Kansas City-Based Clarkson Construction Earns Top National Safety Honor 

Presented by the Associated General Contractors of America, the CSEA program recognizes companies that demonstrate excellence in safety and health performance, strong risk management practices, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The program evaluates not only results, but how safety is embedded into company culture and day-to-day operations. 

Clarkson was selected from a competitive national pool of nearly 150 applicants and recognized for its people-first approach to safety, one that emphasizes field engagement, employee empowerment, and continuous improvement. Clarkson was the only Kansas City-area company to be recognized in this year’s awards, underscoring the local firm’s leadership in safety excellence. 

“This recognition is incredibly meaningful to us because it reflects the work happening in the field every day,” said Russ Clayton, Vice President of Risk Management. “Our crews are the ones making the decisions that keep themselves and their teammates safe. Their commitment to looking out for one another and doing the work the right way is what makes our safety program successful.” 

As a sixth-generation, family-owned company founded in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1880, Clarkson has built a legacy rooted in protecting its people and delivering work safely. 

“Safety has always been a fundamental part of who we are at Clarkson,” said Billy Clarkson, President of Clarkson Construction. “For six generations, we’ve believed that our responsibility goes beyond building infrastructure — it’s about making sure every person goes home safely to the people who matter most. This recognition is a testament to the culture our teams live out every day.” 

The AGC Construction Safety Excellence Awards highlight companies that go beyond compliance, showcasing organizations that have developed premier safety programs and achieved continuous improvement in safety and health management systems. 

Clarkson is an active member of The Builders, a chapter of the AGC, one of the largest chapters of the Associated General Contractors of America, representing construction companies throughout the heartland. 

While the award was presented on a national stage, Clarkson emphasizes that its safety culture is built in the field through daily conversations, proactive planning, and a shared commitment to looking out for one another. Clarkson is proud to be recognized among the nation’s leaders in safety and remains committed to advancing a culture where safety is not just a priority, but a core value.