When asked to provide basic safety instruction at a local construction academy, Hank Kokenzie, Loss Prevention Manager at Centex Construction in Florida, decided to treat the students like professionals. Rather than simply learning First Aid and CPR, students at Seminole Ridge High School in Palm Beach County had the opportunity to complete a fully accredited OSHA 10-hour Construction course, the same course Centex Construction requires of its entire project staff. Teaching the course were Kokenzie and Larry Tribble, who donated over 100 hours of their time over an eight week period.

160 students in the Construction Career Academy at the high school participated in the course, where they learned about the potential hazards present at a construction site and, more importantly, how to prevent injury.

“I was very excited to have the opportunity to talk to these students,” says Kokenzie. “The sooner they start thinking about safety, the fewer injuries we will see on future construction sites.”

Centex is proud of these talented employees who found an innovative and engaging way to involve future construction professionals, while providing a valuable service to the community.