Gillis Gilkerson Earns STEP Platinum Safety and Health Designation

SALISBURY, MARYLAND –APRIL 30, 2026 – Gillis Gilkerson is proud to announce it has achieved Platinum level recognition in Associated Builders and Contractors’ STEP^© Health and Safety Management System.  The STEP (Safety Training Evaluation Process) program is a construction industry safety management system that includes assessment tools that contractors can use to measure their safety performance, benchmark against peers, analyze safety protocols and improve workplace safety, through a structured multi-tier process.  Gillis Gilkerson has consistently improved its scores year over year, since it began participating in 2023.

“ABC’s STEP program has given our management team an outstanding tool to measure the effectiveness of our safety protocols with specific safety components and strengthen our practices with actionable elements.  The STEP process has become an invaluable tool for Gillis Gilkerson as we continue to build and expand our company’s health and safety culture.”  said Gillis Gilkerson President Tyler Barnes.  “I want to congratulate our team on achieving STEP Platinum. We will continue to provide our team with the best resources possible, but this achievement was accomplished by each and every one of our staff members, and their dedication to safety in the field.”

STEP participants measure their safety process and policies on key components and the criteria for best practices through a detailed questionnaire, with the goal of implementing or enhancing safety programs that reduce jobsite incident rates.  The tiered structure of the grading matrix helps companies visualize where they currently stand on twenty-five evaluation areas, while providing a clear roadmap for improvement.  Gillis Gilkerson has used this tool to identify incremental improvements to its safety program, many of which have been rolled out, with more planned for the future.  The STEP program is a free resource available to all ABC members. 

“STEP will help any contractor or supplier reinforce their commitment to the well-being of their workforce,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC Vice President of Health, Safety , Environment and Workforce Development. “If we choose to commit and if we choose to transform, together we can ensure every construction worker goes home safer, happier, healthier and more fulfilled every single day.”

Gillis Gilkerson will continue to participate in the STEP Program every year, working to improve its safety protocols and its commitment to the total human health of its staff, both in the field and in the office.