The Associated Builders and Contractors Western Michigan Chapter honored 21 of its member companies this week for their outstanding safety practices and records.

At a breakfast meeting in Grand Rapids Tuesday, each of the companies was presented with the ABC Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) award in Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond levels, depending on their safety qualifications. Taking the top honors in the Diamond level were CRA Services, Elzinga & Volkers Construction Professionals and Thermal-Tec/Michigan Inc.

Six STEP awards were made at the Platinum level, four at the Gold level and eight at the Silver level of recognition.

“What a great opportunity and honor to recognize these companies for their STEP achievement,” said Paul Lemley, ABC/WMC board chair. “These companies are proof that ABC/WMC member companies provide cultures where safety is the core value.”

Lemley, who is with Triangle Associates in Grand Rapids, said that “one pillar of ABC’s mission is to help members win work and perform that work safely. The companies recognized today have safety performance that is at the top of the construction industry and through their performance further the mission of our association and industry as a whole.”

Established in 1989 by the ABC National Environment, Health & Safety Committee, the STEP program was developed and written by contractors, for contractors. STEP awards are presented annually in six categories: Participant, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Each year, more than 2,000 contractors of various sizes participate in the STEP program.

According to the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, falls account for the highest number of deaths in the construction industry — more than one-third of them.

OSHA called for a national “stand-down” in June, asking all employers to pause their workday to talk with employees about fall prevention in construction, and discuss topics like safe use of ladders and scaffolding, and safe roofing work.