Meet Miles Boyer, Safety and Construction Expert

Miles Boyer is the Springfield Office Manager for The Builders' Association, which is a nonprofit commercial construction trade association serving hundreds of member companies that employ over 25,000 people in mid-America. Founded in 1887, The Builders’ Association has advanced the construction industry by delivering safety, craft and management training; employment, labor, and government relations; and construction plans and technology tools.

Four service and training centers operate in Kansas City, Jefferson City and Springfield to serve both union and nonunion member companies and to aid collaboration by connecting passionate people and businesses, with a vision of improving lives through construction.

This is accomplished in several ways, including:

• • 3,000+ safety trainees annually. 
  • Community outreach. 
  • 1,500+ apprentices in cosponsored programs.
  • Delivery of business education and professional development. 
  • Negotiation of 27 collective bargaining agreements. 
  • Coadministration and trustee-appointment authority for 28 fringe funds with over $3 billion in assets. 
  • Government relations services at the local and state level, as well as federally through AGC Kansas City, a chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America and the association’s sister organization. 
  
  

  How can I learn more about the latest in construction safety? 
  

  The Builders, a chapter of the AGC, is proud to host the annual Midwest Construction Safety Conference (MCSC) — an event with a mission to improve construction safety throughout the heartland via top-tier education from construction safety experts across the industry. The conference returns March 6-7, 2025, at Adams Pointe Conference Center in Blue Springs, Missouri. The two-day conference offers an interactive educational experience for construction professionals at all stages of their careers, plus insights from keynote speakers Ricky Rollins of Ricky Rollins Safety Speeches and Executive Director of Safety for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Wesley L. Wheeler, SMS. The MCSC offers courses in fall safety, mental health, OSHA compliance, environmental hazards, systems and technology, safety culture, DEI and human resources, and other construction safety topics important in the industry today. Registration for attendees, vendors and sponsors is available now at www.thebuildersagc.com or you can contact me for more information.
  

   

  How can my company stay updated on local project opportunities and information?

  In today’s fast-paced construction environment, staying updated on project opportunities is crucial. The Builders Electronic Plan Room (EPR) service, available to members of The Builders, a chapter of the AGC, offers an efficient and cost-effective solution for accessing project information in Missouri, Kansas, and surrounding areas. For more information or to sign up for a demo, visit
  www.thebuildersagc.com.

   

  How can my company avoid injuries and impairment in the cold weather on the jobsite?

  Cold stress on the jobsite ranks among the top occupational hazards during winter months. The cold temperatures and increased wind chill can cause heat to leave the body and can put construction workers at risk. The Builders Safety Team provides comprehensive safety protocols and tips to ensure workers’ well-being and to maintain a productive work environment at www.thebuildersagc.com.

   

  Where can we go for Spanish language resources to better communicate with Spanish speaking employees?

  Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, so it’s a great time to be thinking about how to provide support for your Spanish-speaking workers. A comprehensive safety strategy includes appropriate communication and education for ensuring your Hispanic construction population has the resources to work safely for themselves, their colleagues and their families.

  
  The construction industry has a large Hispanic and Latino population, so employers should strive to provide adequate resources with an understanding that English may not be the most effective way to communicate critical information. This could include providing translations on anything from the instructions on tools, diagrams, pamphlets and anything else that is used on job sites. 
  
  

  As an industry with a high-risk work environment, it also means safety and health information critical to the well-being of the workforce must be delivered in a way that is accessible to all. As a starting point to help companies build out their Spanish language resources, The Builders Safety Team offers members Spanish translated toolbox talks at www.thebuildersagc.com. 

   

  How can my company get involved with the Construction Suicide Prevention Week initiative?

  As one of the founding members and a sponsor of the Construction Suicide Prevention Week initiative taking place Sept. 9-13, we want to spread awareness about the unique challenges workers face in construction that lead to suicide and what we can do to prevent it. 

  
  The construction industry has the second highest rate of suicide in the United States at 53.3 per 100,000 workers according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). In the U.S. there are approximately 123 suicides per day, which breaks down to one death every 12 minutes. (SafeBuild Alliance) 

  
  It will take all of us to prevent suicide. Luckily, the generous support for the Construction Suicide Prevention Week initiative from Builders members and others around the industry has made it possible to provide resources to help employers effectively support mental wellness among their workers, including a nationwide stand down event on Sept. 9.
  
  

  If you haven’t already, Builders encourages you to register your company’s participation in this year’s initiative on the Construction Suicide Prevention Week website. When it comes to preventing suicide, knowing where to start can be overwhelming, but the website has many resources that can help save lives. Visit constructionsuicideprevention.com. 

   

  
  

  What are some ways my firm can be recognized for exceptional work in construction?

  Being recognized for construction projects demonstrating the pinnacles of excellence is a great way to earn new business. Builders members can submit their projects for consideration to receive a Building Excellence Award, regional construction industry honors that are awarded biennially. The Builders, a chapter of the AGC celebrated the Building Excellence Awards this year at The Bardot on June 6, 2024.
  
  This prestigious awards ceremony honors outstanding member companies for their efforts in diversity, innovation and construction projects demonstrating the pinnacles of excellence. The program featured 12 award winners and runners-up for each category.
  
  The complete list of Building Excellence Award winners and finalists is below.
   
  Project of the Year by a General Contractor (Over $100 Million)
  Winner
  Clark Weitz Clarkson -- Kansas City International Airport New Single Terminal
  Finalists
  JE Dunn Construction Company -- Parking Garage | Kansas City International Airport  JE Dunn Construction Company -- Three Light Luxury Apartments
  
  Project of the Year by a General Contractor ($25 Million to $100 Million)
  Winner
  JE Dunn Construction Company -- Sobela Ocean Aquarium, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
  Finalists
  Centric -- The Oxbow 
  River City Construction, LLC -- University of Missouri Stephens Indoor Facility
   
  Project of the Year by a General Contractor ($10 Million to $25 Million)
  Winner
  McCownGordon Construction: Olathe Downtown Library
  Finalists
  Rau Construction Company -- West Bottoms Flats - Phase II
  R.E. Smith Construction Company -- Monett Middle School
  
  Project of the Year by a General Contractor ($5 Million to $10 Million)
  Winner 
  A.L. Huber General Contractor -- Kansas City PBS
  Finalists
  Rau Construction Company -- Lofts at 832
  
  Project of the Year by a General Contractor (Under $5 Million)
  Winner 
  JE Dunn Construction Company -- Bergman Family Gallery and Open Storage Center, National WWI Museum and Memorial
  Finalists
  Rau Construction Company -- Indian Hills Country Club Locker Room 
  Straub Construction -- Platte County Health Department
  
  Renovation Project of the Year by a General Contractor
  Winner
  Rau Construction Company: -- The Mark Kansas City Apartments
  Finalists
  A.L. Huber General Contractor -- Zhou B Art Center of Kansas City 
  Pearce Construction -- The New Reform Temple
  
  Project of the Year by a Subcontractor (Over $5 Million)
  Winner 
  E&K of Kansas City, Inc. -- Kansas City International Airport New Single Terminal
  Finalists
  PCI (Performance Contracting Inc.) -- KCU College of Dental Medicine   
  Staco Electric Company -- Orange EV Buildings 4 & 5
  
  Project of the Year by a Subcontractor ($1 Million to $5 Million)
  Winner
  PCI (Performance Contracting Inc.) -- PKC Stadium
  Finalists
  IBC -- Apartments at Westport Commons
  Max Electric, Inc. -- KCM IBOS Warehouse
   
  Project of the Year by a Subcontractor (Under $1 Million)
  Winner 
  PCI (Performance Contracting Inc.): Delta Sky Club | Kansas City International Airport Finalists
  Mark One Electric Company, Inc.: -- Commerce Bank 18th Floor   
  PCI (Performance Contracting Inc.) -- Raymore-Peculiar Ninth Grade Center
  
  Diversity & Inclusion Award
  Winner
  Burns & McDonnell
  Finalists 
  JE Dunn Construction Company   
  Turner Construction Company
  
  Innovation Award
  Winner
  IMA
  Finalists
  JE Dunn Construction Company
  
  Community Impact Award
  Winner
  JE Dunn Construction Company
   Finalists
   Lockton 
  
  Visit www.thebuildersagc.com to learn more about our biennial Building Excellence Awards.  

  
  

  How can I ensure my employees are protected from the heat during the summer months?

  As the warm summer months are approaching, it is imperative that your employees are protected from heat related illnesses on the job site. Workers need to build tolerance to heat gradually and take frequent breaks when acclimating to the heat in the first days and weeks of warm weather season. 

   

  Safe work practices include:

   

  • Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Both can increase the potential for dehydration.
  • Drink cool water. At least one cup every 20 minutes, even if you are not thirsty.
  • Take frequent breaks. Take time to recover from the heat in a shady or cool location.
  • Dress for the heat. Wear a hat and light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing.

  It is important to know that a heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulating system fails and the body temperature rises to critical levels. Beware that heat exposure can occur indoors or outdoors. To get more tips and best practices from The Builders safety team, visit www.thebuildersagc.com. 

  
  

  How can my company engage in Construction Safety Week and the National Safety Stand-Down? 

  To ensure safety remains a top priority in our industry, it's imperative that every member of your workforce is committed to fostering a culture of safety. May 6-10 is Construction Safety Week and the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. During Construction Safety Week, we have a unique opportunity to unite as an industry, celebrating our commitment to safety and renewing our dedication to ensuring every worker returns home safely. Whether through educational activities, promotional events, or financial contributions, there are numerous ways to participate and demonstrate your support. Additionally, the National Safety Stand-Down, an initiative led by OSHA, focuses specifically on preventing falls in construction—a leading cause of fatalities in the construction field. Our safety team at The Builders will be providing valuable resources and events to assist your team in participating effectively. Explore more about how you can engage by visiting www.thebuildersagc.com.

  
  

  Should I consider requesting a construction job site inspection by a safety professional? 

  Prevention is the best medicine, and a successful safety program uses a layered approach to prevent injuries. Some hazards are reccurring at each job site and others are created by the variables of a specific job site location or conditions. Job site inspections aid in prevention by: 

  • Identifying work practices related to safety and efficiency that could be improved.
  • Adding focus to the hazards your team faces in the field. 
  • Identifying OSHA and environmental compliance issues at specific job sites. 
  • Identifying potential gaps in self-performed inspections and noting focus areas.   
  • Bringing attention to hazards created by other trades that will affect your team members. 
  • Identifying issues that should be addressed as the job site progresses.   
  • Identifying areas where additional training is necessary due to specific issues at the worksite. 

  Job site inspections add immediate value and have the long-term benefit of improving the culture of safety of your organization. Adding job site inspections to your safety program can prevent problems down the road. The Builders safety team can perform these inspections and offer assistance and recommendations for your overall safety and compliance programs. To learn more about The Builders safety services or to schedule your job site inspection, visit www.thebuildersagc.com or contact me directly.

  
  

  As a small business, we need help with our construction safety program. What is the best, but most cost-effective way to do that?

  The Builders highly qualified training staff are available to assist small businesses in enhancing their construction safety programs. We offer customized training tailored to your specific needs and can provide on-demand training for your team. Our safety team ensures that your staff receives the highest quality education in various safety aspects. Additionally, as a valued member of the association, you can benefit from a discount on our training services. 

  
  The Builders Safety and Health Services Department trains approximately 7,000 people annually. Every participant who successfully completes a training program is issued a completion card and entered into our comprehensive electronic database. 
  
  

  
  Each of our instructors has real world experience and understands the importance of training in today’s regulatory climate and are ready to assist your company in ensuring your employees are properly trained. To learn more or become a member to receive a significant discount, contact me, or visit www.thebuildersagc.com.