Members of Bellevue-headquartered Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Washington’s retro program have earned a collective $4.6 million refund for the 350 members who participated in the ABC Retro Program for the three most recent plan years.

Plan members receive a financial incentive to increase their safety awareness, since members who experience low claim costs can earn refunds.

The refund for the 2005-2006 year hit 47 percent, the highest refund since 2002. Top performers in the program for the 2005-2006 year earned over a 53 percent return.

“Some of the safest businesses in this state are contractors who belong to ABC and utilize the more than 50 safety classes as well as safety assessments and program development consultation,” said Ron Nolten, president of Dochnahl Construction, Inc., and ABC Retro Committee chair. Since it began in 1994, the ABC Retro program has returned $45 million which helps to offset the increases in L&I premiums over the last few years.

In addition, 275 STEP (Safety Training and Evaluation Process) Awards were presented to contractors who went through the extensive safety and loss prevention assessment process. In addition, 125 members who achieved platinum or gold levels in the STEP program are eligible for the ABC Safety Alliance, which requires independent validation by a certified safety professional.

ABC of Western Washington represents more than 500 companies and their employees from both open shop and union contractors, professional service firms and suppliers. Its membership includes general and subcontractors as well as associated firms that are dedicated to promoting the free enterprise system through improved business conditions, increased training and safety and promoting positive employee/employer relations.