2026 NWIBRT & CAF applications will be available 1/15/26 thru 2/16/26
Applications will be available here on 01/15/2026. Not sure who qualifies? You’ll find the answers you’re looking for in the criteria below. If you have any questions or would like a pdf copy of the application, please email us at info@nwibrt.org today!
NWIBRT AWARD LEVEL CRITERIA
You must be a NWIBRT member current on your dues.
All subscribers to the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable are eligible to participate.
Any company that experienced a work-related fatality or an OSHA violation that was “willful” or greater in the past year will only be eligible for the Innovation Award, Site Safety Leader of the Year Roger Walters Memorial Award, and the Outstanding Craft Person Safety Leader Award.
Contractor of the Year Award
Must meet Excellence Award criteria and demonstrate outstanding contributions to Northwest Indiana's safety culture. Requires 80% attendance in NWIBRT Safety Subcommittee. Finalists undergo third-party panel review and audit.
Company of the Year Award
For engineering or specialty companies demonstrating unique capabilities throughout the construction lifecycle. Must have exceptional safety records surpassing regional and national levels, plus a strong culture of partnership and teamwork.
Excellence Award
Must achieve Achievement Level for three consecutive years and demonstrate an acceptable safety management system. Requires 80% attendance in NWIBRT Safety Subcommittee or Sub Teams.
Apply NowAchievement Award
Must meet Recognition Level criteria with DAFW, DART, and TRIR rates lower than the NWI Regional Contractor community average. Demonstrates acceptable safety management practices.
Apply NowRecognition Award
Company's OSHA DAFW, DART, and TRIR rates must be below the most current national industry average for your NAICS code as established by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Metric | NAICS 23 | NAICS 54 |
|---|---|---|
| DAFW | 1.1 | 0.3 |
| DART | 1.6 | 0.3 |
| TRIR | 2.5 | 0.9 |
Progress Award
All about continuous improvement! Show improving DAFW, TRIR, and DART rates for the past three consecutive years.
Innovation Award
Recognizes proactive development of new safety initiatives or creative safety management through effective programs, processes, and procedures. Considers new programs, methods, or technology applications that solve industry safety challenges.
Apply NowLife Saver Award
Honors individuals who demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life without regard for personal safety. Focuses on humanitarian efforts either at or away from work.
Apply NowOutstanding Craft Person Safety Leader
Recognizes craft persons who exemplify dedication to safety. Submit a separate application for each craft person you wish to nominate.
Apply NowOutstanding Apprentice Safety Leader
Honors apprentices who exemplify dedication to safety. Submit a separate application for each apprentice you wish to nominate.
Apply NowSite Safety Leader of the Year
Roger Walters Memorial Award
Presented to a safety representative whose everyday diligence and dedication goes above and beyond in creating a safe working environment. Recognizes extraordinary contributions to worker safety in Northwest Indiana.
Apply NowOwner Excellence in Leadership Award
Recognizes owners who have developed quality safety programs and communicated them effectively to contractors. Awarded to those who encourage contractor improvement, demonstrate creative safety solutions, and take a proactive approach to safety communication.
Apply NowCAF Award level Criteria
Construction Advancement Foundation
Project of the Year Award
Recognizes contractors' ability to deliver quality projects on schedule, within budget, with minimal operational disruption, and the highest commitment to safety.
- Maintenance/Service Contract Work of the Year Award
- Industrial/Capital Project of the Year Award
- Commercial Project of the Year Award
- Public Works Project of the Year Award
- Heavy Civil/Highway Contractor of the Year Award
Construction Advancement Foundation
Contractor of the Year Award
Based on safety, excellence in partnering and teamwork, quality project management, innovation in construction techniques, environmental consideration, community support, craftsmanship, and training.
- Contractor of the Year Award
- Industrial Contractor of the Year Award
- Professional & Engineering Contractor of the Year Award
- Specialty Contractor of the Year Award
- Highway Contractor of the Year Award
Excellence in Professional Development Award
Honors contractors with outstanding commitment to enhancing workforce quality and skills through comprehensive professional development initiatives, including training programs, community engagement, and innovation in technology training.
Apply Now