Amid rising construction industry fatalities—exceeding 1,000 in 2023 alone—the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Alabama is intensifying efforts to improve worker safety through immersive, practical training exercises. In partnership with the University of Alabama, Harrison Construction, and local emergency services, ABC of Alabama recently held a simulated structural collapse drill on the UA campus to sharpen emergency preparedness and response protocols.

The realistic training scenario featured an elevated platform engineered from scaffold bases, aluminum beams, and plywood, topped with foam designed to mimic the weight and feel of a concrete floor. To further emulate hazardous conditions commonly found on construction sites, the exercise incorporated a simulated gas leak using compressed air and water-spraying copper lines. These elements helped responders practice managing multiple simultaneous dangers.

“The inclusion of live actors playing injured workers and media representatives created a fully immersive environment,” explained an ABC spokesperson. “This enabled participants to respond not only to physical rescue operations but also to communication challenges during emergencies.”

Tim Harrison, President of Harrison Construction and ABC Board Chairman, highlighted the core motivation behind the exercise: protecting workers and their families.

“Safety is paramount in Harrison Construction’s approach to every project. Our employees’ families deserve their loved ones’ home each night, both physically and mentally, the same way they left the morning before,” Harrison said. “This event brings together numerous entities engaged in preventing accidents and promoting safety awareness in our industry. These types of exercises make our employees, subs, owners, and vendors safer.”

Jay Reed, President of ABC of Alabama, underscored the critical role of partnership and shared responsibility in fostering safer workplaces.

“It is our duty to be front and center at events like this. Ensuring that construction workers get home to their families every night is the most important thing we do. I greatly appreciate this collaboration with the University of Alabama, Harrison Construction, and our local emergency response partners,” Reed said.

This simulation reflects a growing national emphasis on proactive safety measures in construction, addressing not only immediate emergency response but also long-term risk prevention. It provided a platform for emergency responders, safety officials, contractors, and workers to collaborate and refine coordinated strategies for real-world scenarios.

Looking ahead, ABC of Alabama plans to continue hosting similar exercises and expanding training programs to equip the construction workforce with the skills needed to recognize hazards, react swiftly, and minimize injuries and fatalities.

For additional information on ABC of Alabama’s safety initiatives and upcoming training sessions, visit abc-alabama.org.

Originally reported by Yellowhammer News.