Across Minnesota construction crews are hard at work—from revitalizing historic buildings in the Twin Cities to bringing new life to suburban main streets and Greater Minnesota communities. It’s a sign of growth and progress. But behind the scenes on each of these projects is something even more important: the safety and well-being of our craft workers bringing these buildings to life.
At Ancoats, safety isn’t a seasonal focus—it’s a year-round priority. As we recognize the closing of Construction Safety Week, it’s also a meaningful milestone for our business: one full year—across all of Ancoats’ projects—with zero recordable injuries.
Since day one, we’ve believed that thoughtful craftsmanship and client service mean nothing without a strong safety culture. That means investing in ongoing training, empowering our team and subcontractors to speak up, and fostering job sites where people know they’re valued. Our growth over the last five years—on corporate, science and technology, and hospitality projects across the region—has been driven by that commitment to putting people first.
We’re proud to be part of Minnesota’s thriving construction industry, and proud of how far we’ve come—especially when it comes to safety. A century ago, construction work was one of the most dangerous jobs in America, with injury and fatality rates that would be unthinkable today. Even 50 years ago, safety protocols and equipment we now consider standard—like hard hats, fall protection systems, and jobsite hazard planning—were still evolving. Thanks to the leadership of contractors, workers, and regulators alike, today’s construction sites are significantly safer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace fatalities in construction have dropped by more than 60% since the early 1970s, even as the workforce has grown and building projects have become more complex.
That progress didn’t happen by accident. It happened because our industry has continued to innovate—embracing new technology, improving communication, and creating a culture where safety is non-negotiable. We are blessed that many sophisticated, progressive builders call Minnesota their home. We’re proud to be part of a class of contractor that strives to lead the way in innovating for the benefit of the hard-working men and women on our project sites.
So what’s next? As we look ahead, the future of construction safety will be even more connected, data-driven, and proactive. Artificial intelligence may help predict risk before it happens. Advanced robotics could take on the most dangerous tasks. And workforce development programs will play a critical role—ensuring that as our workforce grows, it grows with a deep understanding of safety best practices.
At the end of the day, no project is truly successful unless every worker goes home safe. That’s the foundation we build on—and the legacy we’re proud to carry forward. As we celebrate Construction Safety Week on the verge of our five-year anniversary, we’re more committed than ever to leading with care, investing in people, and continuing to raise the bar on safety for our team, our partners, and our industry.
About the Author:
David Wood is the founder and President of Ancoats, a Minneapolis-based construction management firm that specializes in providing world-class services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.