KA North Dakota Wins First in AGC Safety Award

By Brenden Nickels, Senior Office Assisstant

For the fourth time in its history, Kraus-Anderson’s North Dakota office has won the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota First Place Safety Award for its actions related to worker safety on jobsites. 

“Receiving this award is a significant honor,” said KA North Dakota Vice President and Director of Operations Ross Wilmes. “It indicates that Kraus-Anderson has not only met industry expectations for safe construction practices, but has excelled in them. It signals to clients, partners, and employees that safety is a core value-not just a compliance item. This recognition reflects the high level of commitment to safety at all levels of our organization, which is very meaningful.” 

What The ND Office Does 

In addition to the standard practices that the company follows, the North Dakota office also focuses on: 

  • Site-specific hazard knowledge through routine safety inspections 
  • Empowering field personnel to “see something, say something” regarding hazardous conditions  
  • Planning in advance for changing conditions 
  • Engaging OSHA early and often 
  • Holding on-site safety consultations to signify the importance of worker safety on each jobsite 
  • Mental health support services 
  • Upward career mobility through promoting field employees to safety-specific roles 

What The AGC Looks For 

To be put into consideration for this award, the North Dakota Associated General Contractors sends out an annual survey that asks for a contractor’s loss history.  

“It (the survey) takes into consideration the number of employees and total number of hours worked for the North Dakota office.” said Kraus-Anderson Director of Safety Jay VanderLeest. “In addition, it asks for total number of recordable injuries, lost time injuries and injurieswith job transfers or restrictions. In 2025, the North Dakota office had one recordable injury.” 

Construction can be a dangerous job, but time and time again Kraus-Anderson has shown that it cares for the safety of its employees on its jobsites. 

“I want to thank all of our field staff and project managers for the great job they have done helping us build the safety culture in North Dakota,” Wilmes said. 

CATEGORY: Construction