The CDMCS convened on November 14 in Washington, DC on the heels of the Pipeline Task Force Meeting and the Safety Awards Dinner to discuss best practices, leading indicators in safety, lockout/tagout protocols, emergency response procedures like abandon ship, man overboard, and crew accountability; OSHA regulatory actions, and a regional review of safety progress/challenges across several USACE divisions.

Representatives from Cashman, Cottrell Contracting, The Dutra Group, Inland Dredging, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, JT Cleary, Manson Construction Co., Mike Hooks, Norfolk Dredging, Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel, and Weeks Marine attended, as well as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Coastal and Marine Operators Pipeline Industry Initiative (CAMO), and safety and operations personnel from the following USACE districts and divisions: Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Galveston, Kansas City, Mobile, New England, Philadelphia, Portland, South Atlantic Division, St. Louis, St. Paul and HQ.

In its tenth year the CDMCS remains steadfast and true to its vision of creating a 100% injury-free workplace for the dredging and marine construction industry. We have a lot to be proud of as a council and as an industry. 2018 was truly a banner year in many ways, but there are indications that 2019 will be equally, if not more, aggressive. Key initiatives are already under way and making progress; others are in the pipeline for a gradual rollout. Thank you to all our members who help drive our activities, and a warm welcome to others to become more involved. To everyone, may you have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year! We’ll see you in 2019.