TrueNorth Steel’s Structural fabrication sites and Construction Services team were recently recognized for their safety efforts in 2024 by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) with seven Safety Awards. For over a decade, TrueNorth Steel has been a proud member of the AISC, who supports the structural steel design community and the broader construction industry nationwide.
Understanding DART
The AISC Safety Awards rely on “Days Away, Restricted or Transferred” (DART) rates that companies report to OSHA. DART measures the number of recordable lost work cases per 200,000 hours worked. TrueNorth Steel received the following 2024 Safety Awards by location:
Safety Award of Honor (perfect DART record)
- Mandan, ND
- Billings, MT
- Rapid City, SD
- Fargo, ND
- Construction Services – Billings, MT
Safety Award of Merit (excellent DART record, 0<DART≤1)
- Lubbock, TX
Safety Commendation (commendable DART record, 1<DART≤2)
- West Fargo, ND
Safety Starts With Our Team
At TrueNorth Steel, safety is more than a priority, it’s a commitment we make to every person who steps through our doors. Across every site, our dedicated Safety Coordinators work diligently to provide the education, equipment, and support needed to protect our team, ensuring everyone makes it home safely at the end of each day.
Mandan
“We are pleased to have AISC acknowledge our hard work in safety. Safety is a result of careful planning, training, self-awareness, accountability to each other, and deep respect between coworkers. Our effort is to create a culture where employee professionalism and satisfaction are high, so we can keep focused on doing high-quality work in the safest ways possible.”
Darcy Lackman, Safety Coordinator
Billings
“In our fabrication facilities, safety and great people go hand-in-hand to keep us strong and in business. We lead with personal responsibility, making safety the first thing, every time.”
Shane Brownrigg
Site Operations Manager
Construction Services
“One way our team prioritizes safety is always talking about it. No matter the project, we make sure we’re using proper PPE, following safety protocols, and constantly communicating with each other. To us, safety means going home to our family and friends healthy and unharmed each day.”
Nick Zacher
Construction Development Manager
Lubbock
“This recognition is a huge honor. It validates the hard work, discipline, and care we put into keeping our people safe every single day. More than a trophy or banner, it’s a reflection of our team’s commitment to doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. It motivates us to keep raising the bar—not just for recognition, but because lives depend on it.”
Pete Cruz, Safety Coordinator
West Fargo
“Our team members work hard and do a great job in building a safe work culture. This positive environment boosts morale, allows employees to go home safely, and ultimately improves production.”
Casey Nelson
Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator
Fargo Steel
“Knowing what can happen without proper safety protocols, I believe safety is truly the most important part of our jobs. This award shows our team members their efforts are recognized within our industry and motivates us all to continue to prioritize safety every day.”
Candie Valadez, Safety Coordinator
Rapid City
“We strive to have safety at the forefront of all procedures and the heart of our culture. Looking out for ourselves, our coworkers, and anyone else who might be on site is crucial to sending everyone home the way they arrived or better.”
Daniel Awe, Shop Supervisor