EMCOR Recognizes UMEC Under New Safety Initiative

To become an EMCOR Safety & Productivity Partner, operating companies must demonstrate exceptional safety performance and must also deploy well-trained safety and productivity resources. They must have in place an effective fleet and driver program, an up-to-date business continuity plan and an EMCOR-recognized program for continuous productivity improvement with a leading indicator system to ensure that the safety and health program remains comprehensive by being responsive to emerging trends.

Based in Tempe, UMEC is one of the leading full-service mechanical contracting companies in the Southwest.

“I am very pleased that UMEC has been selected as the first operating company to become an EMCOR Safety & Productivity Partner,” said Brad Thornton, UMEC president and CEO. “This recognition lines up perfectly with our safety/quality/productivity philosophy and is a great tribute to the men and women of UMEC who strive day after day to continually improve.”

An Integrated Approach

The EMCOR SPP program is part of a multi-tiered, integrated approach for improving safety, quality and productivity. These efforts include a zero accident program that covers all of EMCOR’s 76 subsidiary companies and 30,000 employees as well as supporting initiatives such as the “Be There For Life” campaign, designed to educate employees and their families about the importance of safety.

The program designates EMCOR subsidiary companies that have earned SPP recognition and mirrors some aspects of the OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). But while OSHA requires companies to have a comprehensive safety and heath management system, assessment against performance based criteria, external verification and a formal signed agreement, EMCOR SPP goes beyond safety and health to incorporate other important aspects of business operation.

“Like OSHA, our goal is improved worker safety and health,” explained Dave Copley, vice president of safety and quality management for EMCOR Construction and Facilities Services. “At the same time, we want our customers to know that the technical expertise of our operations is underpinned by forward thinking support criteria and that everyone gains an advantage as a result of our presence in the work environment. This benefit will be the safety of our workers, our drivers and other road users. In addition, our customers who understand the need to eliminate waste, manage costs and improve productivity as well as the importance of being prepared for natural or man made events that may disrupt business operations, will also benefit.”

Copley added that it is “absolutely fitting” that UMEC is the first company to be honored under the SPP program.

“The company’s senior management fully understands that good safety practices are a starting point in relationships with customers, recognizing that safety achievements not only benefit employees, but make good business sense and good business relationships over the long term,” Copely said.