Fort Worth, Texas — September 8, 2026 — The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has announced the winners of its annual Safety Excellence awards for 2026. These awards honor NAWIC member companies that have successfully implemented exemplary safety and health programs, fostering a culture where safety is not just prioritized but ingrained. This year's winners were IMPACT Strategies in the General Contractor division and AirCo Mechanical in the Subcontractor division. "Safety should be everyone's top priority," said Jodi Wiemerslage, President of NAWIC, "These two companies represent what safety excellence is all about." 

IMPACT Strategies, Inc. demonstrated a strong, company-wide commitment to safety through leadership, employee engagement, communication, and accountability. Safety is integrated into its daily operations through staff meetings, operational huddles, safety committee discussions, jobsite visits, orientations, toolbox talks, pre-task planning, and project coordination. Internal and third-party audits evaluate jobsite conditions, identify hazards, and track corrective actions to completion. 

The company's safety performance is exceptional, with an EMR of 0.78 and zero OSHA DART and TRIR incidents for the past four years. Ongoing training addresses regulations, hazard awareness, mental health, and industry best practices. Employees and trade partners are encouraged to report hazards and are recognized for proactive safety efforts. 

Accepting the Safety Excellence Award in the Subcontractor category for AirCo Mechanical was Linda Cudmore. Her company was recognized for prioritizing safety on every project through active leadership, employee empowerment, and consistent field engagement. Supervisors lead daily pre-task planning, toolbox talks, job hazard analyses, inspections, orientations, and ongoing training. Employees have stop-work authority and are encouraged to report hazards, near misses, and safety observations without fear of retaliation. 

Key metrics—including TRIR, EMR, training completion, inspection findings, and corrective actions—are monitored to drive improvement. Training includes OSHA 10- and 30-Hour courses, operator qualifications, monthly department-specific instruction, and continuous supervisor coaching. Through digital documentation, employee feedback, near-miss reporting, and data-driven corrective actions, the company strengthens accountability, identifies emerging risks, and continuously improves safety outcomes across all projects. 

For more information about the projects, awards, or additional images, please visit nawic.org.

About NAWIC: The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) continues the vision of its founding members by advocating for the value and impact of women builders, professionals, and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry. With more than 130 chapters nationwide, and over 6,000 members, NAWIC offers opportunities for professional development, education, networking, and leadership training. To learn more, visit nawic.org.