in Safety Award in the Concrete Plant category.

Another award recipient was Holliday Rock’s Robert Butler, plant manager for the company’s Irving Plant, who received CalCIMA’s Outstanding Safety Leadership Award. Mike Herges, safety and health services manager at Graniterock, earned the association’s Safety Professional Award.

According to CalCIMA, its Excellence in Safety Award winners are chosen based on an essay describing what’s happening at plants. A panel of judges from CalCIMA’s Safety & Health Committee review and select the winners.