Lunch & Learn: Know Your Rights. Reduce Your Risk. Navigating ADOSH Inspections in 2026

Utility and excavation contractors operate in one of the most highly regulated and risk-exposed sectors of construction. In 2026, understanding how to prepare for an ADOSH inspection and how to proactively manage safety on the jobsite is more important than ever.

Join AZUCA for an informative Lunch & Learn featuring Aric Smith, CHST, Safety Manager with Achen-Gardner Construction, and Michael Rubin, Attorney with Ogletree Deakins. Together, they will provide both the field-level safety perspective and the legal insight contractors need to protect their people, their projects, and their businesses.

This session will walk attendees through what to expect before, during, and after an ADOSH inspection, while also addressing common compliance pitfalls that frequently impact utility and excavation contractors. Attendees will gain practical guidance on how ADOSH evaluates safety and health programs and how aligning your internal safety culture with that mindset can help reduce citations, incidents, and liability.

Topics will include:

• How to prepare for an ADOSH inspection and what inspectors typically look for

• Your rights and responsibilities during an inspection, including what you must (and don’t have to) provide

• Common OSHA and ADOSH violations seen in utility and excavation work and how to avoid the “gotchas”

• How ADOSH views safety and health programs, and how contractors should structure their approach

• Practical steps contractors can take now to improve compliance and strengthen jobsite safety

This session is designed to be practical, conversational, and applicable, whether you’re managing crews in the field or overseeing company-wide safety programs.

Who Should Attend:

• Safety Managers & Safety Directors

• Project Managers & Superintendents

• Foremen & Crew Leaders

• Operations Managers

• Company Owners & Executives

• HR and Risk Management Professionals

• Anyone responsible for jobsite safety or regulatory compliance

Agenda

• 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Check-In, Networking & Lunch

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Classroom Presentation

Lunch will be provided. This is a free event for AZUCA members and invited guests in the utility construction industry.

➡️ Space is limited—RSVP today to reserve your seat!

We kindly ask that if you register, please make every effort to attend or let us know if your plans change—a $10 no-show fee may apply to help cover the cost of food and reserved space.