In 2023, the construction sector faced over 1,000 fatalities, prompting Alabama’s associated builders and contractors (ABCs) to take significant measures to enhance worker safety. Collaborating with the University of Alabama, Harrison Construction, and local emergency services, ABCs organized a simulated structural collapse at the university campus. This initiative reflects their ongoing commitment to improving safety protocols and minimizing on-site risks.

The training exercises aimed to recreate actual construction accidents, allowing emergency responders, construction professionals, and safety personnel to refine their response strategies in a realistic setting. It involved an enhanced elevated platform made from scaffolding, aluminum beams, and foam-topped plywood, mimicking concrete floors. To simulate genuine site conditions, they also included potential hazards like gas leaks using compressed air and water-powered copper wires.

During the exercise, live actors portrayed injured workers and media members, demonstrating comprehensive emergency responses, which encompassed medical assistance and crisis communication.

Tim Harrison, president of Harrison Construction and chair of the ABC Board of Directors, emphasized the event’s significance. He stated, “Safety is essential in every project we undertake. Every night, our workers’ families deserve to see their loved ones return home safely, both physically and mentally.”

He added, “This event brings together various organizations focused on accident prevention and safety awareness throughout our industry. Exercises like this enhance safety for everyone involved—employees, subcontractors, and vendors.”

Jay Reid, president of ABC Alabama, echoed the importance of teamwork in achieving safety objectives. “We must lead in initiatives like this. Our priority is ensuring construction workers return to their families each night. We’re thankful for this partnership with the University of Alabama, Harrison Construction, and our local emergency response teams.”