Alvin H. Butz, Inc. construction management company is proud to announce a formal partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for the building of the LVH–Muhlenberg Emergency Department Expansion. This signing reinforces our commitment to building a best-in-class safety culture on one of the region’s most transformative healthcare projects. To mark the launch of the partnership, Butz hosted a signing event at the project site in Bethlehem, PA. Building trade partners and project stakeholders had the opportunity to learn more about the OSHA Partnership Program and sign a banner that demonstrates their commitment to safety throughout the project.
This initiative, part of OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program, exemplifies a shared commitment to fostering a proactive safety culture on one of the region’s most advanced healthcare developments. The program is designed to strengthen jobsite safety through cooperative engagement, rigorous training, and continuous improvement. OSHA is also working alongside Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania OSHA Consultation Program. This effort aligns with Butz’s long-standing safety leadership and Lehigh Valley Health Network’s mission to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in a safe and sustainable environment.
“Through our Strategic Partnership program, OSHA collaborates with employers like the Butz Family of Companies to foster a culture of safety and health, ensuring that every worker returns home safely,” said Jacob Ladd, area director for OSHA’s Allentown office. “Together, we are committed to reducing workplace injuries and illnesses on projects like the Lehigh Valley Health Network initiative, creating a safe and healthful environment for all employees.”
Reflecting on the evolution of this relationship, Ty Reed, Corporate Safety Officer with Alvin H. Butz, shared, “Since OSHA’s inception in 1970, its standards and policies have continually shaped the way the construction industry approaches safety. What began as a new framework for workplace protection has evolved into a shared commitment across the field. Today, the Butz team values a strong, collaborative relationship with OSHA, welcoming their presence on our jobsites. This partnership reflects our ongoing dedication to fostering safe environments and ensuring that every worker has a workplace free from recognized hazards.”
At Butz, safety is more than a priority, it’s a core value embedded in every phase of our work. Our commitment to proactive risk management, investing in specialized workforce education, and fostering a culture where safety is a shared responsibility has earned us national recognition and industry-leading safety metrics. In 2024, Butz Enterprises achieved the lowest Experience Modification Rate (EMR) in company history at 0.627, a clear reflection of our exceptional safety performance. This milestone was achieved while enduring nine general OSHA inspections with zero citations issued, underscoring the strength of our safety culture and compliance standards. The project team has already implemented robust safety protocols, including daily trade huddles, monthly safety meetings, quarterly stand-downs, and mandatory orientation for all trades.
The LVH–Muhlenberg Emergency Department Expansion is being delivered using the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method—an approach that emphasizes transparency, trust, and shared success. Butz, alongside its IPD partners (Diefenderfer, MKSD Architects, Southland, Snyder Hoffman Associates, Inc., LIPD Consulting, O’Donnell and Naccarato Structural Engineers, and The Pidcock Company), has cultivated a high-performing team culture rooted in Lean principles and collaborative decision-making. The expansion will include 83 emergency beds, two trauma bays, two resuscitation bays, a dedicated pediatric treatment area, bariatric patient rooms, expanded diagnostic imaging, a trauma recovery space with 26 beds, and a rooftop helipad. The safety milestone follows the successful groundbreaking ceremony held on June 4, 2025, where Butz joined LVHN, Jefferson Health, and project partners to celebrate the start of construction.
