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Builders in Hard Hats

DEDICATED JOBSITE SAFETY, STARTS HERE.

CARDINAL SAFETY LEADERS

At Cardinal Construction, safety is more than a protocol—it’s a promise. We are committed to protecting our team, our partners, and every person who interacts with our job sites. Through proactive planning, thorough training, and constant communication, we create environments where safety is second nature and excellence can thrive.

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DAVE LEONHART

VP of Field Operations

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CHRIS PANKOW

Safety Consultant, CSSI

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In recognition of our excellent safety record, in 2022, Cardinal Construction was awarded the Master Builders of Iowa’s Outstanding Safety Achievement award in the General Contractor category.

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Zero OSHA Citations in the past 25 years.

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Current Experience Modification Rate: .80

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100% Team Participation in Quarterly Safety Training

OUR COMMITMENT IN ACTION.

Every worker on our sites completes a project-specific safety orientation.

Before stepping onto any Cardinal jobsite, every team member—whether staff or subcontractor—goes through a tailored safety orientation specific to the project. This ensures everyone understands the unique risks, protocols, and expectations for that site. Visible safety signage reinforces key reminders throughout the jobsite, helping keep safety top of mind at all times.

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We’ve partnered with CSSI (Construction Safety Specialists, Inc.) as our trusted safety consultant.

CSSI is a trusted third-party safety consultant who brings expert insight and a fresh perspective to our projects. They help us identify areas for improvement, conduct jobsite inspections, and support our internal safety team. Their partnership ensures we stay current with best practices and continually evolve our approach to safety.

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Safety is a part of our culture of continuous improvement.

We don’t believe in “good enough.” Our team is encouraged to share observations, speak up about potential hazards, and suggest improvements. This mindset helps us refine our processes, respond quickly to challenges, and strengthen safety practices across every jobsite.

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We recognize and reward safe behaviors.

We believe that positive reinforcement builds strong habits. Whether it’s a catered lunch, a feature in our internal newsletter, or a company-wide celebration, we take time to acknowledge team members who go above and beyond to keep our jobsites safe. Celebrating these wins fosters a culture where safety is valued and visible.

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An internal safety committee sets our short- and long-term safety goals.

Comprised of field and office team members, our safety committee is responsible for setting Cardinal’s safety goals and shaping long-term strategies. This group monitors performance, evaluates trends, and champions new initiatives that keep our entire company aligned on safety.

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We take a multi-layered approach to occupied job sites.

Many of our projects take place in active environments—schools, healthcare facilities, offices—where safety extends beyond our crew to include building occupants. We use detailed phasing plans, controlled access points, and enhanced communication strategies to ensure these spaces remain safe and operational throughout construction.

JOIN OUR TEAM

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Cardinal Construction is an employee owned, general construction and construction management company based in Waterloo, IA. We serve clients across Iowa for all of their commercial needs, specializing in the senior living, education, commercial, industrial and healthcare sectors.

CONTACT US

1246 Martin Road, Waterloo, Iowa 50701

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(319) 232-5400

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marketing@cardinalconst.com

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2026 Cardinal Construction. All Rights Reserved.

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