All In Together: ehsInc's May 2026

Construction Safety Week: "All In Together"

The first full week of May was Construction Safety Week 2026 (May 4–8), the annual industry-wide initiative focused on reducing injuries and fatalities on the jobsite. Across the country, contractors, unions, safety professionals, and organizations marked the week with stand-downs, toolbox talks, training sessions, and on-site safety events.

This year's theme was "All In Together" — a reminder that a strong safety culture isn't one person's job, but everyone's. The campaign organized that idea around three core pillars, each tied directly to preventing serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs):

• Recognize — spotting the hazards and high-risk situations before they cause harm.
• Respond — acting decisively and supporting one another when something goes wrong.
• Respect — valuing every worker's right to go home safe at the end of the day.

We kicked off the week on Monday, May 4 at the LAWA ADG/Contractor's Safety Week Kickoff, where we hosted a booth and spent the day connecting with industry partners. We shared insights, answered questions, and talked through everything from safety training to compliance with professionals who are all committed to building a stronger safety culture. A special thank-you to Larry Turner of Hensel Phelps, who extended the invitation and did a fantastic job emceeing and organizing the event — and to the Famous Taco Bar that kept everyone well fed throughout the day.

We closed the week on Friday, May 8 out at the Port of Los Angeles, at the final-day safety event hosted by the HERZOG–Larison JV at Berths 302–305, home of the port's railyard expansion project. Our own Kaila Krichmar stopped by to show support for the initiative and bring treats to the crew on site — a small gesture, but a fitting way to wrap a week built on showing up for the people doing the work.

To everyone who stopped by, asked a question, or shared a conversation: thank you. The momentum carries well beyond a single week.

NAWIC PSW Spring Forum: "Breaking Ground, Building Dreams"

Mid-month, the NAWIC Pacific Southwest Region Spring Forum (May 13–15) brought women leaders, professionals, and allies from across the region together in Downtown LA. Hosted by NAWIC LA Chapter #42 at the Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown under the theme "Breaking Ground, Building Dreams," it was three days of connection, learning, and celebration.

The forum opened with registration, networking, a welcome reception, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the LA Convention Center project. The second day delivered a powerful lineup of conversations on culture, legacy, and leadership — from Liliana T. Pérez-Palacios of the Los Angeles Chargers on how sport can unite communities, to LA County Supervisor and former U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis on leading with the dignity of working people at the center. AECOM leaders shared how landmark projects like the Intuit Dome and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games are being built with community and economic inclusion in mind, and the Tradeswomen Take Center Stage panel offered real stories of apprenticeship, ownership, and building the pipeline for the next generation. Procore's Morgan Traynor closed the day's sessions with a timely look at leading through change.

The final day kept the energy going with an Emerging Professionals walk and coffee meetup, sessions on turning relationships into revenue and navigating the legal realities of the jobsite, and a glamorous Old Hollywood–themed awards banquet — "Lights, Camera, Construction" — to send everyone off in true LA style.

A heartfelt thank-you to Regional Director Kaitlyn McKenna as she closes out her term, and congratulations to NAWIC LA Chapter #42 on a forum to remember. We're already looking forward to 2027, when NAWIC Orange County hosts the region.

Happy 62nd Birthday, NAWIC Orange County!

We then kicked off the month of June by celebrating the NAWIC Orange County Chapter's 62nd Birthday — and we were proud to sponsor the event. Our very own Marjorie Del Toro and Corrie Chan were there on our behalf, and we were especially excited to help create the night's crowd favorite: a Kahoot! trivia game that put members' knowledge of NAWIC's history to the test while bringing plenty of fun and friendly competition.

It was inspiring to connect with longtime members, welcome the chapter's new Board, and honor 62 years of empowering women in construction. Happy birthday, NAWIC OC — here's to many more.

Looking ahead

If there was a through-line to May and the beginning of June, it was the spirit of being all in together — on the jobsite, across the region, and in the communities we're part of. Thank you to every partner, member, and team member who made this month what it was. We'll see you out there.

What Brought Industry Leaders and Safety Teams Together This April

Over the past month, our industry has come together across Southern California and beyond to spotlight what truly drives safety forward.

From empowering conversations all the way to moments of remembrance, each event carried a shared theme—building stronger teams and safer job sites.

Leadership in Action: Women Shaping the Industry

At the start of April, NAWIC Orange County hosted an impactful evening at Hope Builders in Santa Ana centered on Leadership Perspectives from Diverse-Owned Businesses.

The panel brought together Robin Thorne (CTI Environmental, Inc.), Carolina Alvarez (J&S Building Maintenance, Inc.), and Christie Bravo (Bravo Building Concepts / Bravo Roofing, Inc.), who shared firsthand experiences navigating growth, leadership, and the realities of running successful construction businesses.

Moderated by our very own Marjorie Del Toro, the conversation created space for candid dialogue that moved beyond theory and into real-world experience. Attendees left with practical insights and a stronger sense of community within the industry.

National Work Zone Awareness Week: A Shared Responsibility

As National Work Zone Awareness Week came to a close, the message remained clear: safety in work zones is not optional, it’s shared responsibility.

Each year, thousands of crashes occur in active construction zones across the country, many of them preventable. 

Behind every cone and barrier are crews working in close proximity to live traffic, building and maintaining the infrastructure communities rely on daily.

This year’s theme, “Safe Actions, Save Lives,” reinforces a simple truth: every decision behind the wheel has consequences for those on the ground.

Workers’ Memorial Day: Remembering the Lives Lost

April 28 served as Workers’ Memorial Day, a solemn reminder of the lives lost to workplace incidents—and the families forever impacted.

The week leading up to the observance included national gatherings and safety-focused events, including training summits, memorial ceremonies, and vigils honoring fallen workers.

Across these moments, one message stood out: Remember the dead, Fight for the living.

Industry Connection on and off the Jobsite

The 50th Annual ABC San Diego Golf Tournament brought professionals together in a lighter environment, where relationships were built beyond the jobsite!

The tropical theme set the tone and the the purpose behind the event remained strong—supporting scholarships, workforce training, and the next generation of builders entering the industry. 

Construction Safety Week: Strengthening the Culture

More recently, Construction Safety Week (May 4–8, 2026) brought teams together across job sites and industry events, including the LAWA ADG/Contractor’s Safety Week Kickoff.

The kickoff provided an opportunity to connect with industry partners, share safety insights, and reinforce the importance of continuous training and compliance. Special thanks to Larry Turner at Hensel Phelps for the invitation and leadership in organizing the event, and to all who contributed to meaningful conversations around safety culture.

The week concluded with field engagement at the HERZOG Larison JV Berth 302–305 project at the Port of Los Angeles.This year’s theme, “All In Together,” highlighted three core pillars: Recognize, Respond, and Respect—reinforcing that strong safety culture depends on participation at every level of the industry.

Closing Thoughts

Across every panel, memorial, tournament, and kickoff event, one thread remains consistent: this industry is built on people.

And when people lead with awareness, responsibility, and collaboration, the entire industry moves forward—safely and intentionally.

Awards to Fairways: A Standout March for ehsInc

March was a dynamic and incredible month for ehsInc, filled with opportunities to connect, contribute, and stay actively engaged in the communities and industries we serve. 

From celebrating excellence in environmental stewardship to supporting industry partners and championing impactful community events, our team was proud to be present and involved every step of the way. 

Here’s a look at how we showed up throughout the month.

SARBS Annual Awards Banquet

On March 14th, we had the pleasure of attending the CWEA Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) Annual Awards Banquet and Board Installation at Fairview Green River Golf Course.

With nearly 200 attendees, the evening highlighted the dedication and achievements of professionals and agencies committed to protecting and enhancing our local water environment. It was a great opportunity to connect with many of our valued clients and industry partners, and an honor to spend time with CWEA President Kathryn Gies, P.E.

Congratulations to all the award recipients and newly installed board members. ehsInc is proud to support and sponsor such an impactful event that recognizes leadership and progress within our industry.

Hoag Classic

ehsInc was honored to support the Hoag Classic, with Marjorie Del Toro proudly representing our team at one of the premier events on the PGA TOUR Champions circuit.

Held at Newport Beach Country Club from March 22–29, the Hoag Classic brought together some of golf’s biggest legends for a week of world-class competition, along with an unforgettable performance from rising country music star Tyler Braden.

Beyond the excitement on the course, the Hoag Classic continues to make a lasting impact off the course. With Hoag Health System as the title sponsor and McCarthy Building Companies as the presenting partner, the event has raised more than $25 million to benefit Hoag, as well as local educational and military charities.

Traffic Control Awareness Training

We were also proud to deliver Traffic Control Awareness training at Pacific Products & Services’ Annual BBQ.

This event provided a great setting to engage with both familiar faces and new connections while reinforcing the importance of safety and awareness in the field. It was especially valuable to exchange insights and learn more about the latest products and technologies shaping the traffic control industry.

Opportunities like this allow us to continue strengthening relationships while delivering meaningful, practical training that supports safer job sites and better outcomes.

From industry recognition to hands-on training and community-driven events, March was a true reflection of what ehsInc stands for—community, partnership, and impact.

We’re grateful for the relationships we continue to build and the opportunities to contribute across the communities we serve. As we move forward, we remain committed to showing up, staying involved, and making a difference where it matters most.

Building Safer Communities: Highlights from Our Recent Industry Events

At ehsInc safety doesn’t just happen in the workplace—it’s something we actively support through partnerships, education, and community engagement. Over the past month, our team has had the opportunity to participate in a variety of industry events, outreach programs, and professional gatherings that all share a common goal: advancing safety and strengthening the construction and public works communities.

Here’s a look at some of the recent events we were proud to be part of.

Safety Chic: PPE Fashion Show & OSHA Violations Review

February 10, 2026

The NAWIC Orange County Chapter #91 hosted a creative and educational membership meeting titled “Safety Chic: Essential PPE Fashion Show & OSHA Violations Review.”

The event focused on the importance of properly fitting PPE for women in construction, highlighting how safety gear should support both protection and confidence on the jobsite.

During the meeting, our very own Eric Garcia, delivered a presentation reviewing Cal/OSHA’s Top 10 Most Cited Violations, helping attendees better understand the most common compliance issues and how to avoid them.

It was a valuable opportunity to share knowledge while continuing the conversation around workplace safety and inclusivity in the industry.

 

Wildlife Safety Training at the SARBS Winter Collections Seminar

February 19, 2026

Our team also participated in the 48th SARBS Winter Collections Seminar, an event that brings together public works personnel, wastewater professionals, and safety leaders from across the region.

Representing ehsInc were our very own Kaila Krichmar, who participated as an exhibitor, and Jon Haverkamp who delivered a presentation titled: “Stay Safe, Stay Aware: Wildlife Safety Training.”

The presentation focused on real-world hazards workers may encounter in the field and provided practical guidance on recognizing and safely responding to wildlife risks during outdoor operations.

The seminar created a valuable opportunity to connect with professionals across multiple industries while sharing knowledge that helps keep workers safe in the environments they operate in every day.

 

Celebrating Women in Construction Week

March 2–7, 2026

This year, we were proud to participate in Women in Construction Week (WIC Week®)—a national celebration recognizing the women who help build, protect, and lead the construction industry. Throughout the week, our team joined several events across Southern California.

March 2 – Networking Event

Corrie Chan and Marjorie Del Toro kicked off the week at a networking event hosted at McCarthy’s office, where industry professionals gathered to connect and celebrate women in construction. The evening also included a special moment of recognition with Stephanie Klopfenstein.

    

March 3 – City Club Luncheon & Panel Discussion

The City Club Luncheon featured a panel moderated by Ileana Holguin, where experienced leaders shared insights on leadership, career pivots, and navigating the construction industry. The event also included an inspiring keynote from Danielle Sprouls, author of WTF: Women That Flourish, who spoke about resilience, personal growth, and redefining success.

     

March 5 – Job Site Tour

The PENTA Building Group hosted a job site tour of their University Student Union project at California State University. Attendees gained a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, collaboration, and execution required to bring major construction projects to life.

March 6 – 2nd Annual WIC Week Charity Golf Tournament
Corrie joined NAWIC Orange County’s foursome for the 2nd Annual WIC Week Charity Golf Tournament. Thanks to sponsors and participants, the event raised over $20,000 in scholarships to support students pursuing careers in construction.

March 7 – SoCal Chapter Celebration

The week concluded at Peltzer Winery, where NAWIC Southern California chapters gathered to celebrate the continued growth and impact of women across the construction industry.

   

Our Continued Commitment

Each of these events reflects something we believe deeply at ehsInc: safety is built through education, collaboration, and community involvement.

Whether we’re supporting industry leaders, teaching the next generation about jobsite safety, or sharing expertise with professionals in the field, our mission remains the same—to help create safer workplaces and stronger industries.

We’re proud to stand alongside our partners and peers in advancing safety across construction, public works, and beyond.