Experienced Environmental Health and Safety Operations Manager to Lead Comprehensive Mental Health Initiatives

The health and well-being of team members have always been a priority at Jordan Foster Construction. Furthering this commitment, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Asma Bayunus, Environmental Health and Safety Operations Manager, as the leader of the newly created position of Mental Wellness Manager. In this dual role, Asma will lead critical mental health awareness initiatives across the organization.

Health & Wellness Programs Improve Employee Safety and Productivity

The construction industry has historically been challenged in managing the harsh realities of high stress, long hours, and physical demands on employees. It also faces some of the highest suicide rates and substance use issues across U.S. industries. These factors highlight the critical need for a proactive wellness culture that prioritizes mental and physical safety equally.

“I am honored to lead the effort to further Jordan Foster Construction’s leadership in Health and Wellness,” said Asma, “I have deep personal commitment to ensuring a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment for every member of the Jordan Foster team.”

As Mental Wellness Manager, Asma’s priority will be to continue raising awareness, educating, and developing an environment where employees are well prepared to respond well to crises, and foster preventative health practices. Her leadership aims to normalize mental health care, break down stigma, and create a balanced approach to wellness on and off the jobsite. Asma’s extensive background in EHS operations and her deep commitment to her colleagues’ health make her uniquely qualified for this new role.

Four Areas of Focus Will Keep JFC on the Forefront of Industry Best Practices

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

The Mental Wellness Manager will lead the development and implementation of mental health awareness programs and campaigns across the organization. These initiatives aim to create an open, supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues, helping to reduce stigma and encourage seeking support when needed.

An important innovation will be organizing toolbox talks and safety stand-downs to address mental health challenges such as suicide prevention, job burnout, and substance misuse. These discussions will become a regular and integral part of the company’s safety culture, ensuring mental health is treated equally to physical safety.

The Mental Wellness Manager will also actively promote Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and other available company resources, ensuring employees know where to turn for support without fear of judgment.

Physical Health Programs in Partnership with EHS

In collaboration with the EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) department, the Mental Wellness Manager will oversee continuing physical health initiatives, including promoting injury prevention through ergonomic awareness, stretch-and-flex routines, and other wellness practices to reduce on-the-job stress and injuries.

The Mental Wellness Manager will align wellness initiatives with existing safety protocols, such as introducing hydration programs during extreme heat and offering resources for physical fitness, nutrition, and general wellness. These initiatives provide a holistic approach to employee well-being that integrates physical and mental health.

Crisis Support and Response

The Mental Wellness Manager will provide crisis support to employees following serious incidents or traumatic events. The Mental Wellness Manager will help facilitate post-incident support, connecting employees to appropriate counseling or grief support services.

Additionally, the Mental Wellness Manager will support the team through trauma processing, ensuring affected individuals receive the proper care and attention during difficult times. Thoroughly processing trauma is crucial to helping employees navigate challenging situations and promoting healing within the organization.

Culture and Engagement

A significant focus of the Mental Wellness Manager will be to build on and further instill JFC’s culture of care throughout the organization. A culture that integrates mental wellness into the overall safety culture, ensuring that mental health and physical safety are equally prioritized in leadership development and day-to-day operations.

By cultivating a supportive and caring environment, the Mental Wellness Manager will help ensure that employees feel valued for their work performance and overall well-being as valued members of the JFC family. A caring environment also positively contributes to a more engaged and productive workforce committed to the company’s mission while prioritizing their health and safety.

Looking Ahead

Asma’s appointment as Mental Wellness Manager is an exciting development for Jordan Foster Construction. With her leadership, we aim to further innovate on and integrate our approach to wellness and ensure that our employees’ health remains at the forefront of everything we do. Adding this role to our organization is just one more step in our ongoing commitment to Building Texas Together, where our team’s safety, health, and well-being are always the top priority.

Prestigious Award Recognizes the Company’s Commitment to Total Human Health and Mental Health Awareness

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, President, United Suicide Survivors International; Asma Bayunus, EHS Operations Manager, Jordan Foster Construction; Eli Embleton, The Dream Manager, Zachry Construction; Ben Bradshaw, Business Manager, UA Local 100

Jordan Foster Construction is honored to receive the 2025 Construction Working Minds Mental Health Visionary Award for its commitment to advancing mental health awareness and strengthening total human health in the construction industry.

The award was announced at the 2025 Construction Working Minds Summit, held February 25-27 in Arlington, Texas, and presented to JFC’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Operations Manager, Asma Bayunus, who spearheads the company’s mental health initiatives. Asma is responsible for implementing critical programs such as Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention, and the innovative MindSaver Post-CPR Training Program, which is the first of its kind in the industry.

“Working in the EHS & Risk department at Jordan Foster Construction, safety is ingrained in everything we do. Over the past four years, raising awareness and creating a pathway for those seeking mental health support has been a top priority. This award marks a significant milestone in our ongoing journey of awareness and destigmatization of mental health. As the lead mental health advocate in the company, I am proud to be part of a team that works tirelessly to promote physical safety and psychological safety as well,” said Asma Bayunus.

Jordan Foster Construction’s commitment to total human health raises the bar for construction safety by recognizing the importance of psychological and physical safety. The company has adopted a whole-person approach to safety that addresses both physical and mental health concerns.

“Jordan Foster Construction is committed to expanding the definition of safety and breaking down silos and communication gaps that hinder safety best practices,” said Tricia Kagerer, Executive Vice President of Risk Management at JFC. “Our Safety and Risk Management team ensures that our operations teams have reliable risk management intelligence to make informed business decisions, run safe projects, and develop communication channels with everyone in the field. We are proud to be trusted advisors for our team.”

The Mental Health Visionary Award recognizes organizations and individuals who have significantly contributed to improving mental health awareness and creating a safer, more inclusive environment for workers in the construction industry. Jordan Foster Construction’s ongoing efforts continue to set a new standard for the role of mental health in workplace safety.

Jordan Foster Construction is honored to announce that our Safety and Risk Department has received two significant awards from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and TxDOT through the Texas Bluebonnets Safety Award Program. These awards highlight our unwavering commitment to safety and excellence in the construction industry.

The awards include:

Bluebonnet Award: Recognizing our dedication to achieving zero-incident rates during project development, a milestone that underscores our focus on safety at every stage of our projects.

National AGC Safety Awards (NASA): Celebrating our ongoing commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in safety performance, reinforcing our dedication to protecting our people and ensuring the highest standards on every job site.

These accolades are a testament to the collective efforts of our team members and partners who exemplify our commitment to “Getting the Job Done Right” while ensuring safety remains a top priority. We are incredibly proud to be recognized for fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and accountability.

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this achievement, and thank you for upholding Jordan Foster Construction’s legacy of excellence.

Enhancing Construction Safety:

A Crucial Step Towards Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

At Jordan Foster Construction, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a culture. It’s about fostering an environment where every team member feels empowered to take proactive measures to mitigate risks and prioritize their safety and that of their colleagues. As we celebrate Construction Safety Week 2024, it’s imperative to shed light on one of the most prevalent and consequential hazards faced by construction workers as slips, trips, and falls account for two in five construction industry fatalities.

Investing in comprehensive safety training, we can equip our workforce with the skills and awareness they need to recognize and avoid hazards, whether navigating uneven terrain, working at heights, or traversing slippery surfaces.

Five Tips to Help Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

1. Always Maintain Three Points of Contact

Maintain three points of contact when ascending or descending ladders, scaffolding, or other elevated surfaces is crucial to preventing falls.

2. Keep Work Areas Clean and Free of Debris

Keeping work areas clean and free of debris to prevent tripping hazards.

3. Wear Appropriate Footwear

Wearing appropriate footwear with slip-resistant soles provides traction on slippery surfaces.

4. Use Handrails and Guardrails

Using handrails and guardrails when working on elevated platforms or walkways provides stability.

5. Stay Vigilant and Alert

Staying vigilant and alert to potential hazards, such as uneven terrain, loose materials, or wet surfaces, is critical.

Communicating Hazards Helps Prevent Incidents

Effective communication through safety plans and specialized methods, like hand signals, is essential for maintaining a safe working environment. It is imperative that all personnel feel empowered to report any safety concerns to supervisors immediately, fostering a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.

As we collaborate with OSHA for National Safety Stand Downs during Construction Safety Week 2024, let us reiterate our commitment to cultivating a safety-conscious culture within the construction industry. Through ongoing education, comprehensive training, and unwavering adherence to safety protocols, we can work towards a future where slips, trips, and falls no longer pose significant risks to team members.

Jordan Foster’s entrepreneurial culture creates a healthy work environment that celebrates diversity and breaks down barriers for future generations.

By Taylor Mathews, Risk Analyst

Construction has historically been known as one of the most male-dominated industries in the world with less than 14% of the total construction workforce being female, and with a majority of those in administrative roles. While women are underrepresented in the trades, statistics show that more women are now pursuing careers in the construction industry. At Jordan Foster Construction (JFC) female project engineers, project managers, equipment operators, and safety professionals are some of our fastest growing new team members. JFC intentionally promotes and creates an inclusive environment for women, both in the offices and in the field. This rapid growth of women working in construction and the trades is breaking down gender barriers and bringing a new perspective to the construction industry.

Emily Roebling Trailblazes Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Two trailblazing women in the late 1800s paved the way for women today. Emily Roebling was recognized as one of the first woman field engineers. She played an essential role in the construction and completion of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, and Emily was the first to walk across it.

First Professionally Recognized Architect – Ethel Charles

In 1898, Ethel Charles was the first woman architect who gained professional recognition and was admitted to the Royal Institute of British Architects. In the 1930s, many Americans still held an old-fashioned belief that women were seen as incapable of working in industrial jobs or doing heavy labor. Yet by 1943, thousands of women worked in industrial yards across the country, doing jobs traditionally held by men. Women operated cranes, worked as riveters and welders, playing a key role in many other industrious jobs. These women continue to stand as role models, encouraging more and more women to pursue rewarding careers in the trades.

The misconception that construction is a “mans-world” is being challenged by construction companies across the globe, where most have created company-wide Women in Construction committees and promotional initiatives. At Jordan Foster Construction we are directly challenging outdated stereotypes and the notion that women don’t belong in construction. One percent of women hold senior leadership positions across the construction industry. Tricia Kagerer, Executive Vice President of Risk Management, at Jordan Foster Construction falls into that 1%. Tricia Kagerer is a leader in a historically male-dominated industry, and she tells us “Those days are over” where women struggled developing rewarding careers in construction and navigating the executive ranks. At Jordan Foster Construction, Tricia leads the effort to build on Jordan Foster’s entrepreneurial culture along with the company’s leadership development, field safety training, and worker health programs. Combined, these programs create a healthy work environment that celebrates diversity and breaks down barriers for future generations. Tricia speaks nationally on these topics and wrote a pioneering women’s leadership book, The B-Words: 13 Words Every Women Must Navigate for Success. JFC plans to continue to intentionally grow and cultivate its Women in Construction Initiative this year through events and outreach ensuring that the focus on Women leadership in construction becomes a years-long initiative.

In 202, Women in Construction Week is March 3rd – March 8th. Jordan Foster Construction is sponsoring a luncheon in El Paso in collaboration with the El Paso Association of Contractors (EPAC) at the El Paso Community Foundation. JFC will also be hosting a Charity Craft Fair Auction in April and is planning many other events in collaboration with local organizations and universities. As JFC continues to grow and expand the reach of our Women in Construction initiative, and we hope to shed a positive light on the women of JFC the communities we serve.

If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with Taylor Mathews.

By: Matt Ricks

As the summer heat peaks and our work continues outdoors, safeguarding our health and well-being becomes paramount. Heat stress and heat-related illnesses pose significant risks, requiring preventive measures to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Here are the five best ways to combat heat stress.

1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Proper hydration is vital to mitigating heat stress. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) suggests drinking water every 15 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Plan to consume at least one bottle of water every 30 minutes and avoid sugary drinks that can contribute to dehydration. Always carrying water bottles and prioritizing regular hydration breaks for you and your team should become a daily habit.

2. Frequent Rest Breaks

OSHA also highlights the significance of acclimatization and frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. If you are new to working in hot conditions or have been away for more than a week, gradually increase your exposure to heat over several days. Frequent breaks allow your body to cool down and recover from heat strain. Ensure compliance with OSHA’s guidelines by following the schedule provided by your supervisor.

3. Wear Protective Clothing

Choosing appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for minimizing heat stress risks. Plan to wear lightweight, breathable fabrics that facilitate air circulation and select light-colored clothing to reflect heat. Sunscreen, hats, and other protective gear should be used to shield yourself from direct sunlight. Teams should provide sufficient breaks for workers to remove PPE when it restricts heat dissipation.

4. Look Out for the Signs of Heat Stress

Proper training and awareness are essential in preventing heat stress incidents. Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Stay vigilant in recognizing early warning signs in both you and your colleagues. Report any concerns immediately to your supervisor or safety personnel.

5. Monitor Weather Conditions

Keeping an eye on weather reports and staying informed about the heat index, which combines air temperature and relative humidity, is crucial. Extreme heat warnings should serve as a signal to heighten our awareness and take additional precautions.

Heat Stress Signs and Symptoms

Taking prompt action to prevent and address heat stress is vital to crew health and safety. Here are the signs and symptoms to watch out for:

• Heat Rash: Small red bumps or blisters on the skin, usually in areas where sweat is trapped, such as the neck, chest, groin, or underarms.
• Heat Cramps: Painful muscle spasms or cramps, typically in the legs or abdomen, often associated with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
• Heat Exhaustion: A more serious condition resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid intake. Symptoms include heavy sweating, fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, pale complexion, muscle cramps, and fainting.
• Heat Stroke: A severe and life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Symptoms include extremely high body temperature, altered mental state, lack of sweating, rapid breathing and heartbeat, throbbing headache, dizziness, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Being Prepared and Taking Action Can Prevent Heat Stress

Taking any signs or symptoms of heat stress or heat-related illness seriously is crucial. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, immediate action is necessary. Move to a cool, shaded area, loosen clothing, and apply cool water or ice packs to the body. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Creating safe work environments is a vital part of Jordan Foster’s Think Safe Work Smart initiative. This involves fostering a safety culture that not only focuses on physical hazards, but also psychological ones.

Suicide is among the leading cause of death in the United States, and that rate has risen in recent years. In 2020 the CDC found that men working in construction had one of the highest rates of suicide. Much like other workplace fatalities, suicides can be prevented.

Here are five things to know about preventing suicide:

Be Aware

Everyone can help prevent suicide.

Mental health and suicide can be difficult to talk about—especially with work colleagues—but your actions can make a difference. When you work closely with others, you may sense when something is wrong.

Pay Attention

Know the Warning signs of suicide.

There is no single cause for suicide but there are warning signs. Changes in behavior, mood, or even what they say may signal someone is at risk. Take these signs seriously. It could save a life.

Reach Out

Ask “Are you okay?”

If you are concerned about a coworker, talk with them privately, and listen without judgment. Encourage them to reach out to your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the human resources (HR) department, or a mental health professional.

Take Action

If someone is in crisis, stay with them and get help.

If you believe a coworker is at immediate risk of suicide, stay with them until you can get further help. Contact emergency services or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Learn More

Suicide prevention resources are available.

• Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Visit the American Foundation for Suicide (afsp.org) to learn about suicide risk factors, warning signs, and what you can do to help prevent suicide.
• Visit the OSHA website (osha.gov/preventingsuicides) for resources to education your teams about preventing suicides.

If you, or somebody you know, is having trouble coping with work-related stress, talk with someone who can help. For more information visit 988lifeline.org/help-yourself

After the cool temperatures of spring slowly pass, the energy draining temperatures of summer will quickly descend on us. This makes heat stress and heat related injury a serious concern for anyone working outdoors, or in heat-producing environments. It is important to remember that heat is uncomfortable and can be very dangerous.

Heat related sickness affects thousands of workers every year and more than 40 have lost their lives because of it.  Unfortunately, about half of these deaths occur in the construction industry. Heat can make anyone sick, but people, who are overweight, have high blood pressure, or heart disease are at increased risk. So is anyone who takes allergy medication, decongestants, or blood pressure medication.

Heat stress can induce a series conditions and illnesses ranging from rashes and cramps to heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke. However, construction laborers are particularly vulnerable to heat stress and illnesses because of the heavy climates they work in.

Why is heat a hazard to workers?

When working in a hot environment, the body must get rid of excess heat to maintain its stable internal temperature. It is able to do this by circulating blood to the skin and through sweating.

If the air temperature is close to or warmer than normal body temperature, the process of cooling of the body becomes more difficult and the blood that is circulated to the skin cannot lose its heat. Thus, sweating becomes the main way the body cools off.  However, sweating is only effective if the humidity level is low enough to allow evaporation, and if the fluids and salts that are lost are adequately replenished.

Remember, if the body cannot get rid of excess heat, it will then store it. When this happens, the body’s core temperature rises and the heart rate will also increase. As the body continues to store heat, the person will begin to lose concentration and will have difficulty focusing on a task, may become irritable or sick, and many times will lose the desire to drink. The next stage is most often fainting and even death if the person is not cooled down.

How to know when it’s too hot:

• Temperature rises
• Humidity increases
• The sun gets stronger
• There is no air movement
• No controls in place to reduce the heat imitated from equipment that radiates heat.
• Over all work is strenuous in nature.

Contributing Factors of Heat Illness:          

• Working in high temperatures and humidity, direct sun exposure and no breeze
• Engaging in heavy physical labor
• Wearing waterproof clothing
• Protective clothing when it creates a microenvironment, that can trap heat close to the skin

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

• Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
• Weakness and moist skin
• Irritability or confusion
• Upset stomach, vomiting

Symptoms of Heat stroke:

• Dry, hot skin with no sweating
• Confusion, loss of consciousness
• Seizures or convulsions

What can you do to help prevent heat stress and protect workers from heat related injury?

Follow these precautions:

• Know signs/symptoms of heat illness; monitor yourself; use a buddy system.
• Gradually increase workloads and allow more frequent breaks for workers new to the heat or those that have been away from work to adapt to working in the heat (acclimatization).
• Provide cool water to drink (five to seven ounces) every 15 minutes.
• Require rest breaks in a cool and shady spot.
• Schedule heavy work during the coolest time of the day.
• When possible, assign work that can be done in the shade.
• Rotate workers when working in the heat is unavoidable.
• Suggest workers wear lightweight, light-color clothing.
• Schedule additional rest breaks for workers who wear protective clothing and check their temperature and heart rate.

If a worker has symptoms of heat stroke:

• Call 911
• Move him/ her into shade
• Provide cool drinking water, if able to drink
• Wipe skin with cool water
• Loosen Clothing
• Fan with cardboard or other material

Working in extreme heat is many times unavoidable when working in construction; however it doesn’t have to be unendurable. With preemptive planning, proper training and investment in cooling systems for workers, construction laborers can work safely when temperatures are high.

For more information on safety measures you can take to protect yourself and your crews, visit the OSHA website: https://www.osha.gov/heat