The 10th annual Safety First! Contractor of the Year Award was presented to PIPETECHS Plumbing Technology, a Raleigh, N.C., business. Federated Insurance presented the award on Oct. 21 at the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors–National Association’s Connect 2016 national convention held in San Antonio, Texas.

The annual Safety First! Award recognizes a PHCC contractor who utilizes Federated’s resources to effectively implement sound risk management practices. Hundreds of clients are eligible each year to receive this prestigious honor, but PIPETECHS Plumbing Technologies’ vigilant approach to employee safety distinguished them from their peers.

PIPETECHS conducts an employee safety meeting each week, and uses the Seven Minute Safety Trainer app available from Federated Insurance to address specific topics. The company also follows formal hiring practices, including motor vehicle records checks, and provides their employees with a drug-free workplace.

Owner Dale Nichols, who recently attended the Federated Insurance Risk Management Academy, states, “Federated Insurance helps me manage risks to protect my contracting business and employees.”