Safety in the construction industry isn’t just about following rules; it’s about creating a culture where every person feels empowered and protected on the job.

While many companies aim for compliance, MacDonald-Miller strives for something more.

That’s why we’re proud to be one of the first construction companies in Washington to achieve VPP (Voluntary Protection Program)—the highest safety recognition a company can receive from regulators like OSHA and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

VPP isn’t just another safety award. It’s a rigorous partnership between management, employees, and safety regulators designed to recognize and promote best-in-class safety and health management systems.

VPP is an initiative by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that recognizes employers and employees in the private sector and federal agencies who have implemented exemplary safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates below the national average for their respective industries. Think of standard safety regulations as the minimum requirement—the floor for workplace safety. VPP certification is the ceiling, celebrating companies that go far beyond basic compliance to build truly proactive, comprehensive safety programs.

Achieving VPP status is no small feat. It involves a deep-dive evaluation of a company’s safety culture, training programs, and employee involvement. In fact, MacDonald-Miller is the only mechanical contractor in the state to hold VPP status, and we have not one, but two certified sites: our 100,000+ SF fabrication shop and our service location in Everett.

For us, VPP is tangible proof of our “people-first” philosophy. It formalizes our belief that when it comes to safety, every voice matters. A key element of the VPP framework is ensuring that employees have an equal and active voice in the safety program. This resonates deeply with our culture, where some of the best safety improvements have come directly from ideas generated by our crews in the field.

This collaborative approach transforms safety from a top-down mandate into a shared responsibility. When everyone—from an apprentice to a project executive—feels empowered to speak up, we build a worksite where potential hazards are identified and mitigated before they become incidents.

We often ask our teams to view every task through a simple lens: “Would you let your family member do this work?” If the answer is no, we stop, re-plan, and make it safe enough for the people we care about most.

A VPP-certified partner brings more than just a stellar safety record to a project; it delivers higher quality and greater efficiency. When our teams know they are working in the safest possible environment, they can dedicate 100% of their focus to craftsmanship and quality installation. Safer worksites lead to fewer delays, reduced risk, and better project outcomes. In short, safety and quality are two sides of the same coin.

Our VPP status, coupled with an industry-leading EMR (Experience Modification Rate) of 0.3100, demonstrates a proven track record of excellence. For clients, especially on large, complex projects like hospitals and data centers, partnering with a contractor like MacDonald-Miller provides peace of mind. It guarantees that you are working with a team that not only meets but defines the highest standards of safety and operational excellence in the industry.

At MacDonald-Miller, our top priority is making sure every person goes home safe, every single day. We foster a culture where every voice matters, and everyone has the power to stop work if something doesn’t feel right. Read more about Safety at MacMiller or about our commitment to our people here.