L to R: Jessica Keyes, Cherie Berry, Deborah Bowen, Geoff Bowen, William Meuhlen
EFC Builders Wins NC Department of Labor Award
Troutman, N.C. – May 29, 2008 – The North Carolina Department of Labor honored EFC Builders with a Gold Award for safety excellence at an awards banquet hosted yesterday by the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce at the Holiday Inn (Statesville). The award recognizes outstanding safety results by comparing company safety metrics to the industry average. To achieve Gold status, EFC Builders’ safety record was demonstrated to “result in substantial reduction of injuries and illnesses and promotion of safer working conditions in 2007”.
EFC Builders rolled out a comprehensive safety program in January 2007 for its employees and subcontractors. In addition to educational programs, EFC Builders has incorporated a written Fall Protection Plan, Electrical Safety Plan, and Respiratory Protection Plan into the company’s policies and procedures. Their systematic safety initiative is built upon standard safety rules set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The EFC Builders’ safety program was designed to be more than a regulatory compliance and is based upon professional ethics of going beyond what is mandated and doing what is right to protect employees, subcontractors and customers.
“We are committed to maintaining safety through teamwork, communications, cooperation and training,” said Geoff Bowen, founder and co-owner of EFC Builders, who accepted the award from Cherie Berry, NC Commissioner of Labor.
A safety committee, comprised of the company owners, Geoff and Deborah Bowen, as well as Safety Director William D. Meuhlen and Safety Coordinator Jessica L. Keyes, manages, monitors and supervises the entire program. With education being a critical component of ongoing safety, bi-monthly company meetings are held on a wide variety of topics ranging from the hazards of working improperly with equipment, tools and building materials, to correct lifting and framing practices in the industry, as well as first aid, chemical awareness and emergency preparedness.
Headquartered in Troutman, EFC Builders was established in November 1996. The company employs twelve staff members and has won numerous awards for their quality construction and workmanship. Most recently, the company won second place in the Lake Norman Home Builders Association’s annual Best of the Lake Design Competition. In addition to new construction, they provide major residential renovation services that include design and construction. To learn more about EFC Builders, contact them at (704) 528-5221 or visit their web site at www.efcbuilders.com.