Building a Workplace for Everyone

Construction Inclusion Week: Oct. 13 - 17

How can you create a workplace environment where each team member contributes and works toward a common purpose? Inclusivity in our industry is the key to genuinely attract, retain and develop the best talent. BX members are invited to learn more and participate in Construction Inclusion Week by clicking here.

The week provides educational and business resources for office teams, craft and jobsite crews, and industry affiliates. Check out live-streamed content, facilitator tools and more robust curriculum resources.

By investing in the next generation of skilled workers and fostering welcoming, respectful workplaces where every individual can grow and excel, we’re building a stronger foundation for the future.

This week's featured BX Safety Achievement Award Recipients

Thirty-one companies are being honored with a BX Safety Achievement Award for outstanding safety statistics and jobsite performance this year.

For information about the BX Safety Awards, contact Ashton Chapman.

Congratulations to this week's featured recipients!

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Craftsmen:

The Winning Work:

A high level of detail and communication were key factors for the crew from MIELKE Mechanical, Inc. during the installation of the medical gas, plumbing and mechanical piping systems at the new Mount Carmel Dublin Hospital. 

MIELKE Mechanical was selected to complete the intricate medical gas and mechanical systems work on the fourth floor of the hospital. The accelerated schedule and anticipated complexity of the project required a significant amount of coordination for workspace and materials. Much of the installation took place in the ceiling, and in areas where multiple trades had already completed their scope of work. With the use of BIM technology, the crew was able to provide crucial input to the design, remodel and execution of the project. Due to the team’s expertise and efficiency, the project was completed ahead of schedule. 

This is the first crew award for MIELKE Mechanical, Inc. The craftsmen will receive their award at the 133rd BX Annual Meeting in November.

For information about the BX Craftsmanship Awards, contact Pam Austin.

BX Partner Spotlight: Sedgwick MCO

Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio is the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio’s workers’ compensation MCO partner to help members organize claims, control costs and maximize premium savings options. Your MCO plays an essential role with you and your injured employees for:

• Injury Reporting – claims are filed through your MCO.  Establishing a quick and accurate injury reporting process with your MCO will accelerate the claim process and minimize delays in treatment.
• Treatment Oversight – your MCO monitors medical treatment to ensure it is applicable to the work-related injury and is oriented toward a productive recovery and return to the workplace.  Efficient return-to-work is the primary goal of our MCO.
• Medical Billing – the MCO is responsible for processing, re-pricing, and payment of medical bills for treatment of workers’ compensation injuries.  

Reach out to the Sedgwick MCO team with any questions regarding your workers’ compensation program.

Choosing the Right Documents for Your Project

Most construction firms have likely seen – and used – the standard A101 and A201 documents from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Are you aware of the more obscure, lesser-known AIA forms that are also available?   

Peter Hahn (Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP), co-editor of a legal analysis of the most recent AIA document revisions published by the American Bar Association, says there are dozens of other forms that may be a more appropriate choice for your project.

While most of the industry uses the AIA forms, it’s not the only game in town with ConsensusDOCS or DBIA forms also providing options for project documents. In this program, Hahn will:

• Provide an overview of the standard AIA contract documents
• Explore the AIA documents that you may not even be aware of
• Share the non-AIA documents to consider when it’s the better fit for your project

He will also review Ohio Senate Bill 262 – which would amend sections of the Ohio Revised Code to require a public authority or other party to a construction contract to note variations from an industry standard form.

For more information about this course, contact Deb Murphy.

GPS Tools That Work Harder

Telematics is reshaping the construction industry by offering real-time monitoring of vehicles, equipment and driver behavior by combining GPS, AI and advanced diagnostics. The result? Safer jobsites, less downtime and more efficient operations from the ground up. 

This session goes beyond efficiency and numbers to give you an honest look at what it really takes to implement telematics successfully. It will also tackle challenges like tech fatigue, data overload, cultural resistance and privacy concerns head-on. 

Whether you're just starting your telematics journey or looking to take your system to the next level, this session delivers more than just the basics. Hear firsthand from industry leaders who’ve turned raw data into powerful successes, improving safety, ensuring compliance and driving serious ROI. You’ll walk away with practical strategies, real-world lessons and a clear plan to unlock the full potential of telematics for your operations.

For more information about this course, contact Ashton Chapman.

For a successful project, you need proper documentation

Every industry requires paperwork – why is it so crucial in construction? Proper documentation can protect you and your company from problems you can’t even see. What may seem like a trivial extra step can be vital when it comes to liability. This is why it’s important that your team receives the proper training.

Upon completion of this course instructed by Eric Kjellander (Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP), attendees will have a thorough understanding of not only why proper documentation is necessary, but also how to properly safeguard your projects with the right records.

Architects, engineers, general contractors and subcontractors will all benefit from this straightforward training designed for industry decision makers.

For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.

Suicide Prevention Tailored to Construction

According to the CDC, construction workers are six times more likely to die by suicide than from the “Fatal Four.”  

Because construction has the second highest suicide rate of any industry, this class was developed specifically for construction professionals. Led by Paul Lawson (Paul Lawson Helps LLC), this program will help participants recognize when someone may be struggling, explain how to start supportive conversations and provide information on how to connect them with help. Mental health is just as vital as physical safety; by working together, you can make both a priority on every jobsite.

For more information about this class or to schedule a company-specific session, contact Ashton Chapman.

Do You Understand Your Lien Rights & Responsibilities?

Who can file a lien? How do you file? Do you know what it takes to protect your company’s lien rights? These are all very important questions that the Ohio Mechanics’ Lien Law course will help you understand.

Instructors Tom Nocar and Jeffrey Yeager (Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP) will provide attendees the information and guidance required to understand both your lien rights and responsibilities. This course also provides sample lien forms along with step-by-step instructions on the process of filing liens.

For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.

Stay Compliant and Confident with BX Drug-Free Safety Training

Every business has a responsibility to ensure a safe and secure work environment. Determining reasonable suspicion of an employee who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be difficult for even the most seasoned of coworkers or managers. Let the BX provide the needed instruction on your company’s substance abuse policy at the next Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP) Training.

During the one-hour class, employees will receive information on their responsibilities, rights and the resources available to them. Supervisors will learn observation techniques for common performance problems and how to document their observations during their one-hour session.

The Builders Exchange is an approved host of the BWC DFSP training and these courses meet the annual training requirements. These classes will ensure your entire team understands their part in keeping your jobsites substance-free.

For more information about BX DFSP training or to schedule a company-specific class, contact Sean Cooper.

A Learning Opportunity for ALL Generations

With more generations in the workforce than ever before, understanding and leveraging different demographics is a key to everyone working more effectively. This half-day workshop is designed for all ages and leadership levels, especially those who work within a multi-generational team.  

Dr. Adam Rapp (Ohio University/The Tyson Group) will share characteristics of the generations in the workforce today and participants will complete a self-assessment of their individual work style. The discussion will explore how and why these preferences have developed over time. 

After this workshop, attendees will be able to:

• Flex your personal style to manage across all generations
• Understand changes in recruiting and onboarding due to a multi-generational workforce
• Hone your coaching and communication cadence dependent on generation
• Improve workforce cohesion through better generational understanding
• Create generational inclusivity within and across teams

Open to individual participants, this program also includes a group discount – perfect for sending representatives from multiple generations to learn together.

For more information about this workshop, contact Deb Murphy.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Craftsmen:

The Winning Work:

The exceptional level of artistry seen at the front porch of The Arts Castle in Delaware is the work of the crew from Elford, Inc.   

Built in 1854, the porch of the 170-year-old structure was in desperate need of repair and structural restoration. The crew began the meticulous demolition process by first ensuring the roof was shored up so the columns, decking, joists and woodwork could be removed. To maintain the historical aesthetic of the building, the team hand-built corbels, trim, facia and soffit to match the original design. Blue limestone closely resembling stone from the former Delaware Blue Limestone Quarry, was cut into veneer and placed around the arches and columns for a flawless match with the existing stone. Each section of handrail consisted of nearly 40 custom wood pieces that were carefully scribed into the new stone for a seamless fit.

Baker and Upperman are both members of Carpenters Local Union 200. This is the first crew award for Elford, Inc. The craftsmen will receive their award at the 133rd BX Annual Meeting in November.

For information about the BX Craftsmanship Awards, contact Pam Austin.

Looking for Construction Employees?

POST A POSITION - GET 2 ADDITIONAL WEEKS FREE!
(Offer expires 11/30/2025)

Job openings posted on the BX Job Board during September were seen by more than 7,400 visitors looking specifically for construction jobs. Was your open position there?

Posting your open positions on bxjobs.com is the solution you've been looking for to find your next great hire!

Contact Sanda Elkins with any questions or assistance in posting a job.

BX Job Board Rates:

• 2-week posting: $110 BX members | $210 Non-members 
• 4-week posting: $135 BX members | $235 Non-members 
• 6-week posting: $160 BX members | $260 Non-members

BX Workers' Comp Group Deadline Approaching

Save Up to 53% on Workers’ Comp Premiums with the BX of Central Ohio Group Discount Programs

As a member of the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio, you can unlock exclusive savings through the Ohio BWC Group Rating or Group Retrospective Rating Programs. Renewal Deadline is Nov. 15.

• Up to 53% in premium discounts through the Group Rating Program 
• Substantial premium refunds through the Group Retrospective Rating Program
• Over $2.1 million in estimated savings for BX members in 2025
• Expert support from Sedgwick, your trusted third-party administrator

For more than 50 years, Sedgwick has helped nearly 60,000 Ohio employers manage claims, reduce premiums and navigate the complexities of the Ohio’s workers’ compensation system. Their experienced team supports businesses of all sizes and industries across the state.

For more information, contact your BX Account Executive Shane Castle at (614) 203-8637.

CLICK HERE FOR AC3 FORM

The deadline to submit an AC3 form for a free quote is Nov. 5.

Protect Your Business: Know What’s in Your Subcontract

Understanding a subcontract can help protect your business, ensure you get paid and avoid legal and financial risks. It’s important that subcontractors know what to look for so they can properly negotiate their agreements.

Carefully considering and negotiating the subcontract before a project begins sets a solid foundation for a successful partnership throughout. Attorney Bryan Jeffries (The Jeffries Law Group. LLC) will guide participants on specific areas to consider, including:

• Scope and expectations
• Legal review and compliance
• Payment terms and conditions
• Indemnification
• Communication and reporting requirements

For more information about this program, contact Deb Murphy.

Make a Positive and Lasting Impression

First encounters make lasting impressions. Make sure your employees come across positively at jobsites, meetings and industry events.

This two-session course, instructed by Andy Hoh (Messer Construction Co.), Kris Edwards (Valley Interior Systems, Inc.) and Brian Soller (Messer Construction Co.), will train attendees on how to build relationships with your customers, vendors and more..

Course topics will include:

• Establishing a professional image
• Creating a good plan and schedule
• Understanding the client’s expectations
• Providing clear communication
• Performing beyond industry standards
• Closing out with a positive impression

In addition to formal class time, students will have the opportunity to interact with a panel of owners who will provide insight into what they value in professional relationships with field force members.   

For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.

Not Just Another Form – A Tool for Changing Culture

Job Safety Analyses (JSA) are only as effective as the effort put into them. Yes, they can be just another checkbox, but they also have the potential to be so much more.

This hands-on workshop is designed to help both field leaders and frontline crews unlock the full potential of JSAs. Through mock huddles, task breakdowns and practical takeaways, you’ll learn how to move beyond compliance and start building a stronger, more connected safety culture one 
conversation at a time.

Join safety leaders Chris Lewis (Delphi Infrastructure Group), Mary Logan So (George J. Igel & Co., Inc.) and Johel Woodliff (Miles-McClellan Construction Co., Inc.) as they explore how JSAs can go beyond compliance to drive real safety culture and accountability across all levels of the jobsite.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and walk away with tools to make your jobsites safer, smarter and more connected.

For more information about this class, contact Ashton Chapman.

Has Your CPR Certification Expired?

The construction industry is high-risk, are you and your team prepared to handle an emergency? In a field where every second counts, staying up to date on emergency response isn’t just important, it’s essential.  

Medical guidelines and best practices are constantly evolving, it’s critical that your team maintains current knowledge and certifications. Register your entire team to ensure your jobsites are prepared for emergencies. Standard First Aid/CPR/AED topics covered include:

• Basic first aid skills
• Bandaging and wound care
• CPR skills with hands-on practice
• How to use an AED

Don’t let your lifesaving skills expire; refresh your training today and continue to be the person others can count on when every second matters.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive an Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) certification card, valid for two years.

For more information about this class or to schedule a company-specific session, contact Ashton Chapman.