Skip to Main Content
CDM Smith logo
CDM Smith Site Logo
Background not configured

Our philosophy

At CDM Smith, the health, safety and security of our people come first, always. We are committed to cultivating a culture where these priorities are deeply embedded in every level of the organization. From offices to complex construction sites, we empower our teams with the knowledge, tools and support they need to thrive.

Safety today goes beyond hard hats and PPE. In an evolving and increasingly digital world, vigilance around security, across job sites, offices and remote settings, is critical to protecting our people, our clients and the communities we serve. Together, we’re building a safer, more secure future.

Person in high-vis vest operates control panel in utility room.
75+

years of putting health and safety first

Our approach

Our disciplined and proactive approach has earned industry recognition and consistently exceeds national benchmarks. These achievements reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every team member and client returns home safely, every day. Elements of our successful HS&S program include:

  • Leadership of the corporate HS&S officer, unit presidents and network of HS&S managers in every business unit
  • Medical surveillance program overseen by a board-certified occupational physician
  • Comprehensive HS&S training
  • Accurate reporting, analysis and investigations
  • Project health, safety and security plans

Health and safety awards

CDM Smith has received many awards from the National Safety Council. To qualify for the Occupational Excellence Achievement Award, organizations must maintain a lost workday incident rate equal to or less than 50 percent of the industry average. Perfect Record Awards require 12 months or more of work with no lost time injuries or illnesses. Million Work Hours Awards recognize organizations or projects that have worked more than one million hours without a lost time injury. Certificate of Merit Awards provide recognition of outstanding safety practices and performance. The Superior Safety Performance Award required 10 years without a lost time injury. Safety Leadership awards required 5+ years without a lost time injury.

CDM Smith also provides an anonymous reporting system for addressing ethical concerns and asking policy-related questions. The CDM Smith Integrity Line is always avail­able to third parties, customers, suppliers and the public.

Visit the Integrity Line
Blue award ribbon icon with a circular center and two ribbons.

2025

10 Perfect Record Awards
16 Occupational Excellence Achievement Awards
3 Million Work Hour Awards
2 Super Safety Awards Safety Leadership Award
Blue icon of a certificate with a star ribbon

2024

9 Perfect Record Awards
19 Occupational Excellence Achievement Awards
9 Project Awards
Blue icon of hands holding a star.

2023

8 Perfect Record Awards
15 Occupational Excellence Achievement Awards
12 Million Work Hour Awards
8 Safety Service Awards
2 Hazard Recognition Awards
2 Superior Safety Performance Awards
Two construction workers wearing hard hats and reflective vests on a site with trees in the background.

At our core, safety is about people. It’s a shared commitment that shapes how we work, how we lead and how we care for one another. Our strong safety culture enables our teams to perform at the highest level—earning the confidence of our clients and creating an environment where people can do their best work and return home safely every day.

Shawn Oliveira

Director, Health, Safety and Security

Health and safety in action

Video

Field Health and Safety Tips

Today’s safety landscape extends beyond hard hats and PPE. Check out our tips for you in the field. Visit https://cdmsmith.com/healthandsafety

Video

Work from home health and safety tips

Our best health and safety game starts with our people. Improving safety and preventing accidents by recognizing hazards at home is not just a standard—it’s a shared responsibility at CDM Smith.

Video

Office Health and Safety Tips (part 2)

Whether you’re deep in a spreadsheet or in an important meeting, health and safety in the office is at the forefront every day.

Safety across our projects

These projects highlight how we embed health and safety into the way we plan, design and deliver work for our clients and communities.

Toll gantry with a blue cloudy sky
Toll gantry with a blue cloudy sky
Boston, Massachusetts

Converting the Mass Pike to electronic tolling

We helped MassDOT deliver America’s largest, most complex all-electronic tolling system.

View Project
Detroit skyline at night with colorful lights reflecting on the water's surface.
Detroit skyline at night with colorful lights reflecting on the water's surface.
Detroit, Michigan

Outfall upgrade for the nation’s largest WWTP 

A progressive design-build approach helped Great Lakes Water Authority achieve the wastewater disinfection needed to meet NPDES permit compliance.

View Project
Aerial view of a highway interchange with overpass and surrounding greenery.
Aerial view of a highway interchange with overpass and surrounding greenery.
Tifton District, Georgia

20 years of roadway revolution with GDOT

We've partnered with the Georgia Department of Transportation to improve infrastructure in the state for over 20 years, delivering roads and bridges valued at over $3 billion.

View Project
Industrial water treatment facility with frothy liquid and clear blue sky.
Industrial water treatment facility with frothy liquid and clear blue sky.
Caldwell, Idaho

Meeting zero liquid discharge goals for a potato processing powerhouse

A zero liquid discharge system now treats 2.3 million gallons daily at the J.R. Simplot Company, returning water to EPA standards for food production reuse.

View Project
Group of people posing with a certificate in front of a banner celebrating 1 million man-hours without injury.

Cultural Threads Blog: Shahid Khan's health and safety insights

Shahid Khan’s health and safety insights – Shahid, a senior vice president and Qatar country manager, shares his philosophy and expertise on CDM Smith’s health and safety philosophy.

Read Shahid's Story

Our values and culture

Your well-being is our priority. Mental, physical, financial. We care about the full picture, for you and your family. We offer comprehensive benefits for all stages of your career journey with us.

Explore Our Culture
Group of people in red shirts forming heart shapes with hands in a modern office setting.

Ready to take the next steps?

We love collaborating with passionate individuals and organizations. If you want to talk about potential projects, reach out to our experts. If you're interested in joining our team, check our careers page for open positions or internships.

Talk to an ExpertExplore Careers

By the numbers

.02

lost workday in­ci­dent rate in 2025, sig­nif­i­cant­ly out­per­form­ing our strate­gic target goal

.31

total record­able in­ci­dent rate in 2025, sig­nif­i­cant­ly out­per­form­ing our strate­gic target goal

120+

awards rec­og­niz­ing our com­mit­ment to health & safety prac­tices

24/7

access to ISOS, free access to medical and se­cu­ri­ty experts in emer­gency sit­u­a­tions

CDM Smith logo

Let’s Build Something Together

Have a project in mind or want to stay in the loop? Reach out to our team or subscribe to get the latest updates from our work.
Contact UsSubscribe

World Headquarters

75 State Street
Suite 701
Boston, MA 02109 USA
What We Do
  • Markets
  • Practices
  • Priorities
  • Projects
  • Innovation and Technologies
Who We Are
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Cultural Threads Blog
  • Find Us
  • News
Resources
  • Insights
  • Subcontracting
  • Webinars
  • Legal & Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • Accommodation Request
  • California Privacy Rights
  • Contract Vehicles
CDM Smith™ | CDM™ | WILBUR SMITH™
© 2026 CDM Smith. All rights reserved.