In the wall and ceiling industry, a strong safety program on paper isn’t enough. True safety is defined by execution in the field—how crews operate, how supervisors lead and how hazards are managed before they lead to incidents, citations or rising insurance costs.
To help contractors strengthen their safety culture and protect their bottom line, the AWCI offers a unique, collaborative initiative: the AWCI Safety Peer Review Program.
Twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall—AWCI conducts these working sessions designed for contractors who want to move beyond compliance and build a true competitive advantage.
Here is a closer look at what sets the program apart and why your company should consider hosting a review.
What Sets the AWCI Safety Peer Review Apart?
1. Peer-to-Peer, Not Top-Down
This isn’t OSHA, an outside consultant or a generic checklist exercise. During a review, a team of volunteer safety leaders from fellow AWCI member contractors spends about two and a half days embedded with your team. You get practical, field-tested insight from experienced professionals who understand the day-to-day realities of your work.
2. Confidential and Non-Punitive
Built on trust, the peer review process takes place in a closed-door environment. All participants sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to ensure confidentiality. The objective is continuous improvement and candid learning, not exposure or compliance auditing.
3. Find Issues Before They Find You
Gaps in safety programs rarely show up on paper—they surface during incidents, citations, and claims. The peer review process helps identify potential exposure early, while it can still be controlled proactively.
4. Focus on Real-World Execution
Beyond reviewing written policies, reviewers look at how work gets done. They evaluate crew behavior, field supervision, planning and site-level accountability to ensure safety is embedded in daily operations.
5. Measurable Financial Impact
Safety performance directly drives your experience modification rate (EMR), insurance premiums and your ability to win work. Strengthening your safety systems through peer feedback translates directly into a bottom-line financial advantage.
6. Mutual Learning and Team Development
The program benefits both the host company and the volunteer reviewers. Participation strengthens internal leadership, sharpens field awareness and gives your team access to proven practices from leading contractors across the country—discovering what works, what doesn’t and why.
Proven Success Across Industry Leaders
The contractors participating in this program don’t do it because they must—they do it because they understand that real safety is a competitive edge.
AWCI has hosted nine successful peer reviews with top industry contractors, including:
- Daley’s Drywall–Campbell, CA (2019)
- South Valley–Littleton, CO (2022)
- J&J Acoustics, Inc.–Santa Clara, CA (2023)
- The Raymond Group–Orange, CA (2023)
- OCP Contractors, Inc.–Cleveland, OH (2024)
- Performance Contracting Inc. (PCI)–Lenexa, KS (2024)
- MAREK–Houston, TX (2025)
- Valley Interior Systems–Nashville, TN (2025)
- E&K of Omaha–Omaha, NE (2026)
To see how these reviews make a lasting impact, check out our latest articles: To see how these reviews make a lasting impact, read how Valley Interior Systems used their review to build a culture that can withstand growth or learn more about AWCI’s ongoing commitment to safety.
How to Get Involved
AWCI does not charge companies to host a review. If you are ready to elevate your safety program, protect your workers and learn alongside fellow industry leaders, we invite you to apply for an upcoming spring or fall review session.
Interested in Hosting or Learning More?
Contact Don Pilz, AWCI’s director of technical services, to discuss bringing an AWCI Safety Peer Review to your company.