According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, 6,336 fatalities (1,056 per year) occurred in the construction industry from 2018-2023
As an industry it occurs every day, but no one wants to see it happen – especially Neil Recker.
Recker, the Midwest Regional Sales Manager for Werk-Brau Co. Inc., serves on the board of directors for Construction Angels – a national organization in which the Ohio Contractors Association became an affiliated state chapter last June.
Construction Angels, formed in 2011 by third-generation asphalt industry member Kristi Ronyak, is a national non-profit organization providing financial and grief counseling assistance to the spouses and children of construction workers killed in work-related accidents. According to the group’s website: “Many times when a household suffers a loss, there is little to no short-term funds available to the family to accommodate those left behind. CA’s main objective is to help families pick up the pieces…”
How Construction Angels Helps
Construction Angels (CA) provides support to families in several ways:
- $8,000 to the spouse and/or children (19 years and younger)
- $3,000 in Angel Support (if the worker does not have a spouse/children)
- Up to $1,000 in Grief Counseling to the family and/or company employees
- Scholarships
- For children who have lost a parent due to a construction fatality
- For children seeking a construction education
- For educational organizations in the industry
“It’s the ultimate thing you never want to see happen, but everyone is aware of the risks in this business,” said Recker, regarding workers killed on the construction site – which on-average happens in the U.S. more than four times each day. While Recker, who for six years has been with Findlay-based Werk-Brau, knows heavy/highway construction members are aware of the industry’s efforts when it comes to safety, he wants to make sure families of fallen workers know where to turn if tragedy occurs, saying, “It seems like you just don’t know what to do in those times for help…”
Now in 32 states and with the goal of having a state chapter in all 50 states by 2032, Construction Angels began in Florida, where the association recently moved its headquarters to Palm Beach Gardens. Along with Ohio, Construction Angels has chapters in the neighboring states of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
The impetus for Ohio starting a chapter came two years ago. “I got involved with them after I attended one of their events in Michigan in early 2023 and heard what they do as an organization,” Recker said. Hearing that Construction Angels would ‘love to start a chapter in Ohio,’ the Kalida native said, “We thought that with all the contacts (Werk-Brau has) we would take the bull by the horns and start one up.”
In spring 2023, with “overwhelming support” from its equipment dealers and contractors, Werk-Brau held its first charity event – a golf outing in Columbus that raised $70,000. 100,000. In addition to the hosts, OCA member involvement in the charity outing included Alta Equipment Co., Columbus Equipment Co., George J. Igel & Co. Inc., Kokosing Construction Co. Inc., Miller Bros. Construction Inc., Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co. Inc., Ohio CAT, The Shelly Co., Southeastern Equipment Co. Inc.
Recker hopes to increase that financial and participation total in 2025, when the 3rd Annual Werk-Brau Charity Golf Classic will be held August 11 at the Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City, and a possible trap shooting event this fall. “Our goal is to continue hosting a successful annual golf classic fundraiser to ensure funds are available during time of need,” said Recker, adding, “We would like to expand to a few more events throughout the state and increase awareness so everyone in the industry knows that there is a program available.”
Along with being a way to assist construction families in a time of need, Recker said Construction Angels also fulfills one of Werk-Brau’s fundamental beliefs. “One of our core values is building better lives, and supporting a charity in the industry that’s local certainly embodies that core value for us.”
When a worksite fatality occurs, the family of the deceased can receive financial and grief support by contacting Construction Angels and filling out an online application. A subcommittee reviews the applications and circulates the assistance to the respective states and families.
Recker said it is sometimes difficult to find out what families are affected and need help following a work fatality, but he hopes by promoting the work of Construction Angels more people will discover the organization is there to help. “It is something that we sometimes struggle with, because it’s not something that companies like to talk about when fatalities happen. So, we rely heavily on hearing or seeing something in the news, as well as from past donors or sponsors of events we’ve hosted.”
With OCA’s affiliation with the Construction Angels Ohio Chapter, Recker sees that recognition of what the organization provides growing. “We’re very appreciative of the support from the OCA and joining hands with a partnership with the association. It brings a lot of validity to what we do. When contractors see that we are partnering with the OCA, we hope that they can understand that they can see benefits of Construction Angels more quickly.”
Along with OCA being a State Silver Sponsor, Ohio811 serves as a Supporting Association/Organization for Construction Angels.
Recker adds that money raised by the Construction Angels Ohio Chapter remains in the state. While most funds go toward the families of fallen construction workers, since 2018, Construction Angels has sponsored scholarships to students pursuing careers in the industry. Online scholarship applications for the next academic year are being accepted until July 11 through the Construction Angels Scholarship Fund at www.constructionangels.us/scholarship.
“Construction Angels provides help to the industry at a time when people need guidance, support and help. We’re hoping their engagement in Ohio helps people navigate through a very difficult and challenging time of their life.”
– OCA President Chris Runyan
For more information on Construction Angels and the work of the Construction Angels Ohio Chapter, contact Recker at nrecker@werk-brau.com.
OUR VISION
Our VISION is to be the immediate source of support to construction families when the unthinkable happens. We believe in the importance of promoting family values, jobsite safety awareness, continued education and the continued support for ‘ONE OF OUR OWN.’
SUPPORTING OUR CAUSE
Construction Angels relies on sponsors, fundraisers, construction associations and general donations. This provides an incentive for donors to receive a tax deduction. Construction Angels donates funds directly to the families in need who have been affected by such a tragedy.