Safety Programming and Risk Management: Common Missteps in Construction
Many construction companies believe they're "doing fine" with safety because they haven't experienced recent incidents. But as safety experts, we know that the absence of bad things happening doesn't equal safety.
One major issue we see is companies relying on the "we have a guy" approach. Often, this means they have a superintendent who has worked there for a long time and is considered smart and safe, so they make them the safety director - with no real qualification beyond longevity. Unfortunately, company leadership often doesn't fully understand what the role requires or what should be expected of that person.
Consider this: When you get into a regulatory situation with OSHA and receive a fine, they're going to require you to hire a third-party to handle any training or corrective actions. They won't accept in-house solutions. Our team brings specialized expertise that helps companies handle these requirements efficiently.
The changing workforce presents another crucial challenge. Today, we're seeing a less skilled workforce at a younger age. As an example from our experience, we had a construction client with a 50-person crew that processed 200 W-2s in a year! Most accidents happen in the first 90 days of employment, making this turnover particularly risky.
Safety isn't a destination - you're never going to completely "arrive" at being safe. It requires daily attention. Companies need to worry about it every day, from new hires to evolving site conditions. We've seen companies spending $300,000-400,000 annually on safety without achieving the level of expertise needed.
A proactive approach makes a difference. When an accident happens - whether it's a fatality or a severe injury - everyone gets serious real quick. We'd rather help our clients be in a position to aggressively address situations before they occur, thanks to years of proper safety programming.
Ready to enhance your safety program? Let's chat about your specific needs. Connect with us on LinkedIn or visit our website to learn more about our tailored safety solutions. Your workers' safety is our priority.