Construction Safety Organization Has Launched
The new national entity aims to reduce workplace injuries through accessible safety resources and industry advocacy.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Construction
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The Construction Safety Organization officially launched on September 21, 2026, to promote health and safety across the national industry. The group intends to lower financial barriers for small contractors by offering free and low-cost membership options.
Why it matters
The organization prioritizes a Workers First approach to address the high rate of occupational injuries in the sector. It focuses on turning safety ideas into actionable strategies for implementation on job sites across the United States.
More than 1,000 construction workers suffer fatal occupational injuries annually. The organization is backed by a leadership team with decades of experience, including 34 years in federal service at OSHA.
The players
Raffi Elchemmas
He serves as the president of the organization and brings over 15 years of experience in construction-association management.
Justin Azbill
He acts as the vice president and has spent more than 30 years working in the field of construction safety.
Scott Ketcham
He is a consultant who spent 34 years working in federal service at OSHA.
Tim Irving
He is a consultant who served at the OSHA national office for 24 years.
Pete Chaney
He is a consultant who possesses over 40 years of experience in the field of occupational safety.
The details
The organization provides education, resources, and advocacy through forums where contractors can share successful safety practices. It aims to support both employers and contractors by removing cost-related obstacles to essential safety programs.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: The Construction Safety Organization officially launched.
Market Landscape
The new group positions itself alongside the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulatory framework to improve industry standards. By offering low-cost access to resources, it seeks to shift the competitive landscape for small-scale contractors.
Small contractors can utilize new low-cost membership options to access safety education that was previously out of reach. These resources may lead to safer job sites and potentially lower compliance costs for companies of all sizes.
The takeaway
The organization seeks to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and daily job site operations through a collaborative network. Contractors are encouraged to leverage shared safety practices to improve their internal health and safety programs.
Further reading
For additional context on the industry, visit the Construction section.
More information
For more details on available resources, visit the membership and information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The ACHR NEWS.
Live Poll
Do you trust industry-led safety organizations to effectively prioritize the well-being of construction workers?
