Handy Manny talks to kids about importance of safety.

A New York-based construction company’s annual recognition of the importance of safety includes not only its employees, but their family members as well.

Skanska USA, a construction and development network with 8,300 employees, recently welcomed workers and their families to the company’s office in Queens for the annual Family Health & Safety Day.

According to the company, the day is meant to emphasize the value of safety, as well as to assure employees’ families that their loved ones are guaranteed safe working conditions while employed with Skanska.

At the event, participants had the opportunity to sit in real construction equipment, gaining a taste of what it is like to experience a day-in-the-life of a safe, Skanska construction worker.

Children were entertained by the popular Nick Jr. cartoon character, Handy Manny, who helped them learn about the importance of safety in construction.

The annual event is not Skanska’s only safety-related activity. The company celebrated  its 9th annual Global Safety Week this year, while launching its new Injury-Free Environment® (IFE®) website.

Over the past six years, Skanska has reduced the number of work-related accidents by more than 50 percent, and by 2015, Skanska aims to eliminate all accidents and achieve an IFE®.

Earlier this year, OSHA honored Skanska with Voluntary Protection Programs for its work on the Croton Water Treatment Plant project in the Bronx. 

Skanska USA is committed to sustainable construction and development and an injury-free workplace. Skanska USA Building specializes in building construction and Skanska USA Civil focuses on civil infrastructure.