Zach Beachem, Assistant Project Manager and Safety Professional at ARCC, attended the 2021 N.C. Department of Labor’s Safety Awards banquet on September 21, 2021. A. R. Chesson Construction Company earned their 16th consecutive Gold Safety Award, even during a pandemic.

This award recognizes the firm has had ZERO on-site or work-related injuries, an injury incidence rate that is unusual in the construction industry average.

The N.C. Department of Labor’s Safety Awards Program recognizes private and public firms throughout the state who achieve and maintain excellent safety records. Administered through the department’s Bureau of the Occupational Safety and Health division, the program is designed to stimulate interest in accident prevention and to promote safety in the workplace by providing an incentive to employers and employees for regularly maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

The 2021 NCDOL Safety Awards banquet also marked another milestone for the health and safety community. After 20 years of devoted service, Mrs. Cherie Berry, the previous N.C Commissioner of Labor, announced earlier this year that she would not seek re-election.

Her successor, Mr. Josh Dobson, was sworn in as North Carolina’s labor commissioner on Jan. 2, 2021, after serving eight years in the state House of Representatives. Dobson has also served as the chairman of the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee and the House Health Committee.

At the awards program, Mr. Dobson gave an inspirational presentation about safety in the workplace, companies staying diligent on employee safety, and the implementation and interaction of occupational health and safety programs.

Mr. Beachem is pictured accepting the award on behalf of A. R. Chesson Construction employees which will be placed in the Williamston office wall of safety awards and other outstanding construction merit honors.

A. R. Chesson Construction is a full-service construction management firm providing a comprehensive portfolio, innovative project development, management, and construction services to clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.