Bechtel, Amec Foster Wheeler, CH2M, Fluor, Multiplex, and Vinci are forming a global coalition aimed at improving worker safety and productivity standards for construction and engineering projects as well as for their relevant supply chains.

The Building Responsibly initiative focuses on advancing efforts of construction and engineering firms to more effectively align with international human rights frameworks, promote a healthier environment for workers, and further improve project delivery and quality for customers.

"Working with industry is one of the best opportunities we have to progress worker welfare, especially as supply chains and subcontractor relationships are vast, complex, and interconnected," says Tam Nguyen, Bechtel's Global Head of Sustainability in a statement. "Through greater collaboration, member companies can better achieve our common goal of safety, productivity, and responsible engagement with our workers and suppliers."

Building Responsibly also enables companies to accelerate their current efforts aimed at sustainability by sharing best practices, developing industry standards and tools, and engaging diverse stakeholders on all aspects of promoting worker welfare.

With a specific focus on marshaling the private sector's role in sustainability efforts, the global non-profit organization Building for Social Responsibility, (BSR) will facilitate the initiative with support from Humanity United.

"Demonstrating the respect for human rights in operations and supply chains will become a minimum requirement to win work in the future," says BSR Managing Director Margaret Jungk. "Companies in Building Responsibly will be able to align their activities and benefit from their collective knowledge and capacity on this issue."

Membership in Building Responsibly is open for engineering and construction companies that are committed to respecting the rights and welfare of workers.